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Trace and Access Leak Detection and Investigation Reports

If you have a hidden water leak, it’s important to locate the source quickly. Failing to act straight away could cause further damage to your property and a claim being rejected by your insurance company. They usually insist on an investigation by a trace and access leak detector.

Uncovering the source of a leak is a complex task that often goes beyond simply exposing pipework. Our team of professional leak detectors are equipped with various non-invasive detection methods to trace the origin of a leak. Their expertise in identifying the source of any type of leak is unparalleled.

At the end of each investigation, we provide a comprehensive trace and access report. This detailed document is essential when your insurance company reviews an escape of water claim. We help to ensure a smooth and efficient claim process.

WATCH: How trace and access leak detection works

This video shows some of the trace and access techniques used for water leak detection.

Every investigation is different. Our leak detection specialists follow a methodical approach. They decide on the tests to use based on the evidence available to them and the results they get.

How to find a water leak

Our trace and access services

Our experts can locate every type of water leak or source of water ingress. A detailed report is provided with every investigation to support a “trace and access” insurance claim. Whether you have a plumbing leak, a roofing problem, or penetrating damp, we guarantee to find it.

Frequently asked questions

What is a trace and access report?

A detailed report supports all of our leak detection investigations. It includes a professional assessment, photos and information on the equipment used to trace a leak, the findings, interpretations, and details of how the leak is accessed for repair work. It also includes a cost estimate for reinstatement (restoring the area affected to its original condition).

A trace and access report is usually needed as evidence to support an “escape of water” or “trace and access” insurance claim.

Are trace and access costs covered by home insurance?

Your home insurance policy almost certainly includes an “escape of water” or “trace and access” clause. If it contains a “trace and access”, the cost of tracing the location of a hidden or hard-to-find leak and then accessing it for visual confirmation will be covered, less the excess. However, if it only covers “escape of water”, it might not cover the investigation cost. You should check with your insurer.

Some policies cover the cost of repairing the leak, others don’t. You should also check your policy for “reinstatement” cover, which is the cost of the work needed to return a water-damaged area to its original condition before the leak.

Specific wording or circumstances can mean an insurance claim is unsuccessful. Reasons for this include a lack of maintenance, failure to respond quickly to the signs of a leak, and, if the water is from an external source, such as a leaking roof, rather than an internal plumbing system.

Can leaks be detected out of hours?

Aspect is one of the largest leak detection companies in the UK. We provide emergency leak detection services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

In an emergency, we aim to have a leak detection specialist at your property within 1 hour of receiving a booking. There is no extra charge for emergency attendance. Our half-hourly attendance rates start from £49.50 + VAT.

The only type of leak we can’t investigate at night is roofing leaks. This is due to health and safety regulations.

No hidden extras

What you get from Aspect

  • Vetted trade experts
  • 24-hour availability
  • Dedicated technical support
  • Aspect workmanship guarantee
  • Accreditation peace of mind

Occasional extra costs

  • Parts & materials used
  • Collection of parts & materials

We won’t charge you for

  • Cost of parking
  • Fuel or travel time
  • Congestion Charge
  • ULEZ charge

Trade-accredited experts

We have more than 20 years of experience and are fully trade-accredited. We are registered with Gas Safe, the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC), and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). All our trace and access leak detection experts are vetted and fully trained. Their years of knowledge and experience help them detect and repair hard-to-find leaks.

When a water leak is exposed, they can scope and estimate the work needed to fix the problem and prevent further water damage. For your peace of mind, our tradespeople's workmanship is backed by our 12-month guarantee.

Accessing and repairing leaks

Tracing a leak will lead our leak detection engineer to a specific location without making holes in walls, ceilings, or floors. They will pinpoint the location with a high level of confidence. Accessing the source of the leak is required as visual confirmation.

The “access” part of a trace and access investigation is usually highly targeted. This results in minimal damage to building fabric. If accessing doesn’t reveal the source of the leak, the process of tracing the leak continues.

Unlike some other specialist leak detection companies, our leak detectors also provide full repair services. They will stop the leak and can quote for full reinstatement of water-damaged parts of the property.

With experts covering every trade, we can facilitate every part of your trace and access claim.

TIP: Check you water meter for underground leaks

We recommend that our customers check their meters regularly. We often find leaks at properties without visible signs of water damage. Usually, a high water bill is the first indication of a leak below a property.

Checks every 3 to 6 months will pick up pinhole leaks in supply pipes buried beneath your property.

Our trace and access leak detection experts can locate leaks in pipes buried several meters underground without the need for excavation. We can then fix or replace old pipes that have corroded, worn, or ruptured over time.

Need more info on our trace and access leak detection services? Our team can call you.  Request a callback

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