Underground Water Leak Detection Services

The experts we schedule to investigate underground water leaks are plumbers with years of experience. It means that when they find a leak, they’re able to start repairing it straight away. Whether you have an underground mains water supply pipe leak, or a leak in any underfloor pipe inside a property, you’ll find their specialist trade knowledge invaluable.

Following the investigation, a full report is provided as part of our thorough underground leak detection service. A scope of work and fixed price quote to cover all repairs and reinstatement can accompany this. We try to provide as much help as possible to customers who are submitting a claim to their insurance company.

With availability throughout London and the Home Counties 7 days a week, we can schedule a leak detector visit for you quickly.

Leaks in water pipes that are buried underground are sometimes referred to as “slab leaks”. We can detect and repair all types of water leak underground. It doesn’t matter if they’re buried beneath soil, paving or a concrete slab.

Unlike most indoor plumbing leaks, where there are usually visual signs of water damage to your home, an underground water leak may not be immediately obvious. An unexplained high water bill is usually the first indication of a problem. If a leak is especially bad, an obvious drop in mains water pressure might also be noticed.

If an underground mains water supply pipe leak is suspected a simple test on the water meter can be done to check for it. The first step is to turn off the stop valve (or stopcock) inside the property. Secondly, a water meter reading is taken. If, after some time, a second reading is higher than the first it’s a clear indication of a leak underground between the water meter and the house.

If this test fails to indicate a leak, a pressure test on the internal plumbing system would be carried out.

These tests reveal whether or not a leak is present. Our leak detection experts are specially equipped to then pinpoint the location of it.

The traditional approach to finding a water leak underground would be to expose the pipe. Digging a trench would begin. Digging would continue until the leak was revealed. An excavation team would have to be scheduled. This approach could be time consuming, expensive and disruptive.

The high-tech methods we use means the location of a leak can usually be found without needing to dig. It can be started immediately. It isn’t disruptive and it saves time and money. Once located, digging to expose the leak for visual confirmation can be highly targeted.
 

Detecting underground pipes

A range of equipment is used as part of the methodical trace and access approach.

The line that pipes are buried underground isn’t always obvious. Radio transmission and detection equipment is used to map where pipes are buried. The equipment is especially useful at large properties where pipes will run longer distances.

The line along where underground pipes have been laid can be marked. Specialist detection methods are used along the survey line.
 

Acoustic equipment

Water that’s under pressure creates tiny vibrations when it escapes from a leak. Highly sensitive acoustic equipment is used to detect these vibrations. A microphone is placed on the ground and the vibrations are amplified as sound.

The microphone is placed in different positions along the survey line. Changes in the sounds detected allow our experts to pinpoint the location of the underground leak.

The technology works on small or large leaks. It can be used to detect underground water leaks in pipes made from any material. It’s so sensitive that a tiny leak buried several feet beneath a concrete floor can be detected.
 

Tracer gas

Pipes are filled with a non-harmful, inert gas mix. A probe is used to detect the presence of this gas. When the gas escapes from the leak the probe sounds an alert as soon as it’s detected.

The gas is lighter than air and is able to penetrate soil, most floor coverings, and even concrete slabs. The gas doesn’t leave a residue. It’s completely safe to use on drinking water supply pipes.

This test is useful for detecting underground water leaks either when acoustic equipment can’t be used, or when further confirmation on the location of a leak is needed.
 
Other tests provide evidence of where indoor leaks are located. These include moisture surveys and water analysis (testing for salts).

Acoustic surveys can only be carried out on pressurised water supply pipes. Detecting leaks in underground drainage is usually carried out with CCTV camera equipment.

A camera is placed inside the pipe and provides live images to the operator. Faults along the pipe are clearly visible. Further evidence of a fault or leak can be collected with flow or dye tests.

Read more about how leaks are detected in drainage pipes using camera equipment.

As soon as our expert finds a leak the process for repairing it can begin immediately. Isolating the system will prevent further damage. Exposing the leak to assess the extent of the damage to your home or property is usually needed for an insurance claim.

A scope of work and fixed repair cost can be provided within 24 hours. It’ll cover both repairing the leak and reinstating the affected area to its original condition.

We’re happy answering any questions from your insurance company.