Water Leak Detection in London (170)

The cost of leak detection services in London varies based on the method and severity of the issue. On average:

• Water leak detection in the UK costs around £500
• Prices range from £80 to £1,600 depending on tools used
• Infrared camera tests: £150 - £1,000
• Acoustic device detection: £150 - £1,000
• Tracer gas detection: £250 - £2,000
• Water service line repairs: £330 - £1,500

Note: A leak detection plumber won’t usually repair water damage like flooring or ceilings — that will require additional tradespeople.

Bear in mind, too, that costs tend to be higher in London compared to most other areas of the country, and you may need to pay more in central zones compared to outer boroughs.

For a full price breakdown, visit our leak detection cost guide.

Water leak detection companies are not all the same and some offer a better service than others. Finding a reputable tradesperson providing water leak detection in London is a little easier when you use Checkatrade.

We only approve tradespeople who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 quality checks. We check all of our members and guarantee their work up to £1000 (T&Cs apply) for your added peace of mind.

You can find Checkatrade approved water leak detection services operating near you by using our simple search tool or requesting a quote online.

As well as searching our directory, there are several steps you can take to find a reputable leak detector covering London:

• Ask friends, family and local plumbers for recommendations

• Check ratings and read online customer reviews

• Request quotes from at least 3 local companies

• Ask about experience, costs and leak detection methods used

Read our leak detection hiring guide for more advice on finding the best tradesperson for your job.

Common signs of a hidden water leak include:

• Increased water bills

• Water stains on walls, floors and ceilings

• Mould and mildew growth

• Unpleasant ‘musky’ smell

• Damp patches

• Drops in boiler water pressure

• Pipe corrosion

• Puddles on the ground around toilet, taps, baths and sinks

• Wet patches in the garden and on the drive (during dry weather)

Finding and fixing a leak will prevent further water damage to your property. Fixing a leak as soon as possible will also save you money on water bills in the future.

If you have spotted the signs but don’t know where the water is coming from, it is time to hire a water leak detection company in London.

Professional water leak detection involves the use of specialist equipment to locate hidden leaks.

A leak detection company will be needed if a plumber has been unable to find the source of a leak.

Common types of leak detection equipment include:

• Infrared cameras

• Acoustic listening and correlation

• Tracer reels and utility trackers

• Moisture metres

• Pressure testing kits

• Fluorescent dyes

Not all water leak detection companies in London use the same equipment and methods. We recommend asking for details of the tools and testing methods used to find the right company for your needs.

Leaks can occur anywhere where water is present both inside and from outside the home. Some of the most common places for a water leak are:

• Taps

• Shower hoses

• Bath, shower, and sink drainage

• Washing machines and dishwashers

• Flat roofs

• Boilers

• Radiators

• Toilets

Often a water leak detector won’t know exactly how long the test will take until they arrive at your home.

That being said, a water leak detection test usually takes approximately half a day to complete.

The duration of the work will be longer if the pipes can’t be easily accessed.

This depends on the size and location of the leak. If you have a small leak that you can’t fix yourself, but you can collect the water in a container to prevent damage, then the leak is not an emergency.

If water is leaking at force and you need to turn off the water supply at the mains, you’ll need to call an emergency plumber.

Water detection equipment often works by monitoring the flow of water through a pipe.

Acoustic sensors can recognise any unusual noises which may indicate a leak and help to identify its location.

Water leak detection tests are often made up of two stages: trace and access.

During the trace stage, a leak detector will aim to use non-intrusive methods whenever possible to test your property’s pipework for leaks. For example, an infrared camera or fluorescent dye may be inserted into the pipes.

Occasionally intrusive methods such as drilling and digging will be needed for the test equipment to be used correctly.

Once the leak has been detected your tradesperson will move onto the access stage. This part of the test involves repairing the leak.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may choose to hire a plumber to do this work for you instead.