Understand the problem
Digging up a driveway without enough evidence can leave an expensive surface disturbed while the leak continues. We consider the supply route and detection conditions before recommending where access should be made. The plumbing repair and the final appearance of the driveway are separate parts of the project.
Locate the supply loss before disturbing the surface
Meter and isolation information help assess the supply section. Appropriate ground listening, correlation where suitable or tracer testing can support localisation. Pipe material, road noise, depth and the construction beneath the drive influence the results. We discuss the proposed excavation and access arrangements before repair work starts.
Signs that make an investigation worthwhile
- Water emerging through driveway joints
- A wet patch that remains in dry weather
- A meter showing unexplained continuous use
- A supplier notice for the private supply pipe
How we investigate
We choose methods around the question we need to answer, the system and the access available. Your job may require a combination of tests; every tool is not necessary on every visit.
Acoustic leak detection
Escaping water can create sound that travels through pipework and surrounding materials. Specialist listening equipment helps an engineer compare those sounds at useful points.
How this method worksLeak-noise correlation
Correlation compares leak-related sound received at different accessible positions on a suitable pipe section. It can help estimate the likely position of a sound source between those points.
What this method can establishFrom evidence to access and repair
Once the findings support a source area, we explain the necessary opening or excavation and the implications for the surrounding finish. Access is agreed before the plumbing is exposed for confirmation and repair. Suitable parts and materials are chosen for the system, including suitable water-supply fittings.
Appropriate checks follow the repair. The Written Trace & Access report records the relevant findings and work, with supporting photographs where appropriate. All work we carry out within the agreed scope has a one-year workmanship warranty.
Before we attend
Arrange for vehicles to be moved and gates to be accessible. Tell us about shared drives, access rights, surface warranties and utility routes. Provide pipe plans where available.
Important scope information
Repairing or matching block paving, tarmac, concrete finishes and landscaping is outside the package. A public-highway location may need a different contractor and permission.
£1,750 residential total including applicable tax. £100 deposit deducted; £1,650 balance. Agreed scope applies. Decorative and remedial reinstatement excluded. Commercial work quoted separately.
An written record of the job
If you intend to claim, ask your insurer about approval and reporting requirements before attendance. The report supports the evidence for your submission, while the insurer decides cover, excesses and reimbursement under the policy. Detection, pipe repair and reinstatement may be treated differently.
Explore the report and claims processYour questions
What should I tell you before the visit?
Arrange for vehicles to be moved and gates to be accessible. Tell us about shared drives, access rights, surface warranties and utility routes. Provide pipe plans where available.
What are the practical limits or exclusions?
Repairing or matching block paving, tarmac, concrete finishes and landscaping is outside the package. A public-highway location may need a different contractor and permission.
What does the £1,750 offer include?
For the agreed residential job, £1,750 includes investigation, specialist leak detection, tracing, necessary access or excavation, the plumbing repair, parts, materials, appropriate retesting and an Written Trace & Access report. It includes any applicable tax and a one-year workmanship warranty. Decorative and remedial reinstatement is excluded.
Can I claim the cost back on my home insurance?
You can submit our Written Trace & Access report and invoice to support a claim. Whether you can recover some or all of the cost depends on your policy, its trace-and-access provisions, excess, limits and your insurer’s decision. Ask about approval before the work. A report supports the evidence; it does not guarantee reimbursement.