Understand the problem
Underground water does not always rise straight to the surface. Soil, sub-base, ducts and slopes can carry it elsewhere or absorb it entirely. A structured survey helps avoid excavating simply where the ground looks wettest.
Read the ground together with the pipe system
The investigation considers likely routes, connection points, pipe material, ambient noise and access. Acoustic methods seek the sound of an escape, while tracer testing may reveal gas migrating from a suitable isolated pipe section. Results are interpreted alongside the physical layout. Excavation should follow the best supported location, with attention to other buried services and safe working conditions.
Signs that make an investigation worthwhile
- Saturated ground during dry weather
- Water appearing at a path or retaining edge
- An unexplained supply loss below ground
- A suspected leak along a buried garden 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
Share drawings and details of previous groundworks. Let us know about utility routes, retaining walls, restricted excavation and surfaces you want to retain for later reinstatement.
Important scope information
Depth, ground conditions and ducts can affect test results. Reinstating paving, tarmac, turf, planting and other finishes is separate from the included plumbing access and repair.
£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?
Share drawings and details of previous groundworks. Let us know about utility routes, retaining walls, restricted excavation and surfaces you want to retain for later reinstatement.
What are the practical limits or exclusions?
Depth, ground conditions and ducts can affect test results. Reinstating paving, tarmac, turf, planting and other finishes is separate from the included plumbing access and repair.
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.