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Can you also repair a leak after you find it?

Yes we can! However, we may need to carry out minor excavation works to expose it before we repair it.

How do I dry my property after the leak has been repaired?

To avoid further problems arising, the area must be dried once the leak has been repaired. Moisture generally traps itself within surface’s even if you can't physically see it. If the property has not been dried after a leak, mould and further damage will appear in the décor of your building. This will also cause health implications when mould is taken in via the lungs, which can seriously cause issues to your health.

How do I know I’ve got a leak?

There are several ways of testing this one of which is to turn off the stop cock for the water feed running into your property. Check to see if the meter gauge is still running then this is a clear indication here is a suspected leak on your side of the property. The stop cock is either located underneath your kitchen ink or alternatively under your stair cupboard. Another form is to look out for sudden damp patches appearing in certain sections of your property.

How do I find the stopcock(s) for my mains water supply?

There are two types of stopcocks that control the water supply to your property. The first is the external mains stopcock, which connects your property to the main water supply from the street - this is usually managed by your water provider. The second is the internal stopcock, which shuts off the water coming into your home from the mains. It’s typically located under the kitchen sink or beneath the stairs.

How would I know if I have a leak in my property?

There are a few reliable ways to check for a potential water leak. One common method is to turn off the stopcock that controls your property's main water supply, then observe the water meter. If the meter continues to move, it’s a strong indication that there may be a leak within the system.

The internal stopcock is usually located beneath the kitchen sink or inside a cupboard under the stairs. Additionally, unexpected damp patches on walls, ceilings, or along skirting boards can also be a clear sign of a hidden leak.

How do I minimize damage done by a leak?

Unfortunately, some leaks will inevitably cause damage - but there are steps you can take to help minimise it.

The first and most important action is to turn off the water supply to your property. If you can, also switch off your boiler to prevent potential damage if the pipework runs dry.

If there’s standing water, begin drying it out as soon as possible. For smaller amounts, using a mop or towels can help prevent further spread and reduce the impact on floors and furnishings.

How much water can you lose from a leak?

Studies show that the average household can lose between 2,000 and 20,000 gallons of water each year due to leaks. That’s why no leak—no matter how small—should be ignored. Even a minor drip can waste around 20 litres of water every hour, leading to significant water loss over time.

I can smell damp?

This could be a sign of a leak - potentially one that has been present for some time. For a quick way to check, refer to our answer above: “How do I know if I’ve got a leak?”

In many cases, professional drying may be required to prevent further mould growth and structural damage. Our team can carry out a comprehensive moisture survey to assess your property’s condition and recommend the most effective solution.

I have a damp patch on my floor

Your property shouldn't display any signs of damp. While it could be something as minor as a spillage, it may also indicate a more serious underlying issue. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to reach out - one of our team members will be happy to guide you through a few simple checks to help put your mind at ease.

I have a leak in a large commercial property

We’ve worked with a wide range of commercial properties, each with its own unique requirements. We understand that every business operates differently, and we’re happy to tailor our approach to suit your specific needs. Feel free to give us a call - we're here to help.

I have a water supply leak over a large area

We’re often called out to sites like schools, playgrounds, car parks, and open fields, where we use specialist techniques to detect hidden leaks. One of the most common signs is water pooling on a dry day or a persistently damp patch - both strong indicators of a possible leak.

“My ground heating system is losing pressure”

Unfortunately, underfloor heating systems are a common source of leaks due to the large number of pipes buried beneath concrete. The layout can make detection tricky, but with our advanced equipment and experienced engineers, we’re confident in locating the source of the issue.

I have damp patch on my ceiling

Check the floor above for any signs of damp. If there’s a property directly above yours, we recommend speaking with the occupant to find out if they’re also experiencing any signs of a leak.

If your property is directly beneath a roof, please refer to our advice under “Water stains have appeared in my property after heavy rainfall. What do I do?”

If the area above contains a bathroom or shower, that could also be the source of the leak. You can try a simple water test by gently running the showerhead around the bath and shower seals to see if any water escapes into the floor below.

My boiler is losing pressure?

This could be a sign of a leak on the central heating system or a problem with the boiler.

My ground heating system is losing pressure

Ground source heating systems are an efficient and eco-friendly way to heat a property - but when issues arise, they can be particularly challenging. Due to the extensive network of pipes buried beneath the floor, these systems are especially vulnerable to leaks, which can be difficult to pinpoint without the right tools.

At Southern Leak Detection, we’ve successfully located leaks in many ground source systems using specialist equipment and expertise. We’re committed to finding the source - no matter how hidden it may be - because we don’t stop until the job is done.

My mains water stopcock is not under my sink, where can I find it?

Modern homes are typically fitted with both internal and external mains water stopcocks - so don’t worry if yours isn’t under the kitchen sink! In many properties, the internal stopcock can be found in an airing cupboard, under a bathroom sink, inside a utility cupboard, by the front door under the floorboards, in a garage, cellar, or even behind a panel near the boiler.

If you live in an apartment block, the mains water stopcock may be shared. If you're unsure where yours is located, it’s worth checking with your neighbours or building management for guidance.

My radiators are not working

If one of your radiators isn’t heating up or feels cold to the touch, it may simply need bleeding to release trapped air. However, if bleeding doesn’t resolve the issue - or if you notice other symptoms mentioned in this FAQ - it could point to an underlying leak in your heating system.

My storage tanks are constantly filling

This may indicate a leak in a regular or gravity-fed heating system, or possibly from a water storage tank. If you’re able to access your storage tanks, check to see which one is actively refilling - this can help identify which part of the system is affected.

Water stains have appeared on my property after heavy rainfall, what should I do?

Clear away any furniture that may be positioned directly in front or underneath the water stains. Perform a visual check of
your guttering to ensure there are no blockages. This can easily be caused by leaves and other organic material. Check to make
sure that there are no drains outside the property that are overflowing. If the leak stops when it stops raining the issue is likely
to reappear during the next heavy rainfall so leak detection may still be required. The property may also require drying as the
majority of moisture is not visible and is retained within the structure of the building.

What are the main signs that I have a leak?

There are many different signs that a leak may be present and they are not all visible. These can include damp patches,
high water bills, damp smells, boiler issues and even subsidence.

Please read further on for more information on how to recognise leaks and what to do. Alternatively, you can contact us
and one of our advisors will assist you.

What can I do if I have any further questions about leak detection?

Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives.

What is ‘Find & Fix’?

This is a service we offer. It includes all the aspects of Trace and Access but also includes fixing the leak which will often only take a day to complete. Trace and access is an Insurance term for non-destructively tracing the area of the leak and then exposing the leak i.e. excavating concrete or removing floorboards.

The chances are you may be covered for this under your home or buildings insurance policy but you will have to check your policy wording handbook to see if you’re covered.

What is Leak detection?

Leak Detection is the finding of hidden leaks. Unlike others, we complete leak detection in a non-destructive manner, minimising disruption to your commercial or residential premises.

What is non-destructive leak detection?

Non-destructive Leak Detection is where we use various pieces of equipment to pinpoint the area without damaging your property.

What is the difference between a leak detection expert and a plumber?

Your plumber will carry out basic methods of tracing a leak whereas a leak detection expert will use specialist machinery and technology to pinpoint a leak without having to tear your premises apart.

What is ‘Trace and Access’?

Trace and Access (or “Track and Trace”) is an Insurance term for non-destructively tracing the area of the leak and then exposing the leak i.e. excavating concrete or removing floorboards. If you are covered for this it will be detailed in your policy handbook. However, your insurance company is unlikely to cover the actual fixing of the leak.

Often your insurer will ask you to find your own leak detection company and they will then reimburse you once the leak is found. Please check your policy handbook to see if you are covered.

Can you fix a leak when you find it?

Yes we can however we may need to carry out minor excavation works to expose it before we repair it.

How do I dry my property after a leak has been rectified?

Its crucial once a leak has been repaired the area is dried as this will allow further problems to arise, moisture generally traps itself within surface’s even if it looks dry its not the case. If a property is not dried after a leak it will allow for mould and further damage to appear to the décor of your building. Also causing the risk of heal implications when mould it taken in via breath this can cause serios health complications.

How do I find my mains water stopcock?

There are 2 types of main stop cocks in your property there’s a mains which coms in via the feed off the street which generally is accessible via the water providers also another inside your private property which caps off the water from the mains street feed to the internal side of your property which is generally located under your stair case or alternatively under your kitchen sink.

How do I know I’ve got a leak?

There are several ways of testing this one of which is to turn off the stop cock for the water feed running into your property. Check to see if the meter gauge is still running then this is a clear indication there is a suspected leak on your side of the property. The stop cock is either located underneath your kitchen sink or alternatively under your stair cupboard. Another form is to look out for sudden damp patches appearing in certain sections of your property.

How do I prevent damage from a leak?

With some leaks you can’t prevent all damage, however the first step in limiting the damage is to turn off your water supply to the house. Try to turn your boiler off, this will stop damage if the boiler pipework runs dry. If possible start to dry any standing water up, you could use a mop if there isn’t a lot of water or maybe some towels.

How much water can you lose from a leak?

Research has shown that the typical home loses 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks. As a result, no water leak should ever be overlooked, irrespective of its size. In fact, even a seemingly small leak can lose approximately 20 litres of water every hour!

I can smell damp?

This may be a sign of a leak, possibly that’s been ongoing a while. Please see our answer to “how do I know I’ve got a leak?” above to get a quick idea of how to diagnose a leak. It is also likely that you will require drying to the property to prevent further mould growth. We can carry out moisture surveys to advise you on the condition of your home and suggest the best resolution for you.

I have a damp patch on my floor

Your property should not show any signs of damp. It may be as simple as a spillage but could be something more complicated. However, if you are still in any doubt, please feel free to contact us and speak to one our operatives who will talk you through some simple tests

I have a leak in a large commercial property

As a company, we have dealt with a variety of different commercial properties, each with different requirements. We know that each property will have different requirements and different ways they want to work to and we can adapt to that to suit you. Please call us free.

I have a water supply leak over a large area

We are generally called out to schools, playgrounds, car parks, fields and generally use specialist methods to detect leeks one of the main see signs is a pooling area on a dry day, or a moist spot which is always an indication of a leak.

My ground heating system is losing pressure

It’s a shame but due to the number of pipes buried in concrete its always one of the main causes to a leak in a property and extremely difficult to locate due to the swirl of pipes sometimes but if there’s a leak we are sure to find it.

I have damp patch on my ceiling

Check the floor above for signs of damp. If there is a property above you we would recommend you speak to the occupant above to see if they are also suffering signs of a leak. If there is a roof above, please see our answer to “Water stains have appeared in my property after heavy rainfall. What do I do? “.

If there is a bathroom or shower above the area this could also be the source of the leak. You could investigate using a simple water test with a shower head around your bath and shower seals.

My boiler is losing pressure?

This can be a sign of a leak on the central heating or a problem with the boiler.

My ground heating system is losing pressure

The ground source heating systems are a very efficient and environmentally friendly way of collecting heat but when they go wrong, they go terribly wrong. Unfortunately, because of the amount of piping buried under the floor they can become very susceptible to leaks, which can be extremely difficult to locate within the floor surface. We have helped various customers locate leaks in these systems with enormous success. We like a completed leak so I guess well keep looking until we find it.

My mains water stopcock is not under my sink. Where can I find it?

All modern homes are required to be fitted with an inside and outside mains water stopcock, so don’t worry if you can’t find yours under the kitchen sink! Many properties have their mains water stopcock positioned in an airing cupboard, under the bathroom sink, in a utility cupboard, under your floorboards by your front door, within a garage, cellar or behind a panel next to your boiler. Apartment buildings often share a mains water stopcock so if you are having trouble finding yours why not ask your neighbours?

My radiators are not working

If one of your radiators is not heating up or is cold, it could just need bleeding. However, if bleeding the radiator does not work or if it is linked with any other symptoms outlined in this FAQ, it could be a sign of a leak.

My storage tanks are constantly filling

This could be an indication of a leak on a regular/gravity fed heating system or a leak from a water storage tank. If you can access your storage tanks, look to see which is filling as this will give you an indication which system is suffering the problem.

Water stains have appeared in my property after heavy rainfall. What do I do?

Clear away any furniture that may be positioned directly in front or underneath the water stains. Perform a visual check of your guttering to ensure there are no blockages. This can easily be caused by leaves and other organic material. Check to make sure that there are no drains outside the property which are overflowing. If the leak stops when it stops raining the issue is likely to reappear during the next heavy rainfall so leak detection may still be required. The property may also require drying as the majority of moisture is not visible and is retained within the buildings structure.

What are the main signs that I have a leak?

There are many different signs that a leak may be present and they are not all visible. These can include damp patches, high water bills, damp smells, boiler issues and even subsidence.

Please read further on for more information on how to recognise leaks and what to do. Alternatively, you can contact us and one of our advisors will assist you.

What can I do if I have any further questions about leak detection?

Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives.

What is Find & Fix

This is a service we offer. It includes all the aspects of Trace and Access but also includes fixing the leak which will often only take a day to complete. Trace and access is an Insurance term for non-destructively tracing the area of the leak and then exposing the leak i.e. excavating concrete or removing floorboards.

The chances are you may be covered for this under your home or buildings insurance policy but you will have to check your policy wording handbook to see if your covered.

What is Leak detection?

Leak Detection is the finding of hidden leaks. Unlike others, we complete leak detection in a non-destructive manner, minimising disruption to your commercial or residential premises.

What is non-destructive leak detection?

Non-destructive Leak Detection is where we use various pieces of equipment to pinpoint the area without damaging your property.

What is the difference between a leak detection expert and a plumber?

Your plumber will carry out basic methods of tracing a leak where as a leak detection expert will use specialist machinery and technology to pin point a leak without having to tear your premises apart.

What is Trace and Access

Trace and Access (or “Track and Trace”) is an Insurance term for non-destructively tracing the area of the leak and then exposing the leak i.e. excavating concrete or removing floorboards. If you are covered for this it will be detailed in your policy handbook. However, your insurance company is unlikely to cover the actual fixing of the leak.

Often your insurer will ask you to find your own leak detection company and they will then reimburse you once the leak is found. Please check your policy handbook to see if you are covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

You Have Question,
We Have Answers

At Southern Leak Detection, our team of Leak Detection engineers are dedicated to helping our customers quickly Find & Fix their leak.Here is our extensive Frequently Asked Questions section which will give you information on everything you need to know about our innovative leak detection technologies and what to do/not to do in case of a leak.
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Southern Leak Detection. All rights reserved.
Southern Leak Detection. All rights reserved. | Built By Impressive Sol
Southern Leak Detection. All rights reserved. | Built By Impressive Sol
Southern Leak Detection. All rights reserved.
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