Water leaks that are hidden behind walls, beneath floors, or underground can cause extensive and expensive damage before they become visible. Our leak detection service uses specialist non-invasive equipment to locate leaks accurately without unnecessary exploratory damage to your property. We use thermal imaging cameras that detect temperature differences caused by moisture behind surfaces, acoustic listening devices that amplify the sound of pressurised water escaping from pipes, moisture meters that map dampness levels in walls and floors, and tracer gas systems for locating leaks in underfloor heating and buried pipework. Accurate leak detection saves you money — by pinpointing the exact location of the leak, we minimise the amount of wall, floor, or ceiling that needs to be opened up for repair. Once located, our plumbers carry out the repair immediately in most cases, whether that involves replacing a section of pipe, resealing a joint, repairing a fitting, or replacing a corroded valve. We work across the Banbury area on all types of properties including period homes, modern builds, and commercial premises. Our detection equipment works on copper, plastic, and lead pipework, and we can trace leaks in both hot and cold water systems as well as central heating circuits.
We discuss the symptoms you have observed, inspect visible signs of damp or water damage, and check your water meter to confirm whether an active leak is present in the supply or heating system.
Using thermal imaging, acoustic detection, and moisture mapping equipment, we systematically trace the leak to its source without removing tiles, flooring, or plasterwork. The exact location is marked.
We open up the minimum area necessary to access the leaking pipe or fitting and carry out a permanent repair — replacing the damaged section, resealing joints, or fitting new valves as required.
The repaired system is pressure-tested to confirm the leak is fully resolved. We reinstate the access area as neatly as possible and advise on any further remedial work such as replastering or redecorating.
Leak detection in the Banbury area typically costs between £150 and £300 depending on the complexity of the investigation and the equipment required. Simple leaks located quickly with acoustic or thermal equipment are at the lower end. The repair itself is quoted separately once the leak is found, with most repairs costing between £80 and £250. We provide a fixed price for the detection and a separate quote for the repair before proceeding.
Yes, in most cases. Our non-invasive detection equipment — thermal imaging, acoustic listening devices, and moisture meters — locates leaks through walls, floors, and ceilings without the need for exploratory damage. We only open up the minimum area necessary to access the pipe for repair.
Common signs include unexplained damp patches, a spinning water meter when nothing is running, dropping boiler pressure, higher than expected water bills, and musty smells. If you suspect a leak, checking your water meter with all taps and appliances off is a quick way to confirm.
Yes. Underfloor heating leaks are detected using tracer gas and thermal imaging. A safe, non-toxic gas is introduced into the heating circuit, and we use sensitive gas detectors to locate where it escapes through the floor. This avoids the need to lift large areas of flooring.