--- title: "Water Leak Detection in Kent & Surrey | Vision Plumbing" url: https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/leak-detection/ --- # Find the Hidden Leak Before the Floor Comes Up Thermal imaging and acoustic tracing locate leaks inside walls, under floors and below ground, so only the right spot gets opened up. [4.8 out of 5 · 49 reviews on Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk)[24 reviews on Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) ## Don’t just take our word for it Read every review on the [reviews](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/reviews/) page. JJustin 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Superb service, came same day and did an amazing job sorting out my blocked sink. Definitely would use again. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) DDavid Page 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Norbert was very helpful and friendly. He fixed a leak I had in my bathroom very quickly. Definitely will use again! [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in TN13 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Replace broken toilet cistern > Very speedy response to job request on this website, Norbert called within seconds and agreed to call in for quote later today. Came when said he… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) RRob 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > True definition of 24/7 great service. Very helpful used his services on 2 occasions went above and beyond each time. Great guy keep up the good work. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) AAnna 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Excellent communication, explained issue well, supplied a clear itemized quote, good workmanship and overall high efficiency. Would hire again. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in TN13 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Unblocked of blocked sewerage drains > Emergency call out on a Sunday evening. Very prompt and came straight away. Sorted the problem straight away and at a fair price for a Sunday night… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) DDi 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > We always use Norbert’s plumbing service at our restaurant. He is always on time and fully understand what needs to be done. Highly recommend ! [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) TThomas Dixon 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Excellent work - very efficient. Friendly service. I would highly recommend to others. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in E16 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Leaking pipe behind a laundry machine > Norbert did the job well and efficiently. He was available at short notice to help. [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) AAnia Hampton 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Excellent service. Work undertaken in a timely thorough and clean manner. Operator was friendly informative and totally professional. Highly… [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) JJoe 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot Knowledgable and trustworthy > This firm is professional and do the job well. They turned up on time and they are very knowledgeable. Very trustworthy. I highly recommend them. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in TN4 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Clean out blocked drain, used camera to ensure pipework was in good condition. > The quality of the work completed was extremely high, the engineer did not finish the job until he was satisfied the drain was completely clean as… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) HHarriet Boulding 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Great service! Norbert is very professional and I am very pleased with the result. Will be recommending him. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) CCsaba Nyako 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot > Very professional service from start to finish. Norbert was friendly and knowledgeable and kept me informed at all stages. [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in TN15 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Fixing a new radiator to the wall and updating pipe work to remove valves on our open heating system > Norbert was absolutely brilliant. He offered great advice, worked efficiently and left everything tidy and well completed. He was also friendly and… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) LLauren Ford 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot Great service for emergency work > I called Vision Plumbing as I could hear water gushing underneath my kitchen. He was able to attend quickly, and found and resolved the issue at a… [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) TTunde Ogunniyi 5 out of 5 stars, review from Trustpilot Prompt emergency response > Norbert was one of several emergency plumbing services I rang overnight after being disappointed by another plumber when seeking assistance for a… [via Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk) Verified reviewer, job in SE15 **10**/10 on Checkatrade Replacing kitchen tap AND replacing pipes under kitchen sink > After exchanging a few text messages Norbert turned up the following day on time with the replacement parts and completed the work in a very… [via Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) Vision Plumbing is a **SafeContractor approved** business - [Home](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/) - [Services](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/) - Leak Detection ## Locate First, Open Up Second Norbert uses thermal imaging and acoustic tracing to pin down hidden leaks from the surface, so the only hole made is the one needed to reach the pipe. ## Signs It Is Time To Call - A water bill higher than your usage explains - A damp patch or stain that keeps spreading - Warm spots in a floor with nothing above them - The sound of running water when every tap is off - A water meter that turns with everything switched off - Mains pressure that has dropped for no clear reason ## Finding a leak without lifting floors A hidden leak shows itself indirectly: a ceiling stain, a warm patch in a floor, a water bill that makes no sense. The water rarely appears where the leak is, sometimes surfacing metres away. - Water runs along joists, down inside walls and under screed first - A meter that keeps ticking with every tap closed is a clue - Norbert locates the source from the surface, then opens up only there ## Two methods for two kinds of leak Thermal imaging suits hot water pipes and radiator runs, showing the warm pattern escaping water leaves. Acoustic tracing suits cold mains and buried pipes, picking up the sound of pressurised water through concrete, tiles or soil. - A pinhole in a radiator tail shows as a warm streak - Acoustic is often quickest for supply pipe leaks under drives or gardens - Pressure testing isolates sections to confirm which run is losing water - Radiator valve leaks are fixed under [radiator leak repair](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/radiator-repair-and-installation/) ## Gas leaks located, then handed over Norbert can help locate a gas leak. Vision Plumbing is not a gas installer, so the repair goes to a registered gas engineer. - No work on gas pipework or gas appliances - No gas certificates issued - Smell gas? Leave the building and call the gas emergency service first ## After the leak is found Norbert repairs the water leak he finds, whether a failed joint, a corroded section or a split pipe. He covers Kent, Medway, Surrey, East and West Sussex and south-east London from near Sevenoaks. - Opened up at one point only, where the leak was located - Every repair carries a one year warranty on parts and labour - Water pouring through a ceiling is an [emergency plumber](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/emergency-plumber/) job first ## Why people ring Norbert - 20+Years in plumbing - 1 yearWarranty on parts and labour - 24/7Emergency call-out - 1Plumber, start to finish ## What the job covers - Thermal imaging surveyA thermal camera shows the temperature pattern that escaping hot water leaves in floors, walls and ceilings. - Acoustic leak tracingSensitive listening equipment picks up the sound of pressurised water escaping from a buried or hidden pipe. - Pressure testingIsolating sections of pipework and watching the pressure to confirm which run is losing water. - Repairing the water leakOnce found, the leaking joint or pipe is opened up at that one point and repaired. - Gas leak location onlyA suspected gas leak can be located, with the repair handed to a registered gas engineer. - Not sure what you need?[Quick Quote Online](#quote) ## Leak Detection in pictures ## How a job with Norbert runs No call centre and no hand-offs. The same man takes the call, quotes the work and does it. - 01You call or send the formTell Norbert what is happening. He rings back himself to ask the questions that matter before anyone drives out. - 02He comes out and quotesHe looks at the job, explains what has failed and what the fix involves, and gives you the quote before work starts. - 03The work is done and testedFixed, tested and cleaned up, with a one year warranty on parts and labour for the work he has done. ## Often needed alongside leak detection - [Emergency Plumber](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/emergency-plumber/)A 24-hour emergency call-out for burst pipes, flooding leaks and backed-up drains, answered by Norbert himself. - [Radiator Repair & Installation](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/radiator-repair-and-installation/)Radiator leak repairs, valve replacements, bleeding and like-for-like or upgraded radiator installation. - [Plumber](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/services/plumber/)Everyday plumbing repairs and replacements from Norbert himself, backed by over 20 years' experience and a one year warranty. ## Leak Detection: questions answered ### 01How does thermal imaging find a water leak? Water escaping from a hot pipe warms the floor, wall or ceiling around it, and a thermal camera shows that as a patch or streak on the screen. Tracing the pattern back leads to where the water is coming from. It works best on hot water and radiator pipework. For cold mains leaks, where there is little temperature difference, acoustic equipment usually does the job better. ### 02What is acoustic leak detection? Pressurised water escaping through a small hole makes a noise, even when the pipe is buried under concrete or soil. Acoustic equipment amplifies that sound through the surface, and the loudest point sits over the leak. It is particularly useful for mains supply pipes running under drives, gardens and solid floors, where there is nothing to see and no heat to pick up. ### 03Will you need to damage my walls or floors? Finding the leak itself does not involve breaking anything. Thermal and acoustic surveys work from the surface. To repair the pipe, the floor or wall does have to be opened, but only at the spot where the leak has been located, rather than lifting a whole room in search of it. That smaller opening is usually far less disruptive than guessing. ### 04Can you repair a gas leak once you have found it? No. Vision Plumbing is not a gas installer and does no work on gas pipework or appliances, and issues no gas certificates. Norbert can help locate where a gas leak is. The repair itself is handed to a registered gas engineer. If you smell gas at any point, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service before ringing anyone else. ### 05Can the findings help with a home insurance claim? Many home insurance policies include cover for tracing a leak, sometimes called trace and access, separately from the repair. Norbert explains what he found, where the leak is and what caused it, which gives your insurer the information it usually asks for. Check your own policy wording first, as cover and excesses vary between insurers. ### 06Do you find leaks on underground supply pipes? Yes. The supply pipe between the boundary stop tap and the house is a common place for leaks, often shown by a meter that keeps turning with everything off, or a damp patch in a lawn or drive. Acoustic tracing along the route of the pipe narrows it down to one spot, so only a small hole is needed to reach and repair it. ## Tell Norbert what needs doing A line about the job is enough. Norbert reads every enquiry himself and rings you back to talk it through before he quotes. [4.8 out of 5 · 49 reviews on Trustpilot (opens Trustpilot)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visionplumbing.co.uk)[24 reviews on Checkatrade (opens Checkatrade)](https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/VisionPlumbingLimited) [07379 636676](tel:+447379636676) 24 hours, for emergencies ## Further reading - Leak detection in Sevenoaks with thermal imaging and acoustic tracing: Norbert finds the hidden leak, opens up one spot and repairs it. Talk to Norbert.[Leak Detection in Sevenoaks](https://visionplumbing.co.uk/resources/leak-detection-sevenoaks/)