Leak Detection & Investigation in Stoke-on-Trent
Not every leak announces itself with a puddle. We investigate damp patches, unexplained water bills and hidden pipework leaks across Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding towns.
Signs you may have a hidden leak
- Damp, staining or bubbling paint on a wall or ceiling
- A musty smell in a room with no obvious cause
- A water bill that has risen without a change in usage
- A water meter that keeps turning when every tap is off
- Warm patches on the floor (which can indicate a heating pipe leak)
- Boiler pressure that keeps falling with no visible leak
How we investigate
We work from the outside in, narrowing the search before opening anything up:
- Confirm it is a leak — check the meter, isolate appliances and rule out overflow or condensation.
- Narrow the location — isolate sections of pipework and test to work out which run is losing water.
- Check the likely suspects — visible pipework, radiator valves, bathroom wastes, cylinder and appliance connections.
- Repair — fix the source, then confirm the system holds pressure and there is no further loss.
The aim is to find the leak with the least disruption. Sometimes a small inspection opening is needed, but we will explain why before making one.
Leaks we commonly find
- Weeping joints and compression fittings under floors and in cupboards
- Failed radiator valves and corroded radiator bodies
- Leaking wastes and traps behind bathrooms
- Failed seals around baths, showers and basins
- Pipework damaged by frost or by previous alterations
- Heating pipe leaks causing pressure loss and damp patches
Heating system leaks
If your boiler keeps losing pressure, the cause is often a small leak somewhere in the system rather than the boiler itself. Our guide to causes of boiler pressure loss explains the common culprits, and our central heating service covers the repair.
If water is coming through now
Turn off the stopcock, contain the water, stay clear of electrics and call us. See what to do if you have a water leak for the immediate steps, or go to our emergency plumber page.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of a hidden leak?
Damp or discoloured patches on walls, ceilings or floors, a musty smell, peeling paint or wallpaper, unexplained increases in your water bill, or a water meter that keeps moving when nothing is running.
Can you find a leak under a floor without ripping everything up?
Often, yes. We start by isolating sections and testing to narrow down where the leak is before any floor is opened. Sometimes a small inspection opening is unavoidable, but the aim is to avoid unnecessary damage.
Do you repair the leak as well as find it?
Yes. Investigation and repair are done together wherever possible, so you are not left to find someone else once the source is located.
Will my insurance cover it?
That depends on your policy — many buildings policies include trace-and-access cover. We can explain what we found and what work is needed so you can speak to your insurer. Check your policy first.
Is a leak ever urgent?
Yes. Water near electrics, water coming through a ceiling, or a leak you cannot isolate is an emergency. Call us — we offer 24-hour emergency call-outs.
Related services
- Plumbing — Everyday domestic plumbing: leaks, burst pipes, taps, toilets, showers, shower pumps, pipework and hot water.
- Emergency Plumber — 24-hour emergency call-outs for major leaks, burst pipes, loss of heating or hot water, and boiler breakdowns.
- Bathroom Plumbing & Fitting — Bathroom plumbing and fitting: baths, basins, toilets, showers, wastes, sealed and connected properly.
- Central Heating — Central heating repairs and improvements: pumps, valves, controls, thermostats and full system faults.
Related advice
- What To Do If You Have a Water Leak — Immediate steps to limit damage from a leak, how to find and use your stopcock, and when it becomes an emergency.
- Why Is My Boiler Losing Pressure? — The common causes of boiler pressure loss, what you can safely check, how to top up, and when to call an engineer.