8 early warning signs of a hidden burst pipe in your wall — damp patches, water bill spikes, meter movement. Emergency response: 020 8050 9933.
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A burst pipe hidden behind a wall can leak for weeks before it's obvious, causing structural and electrical damage that runs into thousands. Spot the warning signs early and you'll save both the repair bill and your no-claims discount.
Yellow or brown patches on plaster, especially at low level on internal walls, are the classic sign. The stain is usually higher than the leak itself.
Concealed damp encourages mould behind plasterboard. If a room smells earthy for no reason, investigate.
Turn off every tap and appliance. Note the meter reading, wait 30 minutes and re-check. Any movement = a leak somewhere.
Compare the last two bills. A 30%+ increase without lifestyle change points to a hidden leak.
A drop in pressure at taps furthest from the mains can indicate escaping water upstream.
If you're repeatedly topping up the boiler, the heating system is leaking — often within concealed pipework.
Faint hissing or trickling behind a wall when nothing is switched on is a strong indicator.
Leaking hot pipes create warm patches; cold pipes create damp cold ones. Feel with the back of your hand.
We use thermal imaging cameras, acoustic microphones and tracer gas — no unnecessary damage to plaster.
A leak detection survey is typically £80 - £150 including VAT, plus the call-out fee. Some home insurance policies cover tracing a leak, so check your policy.
Reporting early usually saves the claim. Delayed reporting can void escape-of-water cover.