How Much Does Leak Detection Cost (UK)?
Oct 23, 2025
Leaks have a way of catching people off guard, and the price tag for finding them can be just as surprising.
One company quotes a few hundred quid, another suggests over a thousand – and it’s hard to know what’s fair. The reality is that leak detection costs in the UK depend on several moving parts.
We’ll break down what affects the price and how to get the best value.
Key Notes
UK leak detection costs £150-£600 for basic domestic jobs, £550-£1,000 for hidden leaks.
Acoustic and thermal imaging are mid-priced; tracer gas and CCTV cost more.
Most home insurance includes Trace & Access cover worth £5,000-£10,000 for detection.
Average Leak Detection Costs in the UK (Quick Look)
For most homeowners, the price of professional leak detection will fall somewhere between £490 and £1,500. But within that broad range, there are big differences depending on the type of leak and the property involved.
At A Glance:
Domestic properties: £150 – £600 (basic) / £550 – £1,000 (hidden or complex)
Commercial properties: £500 – £1,000+
Industrial facilities: £1,000 – £1,500+
Factors That Influence Leak Detection Costs
Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay for leak detection in the UK.
Knowing these upfront can help you budget and spot when a quote isn’t as transparent as it should be.
Property Size & Layout
Bigger houses, multiple bathrooms, or complex plumbing layouts take longer to investigate.Location & Accessibility of the Leak
A pipe under a kitchen floor is quicker to locate than one buried beneath a concrete patio or hidden in cavity walls.Type of Leak
Central heating, underfloor systems, or gas leaks often require specialist equipment and more time.Technology & Equipment Used
From basic acoustic listening to advanced tracer gas and thermal imaging – the more specialist the method, the higher the cost.Complexity & Time Required
Some leaks show themselves quickly; others are slow, hidden, and stubborn.Geographic Location
Rates in London and the South East are often higher than elsewhere in the UK.Labour & Call-Out Fees
Emergency or weekend call-outs can add a premium.
Leak Detection Costs by Property Type
Domestic properties: Generally the cheapest, due to simpler plumbing systems. Expect to pay between £150 and £600 for straightforward cases, and closer to £550–£1,000 if the leak is hidden.
Commercial properties: More complex pipe networks, multiple floors, and varied materials mean costs start at around £500 and can go beyond £1,000.
Industrial properties: The most expensive, due to scale, safety protocols, and specialist systems. Costs often exceed £1,000, sometimes well over depending on complexity.
Leak Detection Methods & Their Impact on Cost
The method used plays a big role in the final bill. Here’s how the main ones compare:
Acoustic leak detection. Mid-range cost, widely used. Effective for walls, floors, underground.
Thermal imaging (infrared). Moderate pricing. Great for leaks behind walls or floors.
Tracer gas detection. Higher cost due to specialist gas and sensors. Very accurate for hidden leaks.
CCTV drain surveys. Expensive but highly precise, especially for underground pipes.
Dye testing / visual inspection. Lowest cost but only useful for visible or fixture-specific leaks.
Smart water sensors. Upfront device cost but can prevent big bills long term.
Rule of thumb: Acoustic and thermal imaging usually sit in the middle; tracer gas and CCTV are pricier.
Pricing Structures Used by UK Companies
Leak detection companies price their services differently, so it pays to know what you’re signing up for:
Flat rates: Common for standard residential jobs. Typically £500–£600.
Hourly rates: £95–£145/hr, often used for diagnostic or tricky cases.
Day rates: £595–£1,500 depending on property size and complexity.
No Find, No Fee: Some companies (including us) offer risk-free policies – you don’t pay if no leak is detected.
Keep in mind that many providers lure customers with low “from” prices, then pile on extras for reports, specialist equipment, or additional hours.
Extra Costs to Budget For
The leak detection itself isn’t the whole story. Be prepared for potential extras:
Reinstatement costs: Lifting and refitting floors, tiles, or walls after the leak is found. Can run into hundreds.
Pipe or system repairs: Detection doesn’t usually include fixing the leak itself. Minor repairs might be £50–£350; more serious repairs £150–£600+.
Emergency call-outs: Out-of-hours work typically carries a premium.
Repeat visits: If a leak reoccurs, additional inspections may be needed.
A £600 leak detection can quickly turn into a £1,200+ bill once repairs and reinstatement are factored in.
Insurance & Leak Detection (Trace & Access Cover)
Most UK home insurance policies include Trace and Access cover. This typically pays for:
Locating the leak with specialist equipment.
Making the leak accessible (lifting floors, opening walls).
Repairing any damage caused by accessing the leak.
But here’s what’s not usually included:
Repairing the actual leaking pipe/system (that may fall under Escape of Water cover).
Leaks from poor maintenance or gradual wear.
Flooding or external water ingress.
Typical Trace and Access cover limits: £5,000–£10,000. Always check your policy wording, and remember – you’re entitled to use your own contractor, even if your insurer suggests someone else.
London Leak Detection Prices – Why We’re Different
Competitors:
£595 for 3 hours (plus VAT).
Extra charges for reports.
Limited or no insurance support.
Hidden fees that escalate costs.
London Leak Detection:
£490 fixed day rate (4 hours + VAT).
No Find, No Fee Guarantee.
Full detailed insurer-approved report included.
Direct insurance claim support.
Complete transparency, no surprises.
12-month leak-free guarantee.
We don’t just find the leak. We give you the paperwork to get insurance to pay, and the peace of mind that if it comes back, we’ll come back too.
How to Keep Leak Detection Costs Down (Practical Tips)
Always ask what’s included in the quote – equipment, reports, call-outs.
Look for No Find, No Fee policies to reduce risk.
Check your insurance policy for Trace and Access cover before booking.
Opt for fixed day rates over hourly charges to avoid spiralling costs.
Act quickly – the longer a leak runs, the more property damage (and repair bills) you’ll face.
Worried About Leak Costs And Damage?
We offer fixed pricing, no-find no-fee & insurer-approved reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does leak detection usually take?
Most inspections take between 2–4 hours, though complex leaks in large properties can run longer. The method used (acoustic vs. tracer gas, etc.) also affects timing.
Do leak detection companies also repair the leak?
Not always. Many specialists focus purely on detection and reporting, leaving repairs to plumbers. Always confirm whether repair services are included or separate.
Can I do leak detection myself to save money?
DIY methods like checking water meters or looking for damp patches can help, but hidden leaks often need professional tools. Skipping detection risks bigger repair costs later.
Will leak detection damage my property?
Modern detection methods are designed to be non-invasive, meaning floors and walls are rarely disturbed. Intrusive access only happens once the leak is pinpointed.
Conclusion
Knowing how much leak detection costs in the UK isn’t always straightforward, as prices can range from a couple of hundred pounds for simple domestic jobs to well over a thousand for complex or industrial systems.
What pushes costs up are things like property size, leak type, and the technology required.
Many companies charge by the hour and stack on extras, which is why we’ve built our service around fixed day rates, insurer-approved reporting, and a No-Find No-Fee guarantee.
If you need clarity, speed, and a fair price, request a free quote today and see the difference.
