How much will leak detection cost?

We price the tracing and accessing of leaks on time and, to a lesser degree, on material costs. It may take seconds to find or up to two days, depending on the structure of the property, the complexity of the systems and the accessibility of the area. Home insurance policies normally cover trace and access up to around £5,000, which is adequate in the vast majority of cases.

What equipment do you use for leak detection?

Our technicians carry moisture meters, borescopes, acoustic detection kit and high-resolution infrared equipment, with the option of tracer gas where appropriate. Because we hold every method in-house we can combine techniques on the same visit.

What happens if you cannot find my leak?

If no leak is found you will be provided with a report to pass to your insurance company, who normally reimburse you. If we decide to attend, it is extremely rare that there will not be a leak.

What if my water leak is outside?

If the leak is on the street side of your water meter, responsibility for tracing, accessing and repairing lies with your local water company. If the leak is between the meter and your property it is normally your responsibility. Check whether you have separate insurance cover before calling, as groundwork can be expensive. Our underground leak detection and pipe tracing services work the same way in either case.

Yes. We are insured in the use of our own specialised equipment and also to access leaks within the fabric of your property.

How do you find a leak without damaging my property?

We use non-invasive detection first. Thermal imaging reads temperature variations through surfaces, acoustic equipment listens for the leak, tracer gas follows the pipe run and pipe tracing maps buried pipework. Only once the source is pinpointed do we open up, and then only at that exact point.

How quickly can you attend a water leak?

We provide 24/7 emergency services with guaranteed fast response times to minimise damage and begin restoration quickly. Call 0333 678 0196 and we will advise what to isolate immediately, then arrange attendance.

What happens after you find the leak?

You receive a report confirming the location and cause. Swift can then carry out the repair, drying and any restoration required, with detection through to reinstatement handled by one team.

Water Leak Detection – Swift Fire And Flood

Leak Detection Specialists

Your first choice for residential and commercial leak detection. We find hidden water leaks fast — and we don't leave until we do.

Non-invasive detection — no unnecessary damage

We work directly with your insurance company

Leaks found quickly and accurately, no hidden costs

Think you have a water leak?
We can help.

At Swift we offer a high-quality, reliable leak detection service, trusted by some of the UK's top home insurance companies. Not only are we able to find a leak — unlike many trace and access companies who stop at locating it — our extended team can also help you action the solution.

Our leak detection specialists have a 100% success rate, never leaving a property without finding the leak. We help hundreds of homeowners, landlords, tenants and businesses every month, across both residential and commercial property.

Our Services

Six ways we find your leak

Every method under one roof. We match the technology to your property and the type of leak — often combining two or three to confirm the exact source.

Thermal Imaging

Swift's advanced thermal imaging technology provides non-invasive, precise detection of hidden water leaks, moisture issues and temperature anomalies within your property. Our qualified technicians use state-of-the-art thermal cameras to identify problems invisible to the naked eye.

Our thermal imaging goes beyond leak detection to include heat loss areas, electrical hotspots and structural issues — assessing your property for multiple potential problems in a single, efficient inspection without causing any damage to your walls, floors or ceilings.

Damp patches with no visible source
Leaks behind walls, floors and ceilings
Heat loss and electrical hotspots
Completely non-contact inspection

Learn more about Thermal Imaging

Central Heating Leak Detection

Central heating systems rely on pressurised hot water to distribute heat evenly throughout your home. If your boiler frequently loses pressure, leaves you short of hot water or needs constant topping up, it may indicate a leak or an internal fault. Water leaks are a common cause of pressure drops, and detecting them early prevents more extensive damage.

Prompt action is essential — even minor pinhole leaks in radiators. For more complex leaks our experts conduct comprehensive inspections using minimally invasive methods, then recommend tailored solutions that resolve the issue while minimising disruption to your daily life.

Boiler pressure that keeps dropping
Constant top-ups or no hot water
Pinhole leaks in radiators
Sealed and pressurised system faults

Learn more about Central Heating Leak Detection

Pipe Tracing

Swift's advanced pipe tracing technology offers a sophisticated, non-invasive solution for identifying and mapping underground pipe networks with exceptional accuracy — whether you're dealing with mysterious wet areas, unexplained water loss, or need to locate pipes prior to construction or renovation.

We employ advanced radio frequency transmitters and receivers to detect pipes beneath materials like concrete and soil. Our technology sends precise signals through both metallic and non-metallic pipes — PVC, copper and cast iron — creating detailed, accurate maps of your property's plumbing without excavation.

Unknown or undocumented pipe routes
Metallic and non-metallic pipework
Mapping before construction or renovation
Reliable underground infrastructure data

Learn more about Pipe Tracing

Underground Leak Detection

From mains water supply lines and sewage pipes to underfloor heating, there are a number of potential sources of an underground leak. These leaks are relatively common — almost every home has a variety of these pipes running underneath it.

By hiring a specialist to evaluate the situation and determine the cause and solution, the leak can be resolved as quickly as possible to prevent excessive damage and cost. We combine acoustic testing and thermal imaging to track underground pipes carrying hot or cold water and detect the leak quickly.

Mains water supply lines
Sewage and waste pipework
Underfloor heating pipes
Pinpointed to avoid needless excavation

Learn more about Underground Leak Detection

Tracer Gas

Tracer gas always makes its way to the surface. After draining a water pipe, Swift engineers introduce tracer gas back into the pipe. Should there be any exit of gas, our engineers detect it on the surface using a highly sensitive gas detector — the point where the gas exits is precisely the location of the leak.

Tracer gas is a food-grade gas: non-flammable, non-toxic, non-corrosive and safe for the environment. It's approved and tested for all types of water pipe including drains, water mains, grey water waste systems, fire loops and petroleum pipelines — and leaves no residue behind.

Works on any pipe material
Underfloor heating and buried pipework
Food-grade, safe for drinking supply
Fastest, most economical buried-pipe method

Learn more about Tracer Gas

Acoustic Testing

Acoustic leak detection is a precise, non-invasive technique using specialised electro-acoustic listening devices — often called 'listening sticks' — to identify leaks in water pipes. These devices amplify, filter and analyse the sounds generated by leaks, letting our team accurately locate hidden or insulated pipes without excavation or disruptive procedures.

Our advanced acoustic tools use highly sensitive microphones that filter out background noise to focus solely on the sound of the leak, giving highly accurate readings. Quick, precise and affordable, with no damage to your property.

Audible running water with taps off
Hidden and insulated pipework
Occupied homes and live premises
No excavation to locate the source

Learn more about Acoustic Testing

We deal with your insurer, so you don't have to

Trace and access is covered by most UK home insurance policies. We can provide a free service to deal with your insurance claim — producing the evidence and reporting your insurer needs, and liaising with them directly on your behalf.

Trusted by some of the UK's top home insurance companies

Full findings report supplied for your claim

We liaise with your insurer directly

Detection, repair, drying and restoration in-house

Start your claim

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Leak Detection Specialists

Think you have a water leak?
We can help.

How your claim works

Pick up the phone

We find the leak

We handle the insurer