How do you find a hidden water leak without digging up floors?

We use specialist non-destructive equipment including acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters. These allow us to pinpoint the source of a hidden leak behind walls, under floors or beneath concrete without unnecessary damage to your property. We only open up the area we need to access once the leak location is confirmed.

What are the signs I might have a hidden leak?

Common signs include unexplained increases in your water bill, damp patches on walls or ceilings, the sound of running water when everything is turned off, or a drop in water pressure that has no obvious cause. Mould or musty smells in a room can also indicate a slow, ongoing leak. If you notice any of these, it's worth calling us for an inspection.

Can a small leak cause serious damage if left?

Yes. Even a slow drip can cause significant structural damage over time, including rot, mould, compromised plasterwork and, in the worst cases, weakened joists or flooring. The sooner a leak is identified and repaired the less damage it causes and the lower the cost of putting things right.

Do you repair the leak as well as detect it?

Yes. We locate the leak, carry out the repair, and then test to confirm the leak has been fully resolved before we leave. You won't need to organise a separate plumber to fix what we find.

Will my insurer accept a leak detection report?

Most insurers will accept a written report from a qualified plumber detailing the location, cause and repair of a leak. We can provide full documentation of the detection and repair work carried out, which can support a claim for any resulting damage. We recommend contacting your insurer before work begins if you plan to claim.

Leak Detection in Greenwich

Accurate, non-destructive leak detection in Greenwich — we trace hidden leaks quickly to save you time, water and money.

5.0 · 73 verified reviews

Clear & Upfront Pricing
24/7 Callouts, 365 Days A Year
Trusted Local Business
Gas Safe Registered Installers
£5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance

0203 886 2602

Greenwich Plumbers engineer using leak detection equipment in Greenwich

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Accurate Leak Detection in Greenwich

Hidden water leaks can cause serious damage long before you spot them — damp patches, peeling paint, a musty smell, unexplained rises in your water bill, or a boiler that keeps losing pressure. Greenwich Plumbers specialise in tracing leaks quickly and accurately across Greenwich and the surrounding SE10, SE3, SE7, SE8, SE13, SE18, SE9 and SE12 areas, so the problem can be fixed before it gets worse.

Finding the exact source of a leak takes experience and the right approach. Rather than tearing up floors and walls on guesswork, we use careful, non-invasive methods to locate the leak precisely. That means less mess, less disruption to your home and a repair that's targeted where it's actually needed — which usually keeps costs down too.

Period pipework in Greenwich's Victorian and Georgian homes is a common source of slow, hidden leaks behind walls and under floors — our equipment pinpoints them accurately.

Whether the leak is on a heating pipe, a concealed supply pipe or beneath a bathroom floor, our Gas Safe registered engineers will find it and put it right. We'll keep you informed throughout and make sure everything is watertight before we leave. For leaks that can't wait, we're available 24/7.

Call 0203 886 2602

Greenwich Plumbers engineer using a thermal imaging camera for leak detection in Greenwich

Our Leak Detection Process

Report the signs
Damp patches, rising water bills, low pressure or the sound of running water — tell us what you’ve noticed.
Non-invasive investigation
We trace the leak accurately, minimising disruption and avoiding unnecessary damage to floors and walls.
Pinpoint the source
We confirm exactly where the leak is coming from so the repair can be targeted and cost-effective.
Repair & reassure
We carry out the repair and check the system is watertight, keeping you informed at every stage.

Common leak detection problems we fix in Greenwich

If you need a plumber in Greenwich to track down a leak, we can help with homes of all types, from Victorian terraces in SE10 to riverside flats and older houses near Blackheath. Our Greenwich plumbers use proper fault-finding methods to locate the source quickly and reduce disruption.

Hidden Floor Leak

A hidden leak under the floor often shows up as a soft patch, a musty smell, or a section of flooring that feels colder than the rest. We check pipe runs, pressure, and visible signs first, then use non-invasive testing to narrow it down before lifting only what is needed.

Meter Still Running

If your water meter is still running when all taps are off, water is escaping somewhere in the system. We isolate the likely sections, test the pipework step by step, and look for leaks in buried or concealed pipework that can waste a surprising amount of water.

Damp Wall Patches

Damp patches on walls can come from a slow leak in a supply pipe, a failed joint, or water tracking along a joist or plaster line. We trace the source rather than guessing, then explain whether the issue is plumbing-related or likely to be something else.

Leak Through Ceiling

A leak through the ceiling is often caused by a bathroom, heating pipe, or waste pipe above, but the water can travel before it appears below. We inspect the rooms above, test pipework, and use moisture readings to find the source before more plaster is damaged.

Thermal Leak Testing

Thermal imaging helps spot temperature changes caused by water escaping behind walls, under floors, or around heating pipework. We combine it with acoustic leak detection, so we can listen for the sound of a pressurised leak and confirm the exact area before any repairs start.

Mains Pipe Leak

A mains supply pipe leak can sit underground for a while before anyone notices, often showing as lower pressure, rising bills, or wet ground outside. We test the incoming main, confirm whether the leak is on your side of the stop tap, and advise on the next repair step.

Expert Advice

“A small hidden leak can do a lot of damage before you spot it. I trace it back to the source in your Greenwich home before lifting a single tile.”

AaronPlumbing & Drainage Engineer15 years’ experience

Frequently Asked Questions

: We use specialist non-destructive equipment including acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters. These allow us to pinpoint the source of a hidden leak behind walls, under floors or beneath concrete without unnecessary damage to your property. We only open up the area we need to access once the leak location is confirmed.
: Common signs include unexplained increases in your water bill, damp patches on walls or ceilings, the sound of running water when everything is turned off, or a drop in water pressure that has no obvious cause. Mould or musty smells in a room can also indicate a slow, ongoing leak. If you notice any of these, it's worth calling us for an inspection.
: Yes. Even a slow drip can cause significant structural damage over time, including rot, mould, compromised plasterwork and, in the worst cases, weakened joists or flooring. The sooner a leak is identified and repaired the less damage it causes and the lower the cost of putting things right.
: Yes. We locate the leak, carry out the repair, and then test to confirm the leak has been fully resolved before we leave. You won't need to organise a separate plumber to fix what we find.
: Most insurers will accept a written report from a qualified plumber detailing the location, cause and repair of a leak. We can provide full documentation of the detection and repair work carried out, which can support a claim for any resulting damage. We recommend contacting your insurer before work begins if you plan to claim.