Water leaks can cause serious water damage, drive up your water bill, and lead to costly repairs if left untreated. At London & Surrey Water Services, our specialist water leak detection, trace and access, and repair services locate hidden leaks quickly and accurately with minimal damage to your home. We use state‑of‑the‑art specialist equipment, including thermal imaging, tracer gas, acoustic testing, and meter analysis, to identify leaks fast and prevent further damage.
With the ongoing rollout of smart water meters by Thames Water, hidden leaks are being identified earlier and more frequently than ever before. Smart meters highlight unusual consumption patterns, often alerting homeowners to leaks before visible damage occurs. Once identified, prompt professional investigation is essential to avoid escalation, enforcement action, or loss of eligibility for a leak allowance.
We work closely with homeowners, landlords, insurers, and loss adjusters, and regularly support customers dealing with Thames Water notifications, high‑usage alerts, and leak investigations. Our service includes reliable detection, detailed written reports, and cost‑effective repairs for both internal pipework and underground leaks, fully aligned with insurer and water authority requirements.
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The customer-side supply pipe is the section you are responsible for — running from the property boundary to your internal plumbing, including all internal pipework, fixtures, and appliances.
These leaks often go unnoticed until there is visible damage or a high water bill.
Early detection significantly reduces repair costs and prevents structural damage by stopping water escape before it spreads through floors, walls, and foundations. Identifying a leak at an early stage limits secondary damage such as rot, weakened joists, mould growth, and damage to finishes, which are often far more expensive to repair than the pipe itself.
A water meter test can provide a clear initial indication of a leak. By fully isolating the internal stop valve and observing the meter over a 20–30 minute period, any continued movement or flow confirms that water is escaping somewhere on the supply, even if no water is being used inside the property.
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We are always happy to provide advice and a free estimate without obligation
Take advantage of our limited-time offer and save 10% on all lead pipe replacement works.
This discount applies to full supply-pipe renewals carried out by our approved moling specialists.
Not sure whether your property has lead pipes or elevated lead levels in your water? We offer a free lead content test to help you assess your risk before committing to replacement works.
At London & Surrey Water Services, we provide fast, professional leak detection and trace & access, often confirming a leak in under one hour.
Contact us to arrange a leak detection visit or request a callback.
With the rollout of smart water meters by Thames Water, many properties now have a meter installed in the footpath outside the boundary.
Beneath the main reading is a small flashing symbol (⊕), which activates whenever water is passing through the meter. If all taps and appliances are off and the ⊕ symbol continues to flash, this often indicates a hidden leak on the supply pipe or internal plumbing.
This advanced multi‑method approach ensures faster, more accurate leak detection by confirming findings across multiple diagnostic techniques rather than relying on a single test. By precisely locating the source of the leak before any repair work begins, we avoid unnecessary excavation, reduce access costs, and minimise disruption to walls, floors, and finishes, helping protect your property while keeping overall repair costs under control.
Most home insurance policies include trace and access cover, which pays the cost of finding a leak but not repairing the pipe itself. Our engineers provide:
We help ensure your insurer has the documentation needed to approve your claim and prevent delays
Once located, we provide cost‑effective, long‑lasting repair services, including:
We aim to repair your water leak quickly and safely while keeping disruption to a minimum.
If you have a water meter, you may qualify for a leak allowance, which refunds water wasted by a hidden leak.
Leak allowance covers internal pipework once, and supply pipe leaks multiple times.
Homeowners, landlords, and insurance companies trust London & Surrey Water Services for reliable diagnosis, clear reporting, and accurate results.
Experienced Leak detection specialists with a strong track record across London and Surrey. We support homeowners, landlords, insurers, and loss adjusters with accurate diagnosis and clear next steps.
We use non‑invasive, insurance‑approved techniques to locate leaks precisely while minimising damage to walls, floors, and finishes. Our trace & access reports are accepted by insurers and loss adjusters.
Same‑day appointments are available across London and the South East. Using advanced specialist equipment, we deliver precise results, transparent fixed pricing, and fast, clean repairs with minimal disruption.
We’re trusted across London and the South East for clear diagnosis, professional workmanship, and dependable results — supporting homeowners, landlords, or insurance-backed investigations
I would highly recommend Alan. I wish we had found him earlier because it would have saved us both time and money. We had a water leak at our house which could not be located. I contacted other “experts” in underground water problems before finding Alan, none of them could offer a convincing solution. Alan is an expert in this area and articulated very clearly the alternative solutions and the pros and cons of each. Alan is very professional, hard working and tidy - you would not be able to tell that concrete and flagstones were removed to do the work. Excellent job.
We had a severe water leak that was flooding the basement of our house. Alan and Grant dealt with this emergency straight away. The organisation for our job was efficient, and we were kept informed at all points in the process. The repair was complex. It required moling through the basement exterior wall and installing a new connection to our internal supply. Alan carried this difficult task out efficiently and quickly, causing the least disruption possible, and it was a pleasure to deal with both him and Grant. Their price for the work was very reasonable. highly recommend!
Alan went above and beyond when installing my new water mains. He was prompt, professional, communicative, and really helpful, taking time after the job was done to offer advice on getting the best out of the new supply. I am amazed at how quickly he could get the job done and left the house so clean afterwards you would never have known he was there. The fact he is Thames Water approved was also a huge bonus and made the whole process much quicker and easier. I can't recommend him highly enough and would 100% use London & Surrey Water Services again.
Alan went above and beyond when installing my new water mains. He was prompt, professional, communicative, and really helpful, taking time after the job was done to offer advice on getting the best out of the new supply. I am amazed at how quickly he could get the job done and left the house so clean afterwards you would never have known he was there. The fact he is Thames Water approved was also a huge bonus and made the whole process much quicker and easier. I can't recommend him highly enough and would 100% use London & Surrey Water Services again.
Our focus is on delivering cost-effective, safe, and reliable solutions for the replacement of lead water supply pipes.
Lead supply pipe replaced in South London using moling services, in application to Thames Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme.
Diverting a leaking shared supply pipe that had been built over from both neighbouring properties using Impact Moling.
Replacement of a damaged supply pipe resulting in a loss off supply, under inaccessible landscape using moling,
Lead supply pipe replaced in West London using moling equipment, in application to Affinity Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme
Water supply pipe upgrade to improve water flow in North London using moling equipment, in application to Thames Water Developer Services
Water Supply Pipe replacement to improve water flow in Surrey using impact moling, in application to the SES Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme
Domestic from commercial supply pipe separation in West London using moling equipmentin application to Thames Water's Developer Services
Lead supply pipe replaced in Surrey using Impact Moling equipment, in application to Thames Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme
Separation of a shared supply pipe in West London using moling equipment, in application to Thames Water Developer Services
Moling a new supply pipe under a neighbouring garden from the outside stopvalve
lead pipe renewal in South Croydon using moling,equipment in application to SES Water's Lead Replacement Scheme
Rerouting a built over leaking supply pipe through a new point of entry using Impact Moling Equipment.
Straightforward, expert answers to the most common questions customers ask about water leaks, responsibility, insurance cover, and what to do next
Yes, in most cases. If the leak is on the customer-side supply pipe (from the property boundary to the building) or within your internal plumbing, responsibility rests with the property owner. Thames Water is responsible only for the water main and the communication pipe up to the boundary. The location of the meter does not determine ownership or responsibility
The most reliable initial test is to fully close the internal stop valve and observe the external (footpath) water meter. If the meter continues to move while the internal supply is isolated, this confirms a supply pipe leak between the meter and the property. London & Surrey Water Services can then carry out professional trace and access leak detection to pinpoint the exact location.
Once a customer-side leak is confirmed, Thames Water requires it to be repaired within four weeks. Failure to act may result in enforcement action, continued billing for wasted water, and loss of eligibility for a leakage allowance. Prompt investigation also limits property damage and repair costs
Yes. Water meters record all water passing through, including water lost through leaks. Until the leak is repaired, you remain liable for that usage. However, once repaired, you may be eligible to apply for a Thames Water leakage allowance, subject to criteria
Once the leak is traced, we explain the findings, outline repair options, and provide a clear plan. Repairs can usually be carried out immediately or scheduled quickly, minimising disruption to your home.
No. We support homeowners directly, as well as landlords, managing agents, insurers, and loss adjusters. Our role is to provide clear evidence, accurate location, and practical repair solutions regardless of who is involved.
A leakage allowance refunds the cost of water lost due to a hidden leak. To qualify:
Supply pipe leaks can qualify multiple times, while internal plumbing leaks are usually covered once
If your property shares a supply pipe with neighbouring properties, responsibility is shared for the communal section. You are responsible for the section serving only your property. London & Surrey Water Services can identify shared supplies, isolate responsibility, and advise on separation or coordinated repair
In some circumstances, yes. Thames Water may offer to repair or replace the supply pipe up to the point it enters the building, particularly for customers on priority or support schemes. They will not repair pipework beneath buildings or inside individual flats, and the pipe remains the customer’s responsibility even after repair
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
You are responsible for any leaking pipe on your land, including the supply pipe from the boundary to the house and all internal pipework. Thames Water remains responsible for the water main and communication pipe, and outside stopvalve only
If you suspect a leak, start with a water meter test by isolating the internal stop valve. If the meter continues to move, the leak has been identified on the supply pipe. For confirmation and location, a professional access leak detection trace is required.
Trace and access is the process of locating a hidden leak using specialist equipment, then carefully gaining access to repair it. A qualified trace and access specialist ensures the leak is located accurately while avoiding unnecessary damage to your house.
Most home insurance policies include access insurance cover, which pays the trace and access costs needed to locate the leak. The pipe repair itself is usually excluded. We help you check your insurance policy and support your trace and access claim.
Insurers typically require a written report detailing how the leak was identified, the location, cause, damage caused, and the access method used. Our reports are designed specifically to support a successful water claim.
If testing shows the issue is an external leak beyond your boundary, we document this clearly so the matter can be referred back to Thames Water without unnecessary repair work or cost.
A general local plumber may repair visible leaks, but hidden leaks usually require specialist detection first. Without proper tracing, unnecessary excavation and further damage can occur, increasing costs and delays
In many domestic properties, we can confirm whether a leak is present in under one hour. Full leak detection investigations typically take 1–4 hours, depending on the size of the property, pipe layout, and overall complexity. Underground leaks or shared supply pipes may take longer, but our focus is always on reaching a clear conclusion as quickly and cost‑effectively as possible.
Early detection limits damage caused to walls, floors, and foundations, reduces access costs, and prevents higher water bills. Addressing a leak quickly is always more cost effective than delaying repairs.
Yes. Aging pipework, corrosion, ground movement, and poor maintenance can all contribute to leaks over time. Regular monitoring of your meter and prompt investigation when usage changes are essential.
South London – Bromley – Croydon – Merton – Kingston – Sutton – Wandsworth – West London – Brent – Ealing – Hammersmith – Harrow – Richmond Hillingdon – Hounslow – East London – Lewisham – Greenwich – Hackney – Tower Hamlets – Newham – Bexley – Waltham Forrest – North London – Barnet –Enfield– Haringey – Central London – Camden – City of London – Kensington – Islington – Lambeth – Southwark – Westminster – Surrey – Elmbridge – Epsom Guildford – Mole Valley – Reigate – Runnymede – Spelthorne – Surrey Heath – Tandridge – Waverley – Woking
to arrange a leak detection visit, discuss your situation, or request a callback from one of our specialists.
0800 037 1247
+44(0)7884458834
enquiries@approved-plumbers.london
30 Durham Road, London SW20 0TW
