Leak Detection South London

Specialist water and gas leak detection across South London and Surrey. Non-invasive trace and access using acoustic and thermal equipment — finding the leak before breaking anything.

Leak detection across South London — find it before you fix it

A hidden water leak in a South London property can cause thousands of pounds of damage before it becomes visible. R.W. Miller uses acoustic leak detection and thermal imaging equipment to locate leaks in underground pipes, under concrete floors, behind walls, and within heating systems — covering SW and SE postcodes across Wandsworth, Lambeth, Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, and Bromley.

The diagnostic fee is £80 for the first hour. This covers a methodical investigation of the affected area using specialist detection equipment. Once the leak is located, a fixed price is agreed before any excavation or access work begins. The goal is always to minimise disruption — finding the exact location before touching anything.

Unexplained damp patches, rising water bills, the sound of running water when everything is turned off, or a warm patch on a cold floor are all signs of a hidden leak. Call 07375 813996 as soon as you suspect a problem — catching leaks early prevents structural damage and significantly reduces repair costs.

Signs you may have a hidden water leak

Unexplained damp or staining Damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors with no obvious cause — especially if they grow over time — are a strong indicator of a hidden leak.
Water bill increasing with no change in use If your water bill has increased significantly without a change in usage, water is escaping somewhere in your pipework.
Sound of running water Hearing water running when all taps and appliances are off suggests a leak in the supply pipework — often under floors or behind walls.
Warm patch on a cold floor A warm spot on a tiled or solid floor usually indicates a leak in an underfloor heating pipe or a buried hot water supply pipe.
Boiler pressure dropping without obvious cause If your heating system pressure drops regularly and there is no visible leak, there may be a leak within the system pipework or under the floor.
Visible mould or structural damage Persistent mould growth, crumbling plaster, or lifting floor coverings near pipework often indicate a slow leak that has been present for some time.

How we carry out leak detection

01

Initial assessment

We start by reviewing the symptoms — where damp is visible, when it appeared, and what pipework runs through the affected area. This helps narrow the search before deploying detection equipment.

02

Acoustic and thermal detection

Using acoustic listening equipment and thermal imaging cameras, we locate the leak precisely without unnecessary disruption. In most cases, the leak can be found without breaking any floors or walls.

03

Locate and confirm

Once the leak is located, we confirm the position and provide a clear report of findings. A fixed price is agreed for access and repair before any excavation or making-good work begins.

04

Repair and reinstate

We carry out the repair with minimal disruption, reinstating any surfaces disturbed during access. A pressure test confirms the repair is successful before we leave the site.

Frequently asked questions

R.W. Miller charges an £80 diagnostic fee for the first hour of leak detection work. This covers the investigation and use of specialist detection equipment. Once the leak is located, a fixed price is agreed for any access and repair work before anything further is done.
We use acoustic leak detection equipment, which listens for the distinctive sound signature of water escaping under pressure, and thermal imaging cameras, which detect temperature variations caused by escaping water. Together these techniques allow us to pinpoint leaks accurately in the majority of cases without any destructive access work.
Yes. Acoustic detection equipment is effective through concrete floors and screed. Thermal imaging is also effective for underfloor pipes carrying warm water. Once the leak position is confirmed, any required access is kept to the minimum necessary — we do not break up more than we need to.
A standard leak investigation for a residential property in South London typically takes between one and three hours depending on the complexity of the pipework and the symptoms. In straightforward cases the leak can be located within the first hour. We always aim to give you a confirmed leak position before agreeing any repair price.
If the leak is found to be in shared pipework or in a supply pipe under a public highway, the responsibility lies with the water company — in South London this is Thames Water. We can confirm the leak position and provide you with the information you need to report it to Thames Water, who are obligated to repair leaks in their infrastructure.
Leak Detection across South London
Wandsworth Lewisham Greenwich Lambeth Southwark Bromley Surrey