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Emergency plumbing

Leak Detection & Repair in Southampton

Water coming through the ceiling? A bill that's shot up? Damp you can't explain? These are the signs of a hidden leak. We trace it and fix it, without tearing your home apart.

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Water coming through the ceiling

If water is actively dripping, or coming through a ceiling, act on these five steps straight away. Doing so limits how much damage it causes. Moreover, it helps while you wait for us to arrive.

  1. 1 Turn off the stopcock if the source is your own supply — this stops more water feeding the leak.
  2. 2 Kill the electrics in the affected room at the consumer unit — water and light fittings don't mix.
  3. 3 Catch the water with a bucket or bowl, and move furniture and electronics clear.
  4. 4 A bulging, saturated ceiling can collapse under the weight of trapped water — keep everyone out of the room below.
  5. 5 Get in touch — an active leak is always treated as top priority.

How professional leak detection works

We trace leaks using listening equipment, moisture meters and thermal imaging. This narrows down the source before we open any floor or wall. As a result, we can pinpoint a leak under a slab, behind tiling or inside a stud wall. We do this with minimal disruption. There's no guesswork, and no unnecessary digging up of floors.

Signs of a hidden leak

  • Water bills that have gone up with no change in usage.
  • Damp patches or discolouration on walls, ceilings or skirting boards.
  • A noticeable drop in water pressure.
  • Your water meter still ticking over when every tap and appliance is off.
  • A persistent musty smell or patches of mould.

Repairs we complete on the spot

Once we locate the leak, we complete most repairs in the same visit. That includes a failed joint, a corroded section of pipe, or a perished seal. However, where access requires opening a small section of wall or floor, we'll explain what's involved. We'll do that before we start. We'll also leave the area as tidy as possible, ready for any making-good.

Frequently asked questions

Is a ceiling leak an emergency?

Yes, treat it as one. A wet ceiling can weaken and collapse. Water tracking down into light fittings or sockets is also a genuine electrical risk. Isolate the water and electrics where you safely can, and get in touch straight away.

Can I claim a water leak on home insurance?

Many buildings and contents policies cover sudden, accidental leak damage, although cover and excesses vary by insurer. Some also exclude leaks you leave unresolved for a long time. So check your policy, or speak to your insurer directly. Keep any invoice we provide for your claim.

How do you find a leak under the floor?

We use acoustic listening devices, moisture meters and thermal imaging to narrow down the leak's location. We do this before opening anything up. This lets us target a small, specific area rather than lifting an entire floor.

Why has my water bill suddenly gone up?

A sudden rise with no change in household usage is one of the most common signs. It usually points to a hidden leak. It's often underground, under a floor, or inside a wall. Checking whether your meter moves when everything is switched off is a quick way to confirm it. Do this before calling us out.

Found a leak — or suspect one?

An active leak is always treated as top priority across Southampton. We'll find it and fix it.
Get emergency help now