Accurately tracing hidden water pipework and mapping water main routes without unnecessary disruption.
Knowing where underground and concealed water pipework runs is essential when investigating leaks, carrying out repairs or planning work on a property. Unidentified pipe routes and inaccessible stop taps can make even straightforward plumbing work more disruptive and costly.
At Maystone Leak Detection, our experienced engineers use specialist pipe tracing equipment and techniques to identify water main routes, locate stop taps and trace concealed pipework. By accurately mapping the water supply infrastructure, we can help provide a clearer understanding of how water enters and travels through a site, helping to minimise unnecessary excavation and disruption.
Pipe Tracting Leak Detection
At a glance:
Pipe tracing leak detection
Best for:
Tracing underground and concealed water pipework, mapping water main routes and locating stop taps.
Common signs:
Unknown water main routes
Locating buried or concealed pipework
Finding internal and external stop taps
Establishing where water supplies enter a property
Mapping pipework before excavation
Supporting leak detection investigations
Identifying abandoned or redundant pipe routes
Planning plumbing or building works
Detection methods used:
Pipe Cameras | Pipe Microphones | Tracer Wires | CAT & Genny
Suitable for:
Domestic & commercial properties, construction sites, property management and facilities management.
What is pipe tracing leak detection?
Pipe tracing is the process of identifying and following the route of concealed, underground or otherwise difficult-to-locate pipework.
Water mains and supply pipes can run beneath floors, gardens, driveways, roads and other areas of a site. Over time, changes to buildings and landscaping can mean that the original pipe routes and stop tap locations are no longer known.
Accurately tracing these services provides valuable information about how a property’s water supply is configured and can help identify the route between the water main, stop tap and internal plumbing system.
At Maystone Leak Detection, we use a combination of specialist equipment and practical experience to trace pipework and create a clearer picture of a site’s water infrastructure.
Signs you may need pipe tracing
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The route of your underground or concealed water supply is unknown.
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You can't locate your stop tap
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Knowing where water pipes run can help prevent accidental damage during construction, landscaping or groundwork.
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Tracing the pipework can help focus further leak detection on the correct area.
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Your property's pipework doesn't match existing plans
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Understanding where water enters and travels through a property can make future maintenance, repairs and leak investigations much easier.
Common reasons for needing pipe tracing:
Unknown pipe routes
Hidden or buried stop taps
Older or altered pipework
Suspected underground leaks
Planned excavation
Building or renovation work
Landscaping or driveway work
Multiple water supplies
Missing or inaccurate plans
Future maintenance planning
How does Maystone trace water pipework?
Our engineers assess the site and existing information before selecting the most appropriate tracing method. Depending on the type, accessibility and condition of the pipework, we can use several specialist techniques.
Our pipework techniques include:
Pipe Cameras
Pipe inspection cameras can be live inserted into suitable pipework to visually investigate the inside of a pipe.
This can help establish the direction and condition of accessible pipework and provide valuable information when tracing difficult or unknown routes.
Pipe Microphones
Specialist pipe microphones can also be live inserted into suitable pipework.
These can assist engineers in identifying and following pipe routes by detecting relevant sounds within the system. This technique can be particularly useful where the pipe itself is concealed or underground.
Tracer Wires with CAT & Genny
Tracer wires can be used alongside a CAT and Genny to help trace the route of suitable underground or concealed services.
The signal can be followed from an accessible point to establish the direction of the pipe or service, helping engineers build a clearer picture of the site’s water main routes.
Why choose specialist pipe tracing?
Accurately map water main routes
Locate difficult-to-find stop taps
Trace concealed and underground pipework
Reduce unnecessary excavation
Help prevent accidental damage to services
Support leak detection investigations
Assist future maintenance and repairs
Provide valuable site information for contractors and property managers
Why we combine technologies
At Maystone Leak Detection, we understand that every leak is different, which is why we never rely on a single detection method in isolation. While each technology has its own strengths, combining multiple techniques allows our engineers to build a clearer picture of what is happening within your property.
By comparing the results from advanced technologies such as thermal imaging, acoustic listening, moisture mapping, tracer gas testing and other specialist methods, we can accurately confirm the source of a leak before recommending any repairs.
This approach helps us provide a more accurate diagnosis, reduce unnecessary disruption and ensure the right solution is used for your specific situation.
Our leak detection technologies include:
FAQs about pipe tracing:
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Pipe tracing is the process of identifying and following the route of concealed or underground pipework. Specialist equipment can be used to establish where water pipes run and help locate important components such as stop taps.
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Knowing the route of water mains can help with leak detection, repairs, maintenance, excavation and future building work. Accurate mapping can also help prevent accidental damage to underground water services.
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Yes. Specialist pipe tracing techniques can help investigate the route of a water supply and assist in locating concealed or difficult-to-find stop taps.
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Yes. Suitable underground pipework can be traced using techniques such as tracer wires and CAT & Genny equipment. Other methods may also be used depending on the type and accessibility of the pipe.
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A pipe camera can be live inserted into suitable pipework to provide a visual inspection of the inside of the pipe. This can help establish the direction, condition and route of accessible pipework.
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A pipe microphone can be live inserted into suitable pipework to detect sounds within the system. This can help engineers trace the route of concealed pipework where the pipe itself cannot be seen.
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A CAT and Genny can be used with suitable tracer wires to detect and follow a signal along underground or concealed services. This can help establish the route of water pipework without unnecessary excavation.
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Yes. Establishing the route of a water main or concealed pipe can provide valuable information when investigating a suspected leak. Knowing where the pipe runs can help focus further detection work on the relevant area.
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Pipe tracing can help establish the routes of water mains, supply pipes and other accessible services, as well as stop tap locations. The information gathered can provide a useful record of the site’s water supply infrastructure for future maintenance and investigations.
Why choose Maystone?
Advanced technology. Experienced engineers. Accurate results.
Finding a hidden leak requires more than specialist equipment. It takes experience, knowledge and the right combination of technologies to accurately identify the source while minimising disruption to your property.
Experienced Leak Detection Engineers
Specialists in locating hidden leaks across domestic and commercial properties.
Advanced Detection Technology
Using thermal imaging, acoustic listening, tracer gas, moisture mapping and more to pinpoint leaks accurately.
Minimal Disruption
Non-invasive detection methods designed to avoid unnecessary damage.
Insurance-Friendly Reports
Clear, detailed reports to support insurance claims where required.
Residential & Commercial Expertise
Trusted by homeowners, landlords, businesses and property managers.
Five-Star Customer Service
Honest advice, clear communication and accurate leak detection trusted by our customers.