Locating hidden water mains leaks without unnecessary disruption.
A hidden leak in an underground water main or supply pipe can waste significant amounts of water, increase your water bills and cause damage to gardens, driveways and surrounding structures. Common signs include an unexplained rise in water usage, reduced water pressure or a water meter that continues running when all taps are switched off.
At Maystone Leak Detection, our experienced engineers use specialist underground water leak detection equipment to investigate concealed supply pipes and locate the likely source of escaping water. By combining advanced technologies, we aim to pinpoint leaks accurately while minimising unnecessary excavation and disruption to your property.
Water Mains Leak Detection
At a glance:
Water mains leak detection
Best for:
Finding hidden leaks within underground water mains, supply pipes and external or internal water pipework
Common signs:
Unexplained increase in water bills
Water meter continuing to run when water is not being used
Low water pressure
Damp or unusually wet areas
Standing water or unexplained puddles
Sound of running water when taps are off
Detection methods used:
Thermal Imaging | Acoustic Profiling | Tracer Gas | Moisture Mapping
Suitable for:
Domestic & commercial properties
What is water mains leak detection?
Water mains leak detection is the process of locating hidden leaks within the mains water supply without unnecessary excavation or damage to your property. Water mains leaks can occur within underground supply pipes, joints, connections or other sections of pipework and may remain hidden for long periods before visible signs appear.
A leaking water main can result in wasted water, increased bills, reduced water pressure and damage to surrounding ground or structures.
Using specialist leak detection equipment and years of experience, our engineers identify the likely source and location of the leak, allowing any necessary repair work to be targeted accurately.
Signs you may have a water mains leak
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If all taps and water-using appliances are switched off but your meter continues to register usage, this may indicate a hidden leak.
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An unexplained rise in water consumption can be a warning sign that water is escaping from your supply pipe.
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A leak within the mains supply pipe can affect the amount of water reaching your property.
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Persistent damp ground, wet patches or areas of water where there is no obvious source may indicate a leaking underground pipe.
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Hissing, running or other unusual sounds from pipework may indicate water escaping from a concealed pipe.
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A consistently wet area of ground can be a sign of an underground water mains leak, particularly where there has been no recent rainfall.
Common causes of water mains leaks:
Water mains and underground supply pipes can develop leaks for a number of reasons, including:
Ageing or deteriorating pipework
Corrosion
Failed or damaged joints
Ground movement
Tree root intrusion
Accidental damage
Freezing and thawing
Pressure-related damage
Poorly installed or ageing connections
How does Maystone detect water mains leaks?
Finding an underground water mains leak can be challenging because much of the pipework is concealed beneath floors, driveways, gardens, roads or other surfaces.
Our engineers begin with a detailed assessment of the property, pipework and symptoms before selecting the most appropriate detection methods.
Our leak detection methods include:
Acoustic Profiling
Using specialist ground microphones and acoustic equipment to listen for sounds associated with escaping water, helping identify the likely location of leaks within underground supply pipes.
Pipe Correlation
Using acoustic sensors positioned along suitable pipework to compare leak sounds and calculate the likely location of a leak between two measurement points.
Tracer Gas
Introducing a specialist tracer gas into suitable isolated pipework to help identify leaks beneath driveways, gardens, roads and other surfaces where conventional methods may be less effective.
Pressure Testing
Testing suitable sections of water supply pipework to establish whether pressure loss indicates a potential leak within the system.
Pipe Tracing
Using specialist locating equipment to establish the route of concealed water mains, helping engineers focus further leak detection investigations along the relevant pipework.
Why choose specialist water mains leak detection?
Avoid unnecessary excavation
Locate underground leaks accurately
Reduce disruption to gardens, driveways and floors
Identify the source before repair work begins
Help prevent further water damage
Reduce wasted water and potentially unnecessary costs
Provide evidence to support insurance claims
Avoid unnecessary replacement of pipework
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 water mains leak detection:
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Common signs include an unexplained increase in your water bill, a water meter that continues to run when water is not being used, reduced water pressure, unexplained wet patches, persistent puddles or sounds of running water when all taps are switched off.
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Yes. Specialist leak detection techniques such as acoustic detection, tracer gas, thermal imaging and moisture mapping can help identify the location of hidden leaks without immediately excavating the ground. This can significantly reduce unnecessary disruption.
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Water mains leaks can occur along underground supply pipes, joints, connections and other sections of the water supply system. Depending on the property, pipework may run beneath gardens, driveways, floors, paths or other areas, making leaks difficult to locate without specialist equipment.
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If all taps, toilets and water-using appliances are switched off but your water meter continues to record consumption, there may be a leak somewhere on your water supply. A professional leak detection survey can help establish whether there is a hidden leak and where it is located.
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Yes. Underground water mains leaks can often be investigated using non-invasive detection methods before any excavation takes place. Accurately locating the leak can help reduce the amount of ground that needs to be disturbed during repairs.
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A significant leak within a water supply pipe can contribute to reduced water pressure. However, low pressure can have several possible causes, so specialist investigation can help determine whether a leak is responsible.
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The time required depends on the size and layout of the property, the location of the supply pipe and the nature of the suspected leak. Our engineers assess the situation and select the most appropriate detection methods to locate the leak as efficiently as possible.
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Once the leak has been identified, the affected pipework can be assessed and the appropriate repair can be planned. Accurate leak detection means repair work can be focused on the suspected location, helping to avoid unnecessary excavation and disruption.
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.