What affects trace and access cost, and what your policy pays
Every leak is different. The cost of finding one depends on the kind of leak, how easy it is to get to and what sits over the pipe. Where a policy includes trace and access, the limit is often £5,000.
Call an engineer0333 567 2646Your advisor confirms the cost before anything is booked. A guide from ADI Leak Detection. Lines open 7:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday.
What affects the cost of tracing a water leak
The kind of leak
Plumbing and heating leaks are booked as a full day. Roof and structural leaks usually take half a day, and swimming pools need their own tests for the pipework, liner and plant room.
Getting in
Flats are harder. The engineer may need the flat above or below, and shared mains or blocked access are the usual reasons a leak can't be traced at all.
A whole day for your job
Each engineer takes one job a day, so the day is yours whether the leak turns up after an hour or at half past four.
What sits over the pipe
Finding a leak under carpet is the same job as finding one under porcelain tiles. Opening up and putting back is not, and it is quoted separately with the repair.
How far a £5,000 trace and access limit goes
Say your policy pays up to £5,000 for trace and access. That one figure has to cover the search, getting to the leak and putting back whatever was disturbed.
How it splits depends on the house. Lifting and relaying a floor, breaking out and re-screeding concrete or retiling a wall can each take a large share, so it's a good idea to get quotes for opening up and making good before the work starts and send them to your insurer with the leak report.
- Finding the leak
- Getting to it
- Putting back what the search disturbed
No find, no fee leak detection: when you pay nothing
If the engineer can't find the leak, there is no charge for the search. The main conditions are these.
- A domestic property, with one leak at one address
- The leak is losing at least half a litre of water a minute
- Hot or cold mains-fed plumbing, or a water main up to 30 metres long
- ADI Leak Detection is also booked to open up and repair the leak
A leak counts as found when it is narrowed down to one room, or an area of 5 by 5 metres.
It does not cover central heating, structural or swimming pool leaks, shared water mains, commercial property, or homes with more than one kitchen or more than three bathrooms (WCs and en-suites count).
The full terms are sent with every booking, and the advisor will tell you on the phone whether your leak qualifies.
Moving or cancelling a leak detection booking
Moving or cancelling is free with more than one working day's notice, or two working days for swimming pools.
Any later and the full charge is due, because that engineer's day can't be given to anyone else. For a Monday appointment, that means calling by 9:30am on the Friday before.
Talk to an engineer before you call your insurer
The first thing they'll ask is what you've noticed and where, so they can judge whether it sounds like a leak they can trace. They'll also tell you what the day would cost and what your insurer is likely to want to see.
Call an engineer0333 567 2646Lines open 7:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday.