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One of the most stressful types of water leaks a homeowner can experience is one that hides beneath a concrete floor. These leaks can remain undetected for weeks or months, leading to major property damage, unexpected water bills, and even structural issues. Fortunately, with modern trace and access technology, it is now possible to find leaks under a concrete floor without excessive disruption. In this blog, we explain how the process works, what tools are involved, how it ties in with your home insurance, and how 0800 Homefix can assist you every step of the way.
Visit our trace and access service page for more details.
Why Do Leaks Occur Under Concrete Floors?
Leaks beneath concrete slabs often stem from copper pipes or plastic plumbing embedded in the foundation of the property. Over time, these pipes can degrade due to age, shifting soil, corrosion, or pressure from the concrete itself. Additionally, poor workmanship during installation or external vibrations (from nearby construction or road traffic) can cause tiny cracks or fractures, leading to leaking pipes.
In homes with central heating systems, warm water runs through concealed pipes, and over time, joints can loosen or wear out. Left untreated, these leaks lead to damp patches, decreased water pressure, or even damage to floor tiles.
Can Trace and Access Find Leaks Under Concrete?
Yes. Trace and access is the process of locating hidden leaks with precision using non-invasive techniques. When dealing with leaks under concrete floors, specialists use advanced technologies to identify both the location and severity of the leak, reducing the need to damage surfaces.
Here are the tools typically used:
Thermal imaging: Infrared cameras detect temperature anomalies caused by water escaping from heated pipes. Useful for leaks in hot water pipes or heating systems.
Acoustic sensors: Sensitive microphones pick up sounds of dripping or flowing water, even through solid concrete.
Tracer gas: A safe, inert gas is introduced into the system. When the gas escapes through a leak, it rises through the concrete and is detected by special gas sensors.
Moisture meters: These detect elevated moisture levels under the surface.
Pressure tests: These confirm a loss of pressure within a specific section of the pipework.
All these methods are minimally disruptive, providing a clear path for precise repair.
What Happens After the Leak Is Found?
Once the leak is identified, the next step is creating minimal access to expose the damaged pipe. This may involve:
Carefully removing a section of floor tiles
Cutting through the concrete using specialist tools
Inspecting the leak and preparing for pipe repair
Depending on the pipe material, 0800 Homefix may repair the joint, replace the section of the pipe, or reroute part of the plumbing system.
How Does Insurance Come Into Play?
Most buildings insurance policies include trace and access cover, but policy wording varies. This cover typically includes the cost of:
Locating the leak using specialist equipment
Gaining access to the pipe
Producing reports for your insurance claim
However, the cost of repairing the actual leak or reinstating damaged flooring may not be included unless your home insurance explicitly states so. Be sure to confirm with your insurance company before beginning work.
Refer to MoneyHelper for more guidance on what your policy might include.
Signs You May Have a Leak Under Concrete
Leaks under concrete can be hard to notice at first. Watch out for:
A sudden spike in your water bill
Decreased water pressure
Warm spots on the floor
Persistent damp or mildew smells
Floor tiles lifting or cracking
If you notice any of these signs, contact a leak detection specialist immediately.
What If You Leave It Untreated?
A leak under a concrete floor left untreated can cause significant property damage, including:
Mould and mildew growth
Structural weakening of the foundation
Increased risk of a larger pipe failure
Costly repair bills from long-term damage
Delaying action can also jeopardise your ability to make a successful claim with your home insurer, especially if the policy requires addressing leaks promptly.
How 0800 Homefix Can Help
At 0800 Homefix, we offer:
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Advanced leak detection using thermal imaging, tracer gas, and acoustic sensors
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Detailed reports for your access insurance claim
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Minimal disruption to your home
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Fully qualified, Gas Safe registered engineers to carry out any leak repair safely
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Liaison support with your insurance company
With extensive experience handling leaks in concrete, 0800 Homefix ensures every job is done with precision, professionalism, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
So, can trace and access find leaks under a concrete floor? Absolutely. Modern methods are highly effective in pinpointing even the most elusive leaks with minimal disruption. If you suspect a leak under your floor, don’t wait for visible damage or rising water bills. Early intervention means lower repair costs, less stress, and a smoother insurance claim.
Contact 0800 Homefix today for expert assistance.
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