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Trace and Access Leak Detection Plumbers in London

Trace and access is the process of locating a hidden water leak using specialist equipment, accessing the failure point, and producing a formal written report for your insurer. It is a specific section of your buildings insurance policy – and in most cases, 97% of standard buildings policies include it – but many
homeowners do not know they have it until they are already facing a repair bill.

If your insurer has asked you to get a trace and access investigation, or you suspect a hidden leak and want to know whether your policy covers the cost of finding it, call us. We carry out the investigation, produce the report, and in most cases carry out the repair in the same visit.

Gas Safe Registered
No Call-Out Fee
12-Month Guarantee
Fully Insured
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48 Hrs

Report Delivered

£0

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12 Month

Guarantee

97%

Policies Include T&A Cover

Gas Safe Registered

Every engineer verified

APHC Members

Trade body accredited

Public Liability Insurance

Your property protected

WaterSafe Approved

Qualified for mains water

NVQ Level 2 & 3

Formally qualified engineers

why choose 0800 homefix

Why Choose 0800 Homefix for Trace and Access

Most of the trace and access jobs we deal with come to us after the homeowner has already been through a frustrating experience. They noticed the damp patch weeks ago. They called a general plumber who could not find the source. Their insurer told them they need a specialist report. Now they are looking for someone who knows exactly what an insurer needs and can produce documentation that will not be questioned.

That is the job we do. We find leaks that other engineers miss, we access the failure point with the minimum damage possible, and we produce a written report that meets the requirements of the major UK insurers. We have done this hundreds of times. We know what loss adjusters look for and what causes claims to be delayed.

  • Specialist trace and access investigations for residential and commercial properties
  • Reports structured to meet insurer and loss adjuster requirements
  • Same-day visits available when you have an active claim reference
  • We work directly with managing agents, landlords and leaseholders
  • Leaks pinpointed to within centimetres using acoustic, thermal and tracer gas methods before any access
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What trace and access cover typically includes

Locating the source using non-invasive methods. Making a controlled access opening to visually confirm the source. Providing a detailed written report with photographs. Restoring the area disturbed during access. What it usually does not cover: the cost of the repair itself, damage caused by the leak, or work arising from poor maintenance.

The Process

What Sets Our Trace and Access Service Apart

There are a number of leak detection companies operating in London. Here is what makes a practical difference when you are dealing with a real leak in your property.

01

Report Built for Insurers, Not Just for You

Our reports are not just a letter saying we found the leak. They include the method used, equipment deployed, photographs of the detection process, the confirmed location, the extent of any moisture spread, and a recommendations section. Loss adjusters receive these and process them without needing to come back to us for clarification.

02

We Find, Access and Fix in One Visit

Many trace and access companies locate the leak and leave the access and repair to separate contractors. We carry out all three stages where possible. One engineer, one visit, one report, one invoice. This matters to insurers because it keeps the claim straightforward and the paperwork clean.

03

Minimum Access, Maximum Precision

Insurers only cover access that is necessary to reach the confirmed leak point. An engineer who opens the wrong wall wastes your claim allowance. We pinpoint the source to within a few centimetres using acoustic, thermal and tracer gas methods before any access work begins. Access is targeted, not exploratory.

04

Gas Safe on Every Job

Every engineer carries current Gas Safe registration. For trace and access investigations involving central heating systems, boilers or gas pipework, this is not optional. You can verify any of our engineers at GasSafeRegister.co.uk before they arrive.

05

Report Delivered in 48 Hours

Your insurer cannot process the claim without the report. We deliver within 48 hours of the investigation visit as standard. If your insurer or loss adjuster needs it sooner for an active claim, call us and we will do what we can to accommodate that.

06

12-Month Guarantee on All Repair Work

Every repair carried out following a trace and access investigation is guaranteed for 12 months. If the same fault returns within that period, we come back and fix it at no extra cost. This guarantee is included in the documentation we provide to your insurer.

The people behind the service

Meet a Few Of Our Plumbing & Heating Engineers

When you call 0800 Homefix, a real named engineer attends your property. Every person on our London team is Gas Safe registered, NVQ qualified, DBS checked, and carries full ID. Here are some of the engineers who may attend your job.

Neill Young

Leak Detection Specialist

8+ years experience · North, East & West London

APHC Member
WaterSafe Approved

With over 8 years of experience servicing North, East and West London, I specialise in locating hidden leaks quickly and accurately using non-invasive detection methods. As a fully Gas Safe Registered engineer with NVQ Level 3 qualifications, I focus on delivering reliable, professional solutions that minimise disruption and help customers avoid unnecessary damage and repair costs.

“I regularly find hidden leaks without removing tiles or floors—most customers are surprised how quickly we can locate the issue without damage.”

James Emmerson

Plumbing & Heating Engineer

13+ years experience – London
Gas Safe Registered
NVQ Level 3 Plumbing & Heating
G3 Certified

I specialise in boiler breakdowns and central heating systems, I enjoy solving complex faults and making sure systems are running safely and efficiently again, first time.

“In London properties, the most damaging leaks are the ones you can’t see. By the time a damp patch appears on a ceiling, the structural damage can already be significant. Finding it early – without demolition – is what this job is about.”

Oliver White

Senior Plumbing & Heating Engineer

28+ years experience – London

Gas Safe Registered
NVQ Level 3 Plumbing & Drainage
NVQ Level 3 Gas Maintenance & Breakdown
With over 28 years in the trade, including more than 20 at British Gas, I focus on diagnosing the root cause of issues quickly, from boiler faults to hidden leaks – so customers get a proper, long-term fix without unnecessary work.

“On an urgent call, the first thing I do is help the homeowner find and shut off the stopcock while I’m on my way. That one step stops the damage spreading and saves serious money. It only takes 10 minutes on the phone.”

What to expect

What every 0800 Homefix plumber brings to your door

Every engineer arrives with a fully stocked van, carries Gas Safe ID you can inspect, and introduces themselves by name before entering your property. They explain what they have found and what the fix involves before starting any work – and they leave your property clean and tidy when they are done.

  • Gas Safe ID carried and shown on request before any gas work
  • Fixed quote agreed before any work begins - no surprises
  • Fault diagnosed and explained in plain language
  • Shoe covers worn and workspace left clean and tidy
  • Written confirmation of 12-month workmanship guarantee on completion
  • Gas Safe documentation provided after every gas job, automatically

All engineers carry Gas Safe ID and are DBS checked. You can verify any engineer’s Gas Safe registration independently at gassaferegister.co.uk before work begins.

Our Process

How the Claim Process Works

Most people have not been through a trace and access claim before. Here is what happens from the moment you notice the problem to the point where your insurer settles the claim.

one

Check Your Policy

Look in the Escape of Water section of your buildings insurance. It should show whether trace and access cover is included and the cover limit – typically £5,000 on standard policies.

two

Call Your Insurer

Report the leak to your insurer before arranging the investigation. They may issue a claim reference number. Call us with that number and we can often arrange a same-day visit.

three

Investigation Visit

Our engineer attends, carries out the trace investigation using non-invasive equipment, confirms the leak source, and carries out the minimum access required to expose it. Photographs are taken throughout.

four

Report and Claim

We deliver the written report within 48 hours. You submit it to your insurer with the itemised invoice. In most cases, the claim is settled against your policy limit, less your excess.

What the Report Includes

  • Detection method and equipment used
  • Photographs of the investigation and the leak
  • Access work carried out and why it was necessary
  • Engineer name, Gas Safe number and qualifications
  • Confirmed location of the failure point
  • Extent of moisture spread and damage observed
  • Recommendations for repair and making good
  • Itemised invoice for the investigation and access work
View our rates →

Access Cover includes

What Your Trace and Access Cover Includes

Understanding exactly what your policy covers and what it does not avoids surprises during the claims process. Here is a plain summary of how standard trace and access cover typically works.

Typically Covered

  • Specialist investigation to locate the source of the leak - acoustic, thermal imaging, tracer gas
  • Access work required to reach the confirmed failure point - cutting floors, removing tiles, opening wall sections
  • Making good the access - reinstating the specific area opened to reach the leak
  • The written report produced for the insurer
  • Engineer time and call-out costs associated with the investigation

Standard cover limit is typically £5,000. Some policies offer more. Check your Escape of Water section for the exact figure.

Typically Not Covered

  • The repair of the leak itself - pipe replacement or joint repair is usually a separate claim under your main buildings policy
  • Damage caused by the leak - flooring, decoration, furniture - covered under your main buildings or contents policy
  • Water coming in from outside - ingress through roofs, walls or windows is not an escape of water claim
  • Leaks caused by poor maintenance or gradual deterioration where no sudden event occurred
  • Access work that was not directly necessary to reach the confirmed leak point

If you are unsure what your policy covers, call your insurer before the investigation. If you have already called us, we can advise on what the report should include.

Insurance Company

Working With Your Insurance Company

Alongside emergency callouts and specialist leak detection, our plumbers in London handle the full range of day-to-day residential and commercial plumbing. There is no minimum job size – no call-out fee means no job is too small.

 

The most common reason a trace and access insurance claim stalls is an inadequate report. If the report does not specify the detection method used, does not include photographs of the leak location, or does not explain why the access work carried out was necessary and proportionate, the loss adjuster has grounds to request more information before releasing payment.

We have carried out enough of these investigations to know exactly what a complete report looks like. Ours include the engineer’s Gas Safe number and qualifications, the specific equipment used, timestamped photographs at each stage, the confirmed failure point with measurements, the moisture spread mapped across the affected area, and a clear recommendation section.

If you already have a claim reference number when you call, tell us. In most cases we can prioritise the visit and get the report to you within 48 hours of the investigation. If the loss adjuster has specific questions about our methodology or equipment, we are available to speak with them directly.

We do not deal with every insurer in the same way – some have preferred report formats and some have specific requirements around photographic evidence. If your insurer has given you a specific set of requirements, call us with them and we will make sure the report meets them.

Commercial and residential plumbers in London

We work on both residential and commercial properties across London – from single flats and Victorian terraces to office buildings, retail units, and HMOs. For commercial clients, we understand that delays cost money and disruption to tenants or customers is not acceptable. Our response times and quality standards are the same regardless of property type or size.

Responsibilities

Trace and Access in Rented Properties

One of the most common questions our plumbers in London receive is whether the landlord or the tenant is responsible for a plumbing fault. Here is the clear answer.

For Landlords and Managing Agents

A hidden leak in a tenanted property is a time-sensitive problem. Every week it runs undetected, the damage compounds – and the insurance claim becomes harder to argue as a sudden and unexpected event rather than a gradual deterioration.

We carry out trace and access investigations in tenanted properties regularly. We coordinate directly with managing agents, work around tenants, and produce the written report in the landlord’s name where required. If the property has a buildings insurance policy with trace and access cover, the investigation cost in most cases falls entirely on the insurer, not you.

  • We liaise directly with managing agents to arrange access
  • Reports produced in the landlord or freeholder's name as required
  • Available 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a Year to avoid extended void periods
  • Same-day visits available when a claim reference is already open

For Tenants Dealing With a Leak

If you have noticed a damp patch, water stain, or unexplained mould growth in a rented property, report it to your landlord in writing straight away. Do not wait to see if it clears up. Hidden leaks do not clear up – they get worse.

Do not attempt to find the source yourself by cutting into walls or lifting floors. The landlord is responsible for arranging the investigation and any damage you cause to the property structure could become a separate issue. What you should do is document the problem – photograph it, note the date, and keep a record of when you reported it.

  • Report the issue to your landlord in writing and keep a copy
  • Photograph the damage and note when it first appeared
  • Do not open any walls, floors or ceilings without the landlord's agreement
  • If the landlord is not responding, contact your local council's environmental health team

PRICING

Our Rates

We charge in half-hour increments from the point of arrival. There is no call-out fee. Before any work starts, the engineer confirms the applicable rate and nothing proceeds without your agreement. If your insurer is covering the investigation under trace and access cover, the invoice we provide is structured to meet their requirements.

Investigation Rate

Charged per half-hour from arrival. The engineer quotes an estimated time when you call, based on your description of the problem.

No Call-Out Fee

You pay for the work carried out, not the visit. First-hour rate covers arrival, initial assessment and investigation start.

Access Work

Where physical access is required to reach the leak, this is quoted before work begins. The quote is included in the insurance report.

Out-of-Hours Uplift

A small uplift applies to evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Agreed with you before the engineer travels.

For a full rate breakdown, visit our rates page. If your policy has a trace and access limit, we can structure the work to make the best use of your cover.

View our rates →

Customer reviews

What Our Customers Say

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4.4 | 77 reviews

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Common questions

Trace and Access - Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions homeowners, landlords, and tenants typically ask before booking one of our plumbers in London.

What is trace and access cover and do I have it?

Trace and access cover is the section of your buildings insurance policy that pays for the cost of locating a hidden water leak and accessing it for repair. According to Defaqto, 97% of standard buildings insurance policies include it, though the cover limit varies – typically £5,000 on standard domestic policies. To check whether you have it, look in the Escape of Water section of your policy documents, or call your insurer directly and ask: do I have trace and access cover?

What does our trace and access investigation include?

Our investigation covers the full trace stage using non-invasive equipment – acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, tracer gas and moisture meters – followed by targeted access to the confirmed failure point. We carry out access work with the minimum disruption necessary. At the end of the investigation, we provide a written report within 48 hours that documents the method, the findings, photographs and recommendations. This report is structured to meet the requirements of the major UK insurers.

Do I need to call my insurer before booking the investigation?

Yes, ideally call your insurer first. Report the leak, confirm whether your policy includes trace and access cover, and ask whether they want to issue a claim reference number before the investigation takes place. If they issue a reference, call us with it and we can often arrange a same-day visit. Some insurers require you to use an approved contractor – if yours does, ask them whether 0800 Homefix is on their approved list, or call us and we will advise.

How much does trace and access cost?

We charge in half-hour increments from the point of arrival. There is no call-out fee. If your policy includes trace and access cover, the investigation cost in most cases is covered by your insurer, subject to your excess and the policy limit. If you do not have cover, or if the investigation cost exceeds your limit, we will give you a clear estimate when you call. Nothing proceeds without your agreement on the rate.

What if my insurer refuses the claim?

The most common reasons for a claim refusal are that no water damage was found, that the leak was caused by gradual deterioration rather than a sudden event, or that the investigation did not produce adequate documentation. Our reports are produced to minimise the risk of any of these outcomes. If your claim is refused despite a complete report from us, we are happy to speak with your insurer or loss adjuster directly to clarify any technical points.

Can you carry out trace and access in a flat or leasehold property?

Yes. Leasehold properties and flats are some of the most common jobs we deal with, precisely because responsibility for the leak is often unclear – the source might be in a neighbouring flat, in a common area, or in pipework owned by the freeholder. We work with freeholders, managing agents, leaseholders and tenants to coordinate access and produce documentation that is clear about what was found and where. If the leak is in a shared area, we advise on how the claim responsibility sits.

How long does a trace and access investigation take?

It depends on the size of the property, the type of system affected and how deeply concealed the leak is. A straightforward trace and access investigation in a mid-terrace house typically takes 3 to 5 hours including the access work. A large property with multiple affected areas can take a full day. We give you a realistic time estimate when you call, based on what you describe.

Do you carry out the repair as well as the trace and access investigation?

Yes, in most cases. We carry out both the investigation and the repair in the same visit where possible. This means one call, one engineer, one invoice – and a single document set for your insurer. The repair is quoted separately before it starts, and if your main buildings policy covers the repair cost, the invoice we produce is structured to support that claim as well as the trace and access element.

Coverage

Complete London Coverage

Our plumbers in London operate across all Greater London boroughs and areas within the M25. We have engineers based throughout the city so response times are fast wherever you are.

East London

E, IG, RM postcodes

Barking & Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest

West London

W, UB, TW postcodes

Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames

North London

N, NW, EN postcodes

Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington

South London

SE, SW postcodes

Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Southwark, Sutton, Wandsworth

Central London

WC, EC postcodes

City of London, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster

South East England & Other

Home Counties / North London Fringe

AL, HP, SG, EN 

St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, (London North crossover)

Kent

DA, ME, TN, CT    

Dartford, Medway, Tonbridge, Canterbury

Surrey

GU, KT, RH 

Guildford, Kingston upon Thames, Redhill

Thames Valley

SL, RG, OX

Slough, Reading, Oxford

South Coast

BN, PO, SO

Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton

Need to check if we cover your specific postcode?

Speak to our team who can confirm engineer availability. If you are in London (within the M25) or the home counties the short answer will likely be yes.
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From the 0800 Homefix blog

Trace and Access Guides for Property Owners

Our engineers write practical guides based on the plumbing issues they see most often across London properties. Whether you are dealing with a suspected leak, facing an insurance claim, or trying to understand what a repair involves before you call, these articles will help.
Essential Guide on How to Repair a Boiler_ Common Issues and Solutions
Is Trace and Access Standard on All Home Insurance Policies?
June 2, 2025

No, trace and access is not automatically included in all home insurance policies. While many buildings insurance policies do include it, some insurers treat it as an optional add-on, and cover limits can vary significantly between providers. To check, review the Escape of Water section of your policy documents or call your insurer directly. Cover limits typically range from £5,000 to £10,000 per claim. If trace and access is not included, it can be added for a relatively small additional premium.

Read More
FAQs About Trace and Access Cover Answered Simply
May 9, 2025

Trace and access cover is a part of buildings insurance that pays the cost of locating a hidden water leak and gaining access to it, such as lifting floors or cutting into walls. It does not typically cover repairing the leak itself or any resulting water damage. Coverage limits generally range from £5,000 to £10,000. It is not included in all policies, so always check your policy wording. Signs you may need it include damp patches, unexplained high water bills, and persistent mold with no clear source.

Read More
Can a Leaking Boiler Be Repaired_ Causes and Solutions Explained
Trace and Access: What It Means and How It Works
March 14, 2025

Trace and access is the two-stage process of finding a hidden water leak and opening up the surface to reach it. The trace stage locates the leak using thermal imaging, acoustic detection, tracer gas and moisture meters. The access stage removes the minimum floor, wall or ceiling needed to expose the pipe so it can be repaired.

Read More

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Need a Trace and Access Investigation? Call Us Today.

If your insurer has asked for a trace and access report, or you suspect a hidden leak and want to
know whether your policy covers the investigation cost, call us now. We will tell you what we need
from you and get an engineer out fast.

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