For over fifteen years, our specialist team has been protecting Steyning properties from the devastating effects of hidden water leaks using the most advanced detection technology available in the industry. Unlike general plumbers who rely on guesswork and destructive investigation methods, we've dedicated our entire professional focus to perfecting non-invasive leak detection techniques that save homeowners and businesses thousands of pounds in unnecessary excavation and restoration costs. Our comprehensive experience spans every property type in Steyning - from historic flint cottages along Church Street and the High Street conservation area to modern developments in Shooting Field and Jarvis Lane, and from converted barn properties in the surrounding Downs to commercial premises throughout the town center and industrial estates.
Throughout these fifteen years, we've invested continuously in cutting-edge detection equipment and advanced training, maintaining our position at the forefront of leak detection technology. Our thermal imaging cameras detect temperature variations to 0.1°C, our acoustic correlation equipment identifies leak frequencies inaudible to the human ear, and our tracer gas systems locate even the smallest pressurized pipe failures without any excavation. This technological excellence, combined with the pattern recognition and diagnostic skills developed through detecting thousands of leaks across West Sussex, enables us to identify leak sources that other companies simply cannot find. Every member of our team undergoes regular certification updates and equipment training, ensuring that when you call 0800 916 8602, you receive the benefit of both our extensive experience and the latest industry innovations.
What truly distinguishes our fifteen-year track record is our comprehensive 12 months warranty on all leak detection work - a guarantee we can confidently offer because our accuracy rate exceeds 95% across all property types and leak scenarios. We've detected leaks in Steyning's most challenging properties: Victorian terraces with multiple pipe modifications, thatched cottages with limited access, Grade II listed buildings where preservation is paramount, and complex commercial installations requiring out-of-hours investigation. Our detailed documentation has been accepted by every major insurance company, building surveyor, and heritage conservation officer in West Sussex. When you choose our service, you're not just hiring leak detection equipment - you're accessing fifteen years of accumulated knowledge about how different property ages, construction methods, and pipe materials develop specific leak patterns, knowledge that transforms raw technology into accurate, reliable results that protect your property and your investment.
Our leak detection service covers every property type in Steyning's historic core, where our 15 years of experience with period buildings proves invaluable. We regularly serve properties along High Street, Church Street, Jarvis Lane, Mouse Lane, and Shooting Field, where heritage considerations demand non-invasive detection methods. The town's numerous Grade II listed buildings, including properties around St Andrew's Church and the historic Grammar School area, require specialist expertise we've refined through fifteen years serving conservation areas across West Sussex.
Newer estates including Newham Lane, Clays Field, Kingsmead, and developments off Charlton Street benefit from our advanced thermal imaging technology specifically calibrated for modern construction methods. These properties, built within the last 20-30 years, often feature plastic pipework buried in floor screeds and complex central heating systems that respond perfectly to our tracer gas and pressure testing protocols developed through 15 years of technical experience.
Properties throughout the surrounding South Downs area receive the same expert service, including homes in Upper Beeding, Bramber, Ashurst, Wiston, Washington, and throughout the Adur Valley. Our 15 years serving rural West Sussex means we understand the specific challenges of isolated properties with private water supplies, septic systems, and long underground pipe runs. Agricultural buildings, converted barns, and country estates all benefit from our comprehensive leak detection expertise.
Steyning's business community, including shops along the High Street, industrial units on Steyning Business Park, commercial premises throughout the town center, and hospitality businesses, rely on our rapid response service when leaks threaten operations. Our 15 years detecting leaks in commercial environments means we understand the urgency of business continuity and provide detailed documentation for insurance claims and property management companies.
Beyond Steyning itself, our expertise serves the wider West Sussex region with equal dedication. We regularly provide leak detection services throughout the following areas, all within our same-day service zone:
Same-Day Emergency Response
When you call 0800 916 8602 before 2pm, we prioritize same-day appointments for urgent leaks causing active property damage throughout Steyning and our entire West Sussex service area. Our 15 years of experience has taught us that rapid response prevents the escalation from minor leaks to major structural damage, saving our clients thousands in additional repair costs.
Our acoustic correlation system represents the pinnacle of underground leak detection technology, utilizing highly sensitive digital microphones that detect the distinctive sound frequencies generated when pressurized water escapes from pipes buried beneath floors, driveways, or gardens. Water under pressure creates specific acoustic signatures as it forces through even microscopic pipe failures, producing sound waves that travel through the surrounding soil, concrete, or building materials. While these frequencies remain completely inaudible to human hearing, our professional-grade equipment captures and analyzes them with extraordinary precision. The real benefit for Steyning property owners lies in what this technology eliminates: the need for speculative excavation that can cost £3,000-£8,000 and may still fail to locate the leak on the first attempt.
Through our 15 years of experience, we've developed sophisticated interpretation skills that transform raw acoustic data into pinpoint leak locations. The system works by placing sensors at multiple access points along suspected pipe runs, then using advanced digital signal processing to filter out background noise from traffic, appliances, or neighboring properties. The remaining leak signature is then correlated between sensor positions, allowing triangulation of the exact leak location to within 30cm accuracy even when pipes run several meters underground. This precision means we can mark your driveway, garden, or floor with complete confidence, enabling contractors to open the smallest possible access point - typically just 50cm square - rather than excavating entire pipe runs. The cost savings for our Steyning clients prove substantial: detection from £495 compared to £5,000-£12,000 for trial-and-error excavation methods, all backed by our 12 months warranty.
Our thermal imaging cameras operate by detecting infrared radiation emitted by all objects, converting temperature variations into visible colored images that reveal hidden moisture and leak patterns behind walls, beneath floors, and above ceilings without any physical investigation or damage to your property. When water leaks from hot water pipes, it creates warmer areas showing as red or orange on our thermal display; conversely, cold water leaks appear as blue or purple cold spots against the normal ambient temperature of building materials. The crucial advantage for Steyning homeowners becomes immediately apparent: we can scan your entire property in 2-3 hours, identifying every area of concern without removing a single tile, lifting any floorboards, or disturbing original plasterwork.
The sophistication of modern thermal technology, combined with our 15 years of experience interpreting thermal patterns, enables detection of leak scenarios that would otherwise require destructive investigation costing thousands. Our cameras detect temperature differences as small as 0.1°C, revealing leaks behind bathroom tiles, within cavity walls, under floor screeds, and in roof spaces where traditional investigation methods prove impractical or prohibitively expensive. We can distinguish between active leaks requiring immediate repair and historic damp areas no longer receiving water, preventing unnecessary remedial work. For Steyning's numerous period properties where preservation of original features holds paramount importance, thermal imaging protects heritage plasterwork, decorative moldings, and period flooring from the damage caused by exploratory opening. The comprehensive photographic evidence we provide supports insurance claims and gives building surveyors clear documentation of leak extent and location, expediting repair authorization and claims processing.
Tracer gas technology provides unmatched accuracy for detecting leaks in pressurized water systems, central heating circuits, and underfloor heating installations where traditional methods struggle to provide reliable results. The process involves introducing a safe, non-toxic gas mixture (typically hydrogen and nitrogen) into the isolated system, then using sensitive detection equipment to identify where gas molecules escape through leak points and rise through floors or walls. The gas being lighter than air naturally migrates upward through building materials, creating detectable concentrations at the surface directly above underground leaks. The benefit for Steyning property owners with modern heating systems or plastic pipework becomes transformational: we can locate leaks beneath concrete screeds, tiled floors, or within wall cavities without any excavation whatsoever.
Our 15 years of experience with tracer gas systems has refined our technique to maximize accuracy while minimizing investigation time. We carefully isolate the suspected circuit, pressurize it with the tracer gas mixture, then systematically survey the property using handheld detection equipment that alerts us to even minute gas concentrations. The distinctive advantage compared to acoustic methods lies in tracer gas's ability to detect leaks in plastic pipes (which produce minimal acoustic signature) and intermittent leaks that may not continuously flow. For underfloor heating systems increasingly common in Steyning's renovated properties, tracer gas often provides the only viable non-destructive detection method, preventing the £4,000-£10,000 cost of lifting entire floors to trace faulty heating circuits. The process takes 3-4 hours including pressurization time, system testing, and detailed survey work, with results backed by our comprehensive 12 months warranty covering detection accuracy.
Moisture mapping equipment provides essential supporting evidence that confirms and quantifies leak detection findings, measuring the actual water content within building materials using electromagnetic wave technology that penetrates surfaces without causing any damage. Our professional moisture meters can detect moisture several inches deep within walls and floors, creating detailed maps showing exactly which areas have been affected by water ingress and the relative severity of saturation. The practical benefit for Steyning property owners extends beyond leak location itself: moisture mapping provides insurance companies, surveyors, and contractors with quantified evidence of damage extent, supporting accurate repair specifications and preventing disputes over claims scope.
Through 15 years of combining moisture mapping with thermal and acoustic detection, we've developed comprehensive investigation protocols that deliver complete answers rather than partial findings. While thermal imaging shows us where water currently flows and acoustic equipment pinpoints the leak source, moisture mapping reveals the full extent of historic and ongoing water accumulation throughout affected structures. This holistic approach proves particularly valuable in Steyning's older properties where leaks may have persisted undetected for months or years, causing hidden timber rot, plaster deterioration, or wall tie corrosion requiring remediation beyond simple pipe repair. Our detailed moisture maps become essential documentation for heritage property repairs, building insurance claims, and pre-purchase surveys, providing objective evidence that protects our clients from under-specified repairs or inflated remediation quotations.
Steyning's remarkable architectural heritage, including over 60 Grade II listed buildings concentrated in the High Street conservation area, presents unique leak detection challenges that demand specialist expertise developed through years of working with period properties. These historic structures, many dating from the 16th through 19th centuries, feature complex construction methods including solid flint walls with lime mortar, timber frame elements, traditional lath and plaster finishes, and multiple generations of pipe installations layered through subsequent modernizations. When leaks develop in such properties, traditional investigative methods requiring removal of historic plasterwork or original floorboards risk irreparable damage to heritage fabric, while the complex pipe routing makes guesswork-based investigation almost certain to fail. Our non-invasive thermal imaging and acoustic technology protects these irreplaceable features while accurately locating leaks within walls that may be two feet thick and contain pipe runs following no logical modern pattern.
The age of Steyning's building stock introduces additional complexity: original lead pipes installed a century or more ago frequently develop pinhole corrosion failures, cast iron drainage systems crack and separate with age, and historic copper installations show fatigue cracking where they've been repeatedly modified. These aged materials often fail in locations physically inaccessible without major structural opening - beneath stone flagged floors, within solid wall cores, or buried under multiple layers of historic renovation. Our 15 years of experience detecting leaks in West Sussex's heritage properties has taught us to recognize the typical failure patterns of different pipe ages and materials, enabling targeted investigation that respects conservation principles while delivering accurate results. The alternative - speculative opening of period features - can cost £5,000-£15,000 in heritage restoration alone before any leak repair, versus our detection service from £395 protecting original fabric while locating the problem.
Contemporary properties throughout Steyning's newer developments present entirely different challenges requiring equally specialized detection approaches, as modern construction methods specifically designed to improve insulation and energy efficiency create barriers that defeat traditional leak detection methods. Plastic pipe systems, increasingly common in properties built or renovated within the last 25 years, produce minimal acoustic signature compared to metal pipes, rendering traditional listening methods largely ineffective. Floor screeds now routinely incorporate multiple insulation layers that prevent visual leak evidence from surfacing for months after problems begin, allowing thousands of pounds of hidden damage to accumulate. Underfloor heating installations, popular in renovated Steyning properties, create complex pipe networks buried permanently in concrete where traditional fault-finding proves impossible without destroying entire floors.
Our investment in tracer gas technology and advanced thermal imaging equipment specifically addresses these modern detection challenges, providing reliable results where conventional methods fail completely. The sealed nature of contemporary construction, with vapor barriers and DPM membranes preventing moisture migration, means leaks can accumulate within floor structures or wall cavities for extended periods before any visible symptoms appear. By the time damp patches or mold growth become apparent, structural damage may already be substantial, making early detection using our professional equipment a cost-effective insurance policy. Our 15 years tracking the evolution of construction methods and pipe materials means we understand exactly which technology suits each property age and construction type, whether that's acoustic correlation for 1970s copper systems, thermal imaging for cavity wall investigations, or tracer gas for plastic pipe networks.
Steyning's position within the South Downs National Park introduces environmental factors that accelerate pipe degradation and increase leak likelihood compared to properties in less challenging locations, making regular leak detection surveys a prudent preventative measure. The chalk bedrock underlying much of the area creates naturally hard water with high mineral content that accelerates scale buildup and corrosion in copper pipes and heating systems, particularly in older properties with original pipework. Ground movement, while subtle, proves more significant in Downs locations than coastal or clay soil areas, creating stress on rigid pipe connections that eventually leads to joint failures. The local climate, with exposure to prevailing weather patterns across the Downs, subjects properties to greater temperature extremes and precipitation levels than more sheltered locations, accelerating freeze-thaw damage to external pipework and underground supply lines.
Properties in elevated Downs locations or those with private water supplies face additional vulnerabilities from higher operating pressures and seasonal water table variations that stress pipe systems differently than properties on mains water at standard supply pressures. Our 15 years serving rural West Sussex properties has taught us to recognize these location-specific factors when investigating leaks, understanding that a pipe type lasting 40 years in a coastal location might fail at 25 years in a Downs property due to water chemistry and environmental stress differences. This accumulated regional knowledge enables more targeted investigation and realistic prognosis advice, helping Steyning clients make informed decisions about whether individual leak repairs will suffice or whether aging pipework warrants comprehensive replacement. The geological challenges of excavating through chalk also make our non-invasive detection methods particularly valuable, avoiding the complications and cost escalations that arise when physical investigation encounters unexpected ground conditions.
The Challenge: A 17th century timber-framed building in the High Street conservation area presented with persistent damp affecting the ground floor front room, with moisture appearing to rise through original flagstone flooring. Previous investigations by two separate contractors had suggested rising damp requiring £8,500 in chemical DPC injection and replastering, yet the homeowner remained skeptical as symptoms appeared suddenly rather than gradually.
Our Investigation: Our thermal imaging survey immediately revealed a cold-water temperature pattern inconsistent with rising damp, suggesting active water ingress rather than capillary moisture movement. Detailed thermal mapping showed water flowing beneath the flagstones toward the room's front corner. Acoustic correlation detected a pressurized leak signature beneath the floor, approximately 2.4 meters from the street-facing wall. Our investigation revealed a Victorian-era lead supply pipe had developed a pinhole corrosion failure where it passed through the stone foundation wall into the property.
The Solution and Savings: We marked the precise leak location, enabling the homeowner's chosen contractor to lift just three flagstones for access rather than excavating the entire floor. The lead pipe section was replaced with modern plastic pipe installed through the existing wall penetration, with repair costs totaling £850. Flagstones were carefully reset using traditional lime mortar, preserving the floor's historic character. Total cost including our detection: £1,245 versus the £8,500 quoted for unnecessary damp treatment. The dramatic cost saving and preservation of original flooring demonstrated the value of accurate diagnosis over assumption-based solutions.
The Problem: Homeowners in a 2015-built property on Newham Lane experienced gradually increasing water bills over eight months, rising from £140 to £420 quarterly with no change in household water use. No visible leak evidence appeared anywhere in the property, leading their insurance company to initially decline the claim pending proof of leak location.
Detection Process: External inspection revealed no obvious garden or boundary leak points. Our systematic pressure testing isolated the problem to the ground floor underfloor heating circuit, which showed a slow pressure drop over 30 minutes despite all heating valves being closed. We introduced tracer gas into the isolated heating circuit and conducted a comprehensive floor survey. Elevated gas concentrations appeared in the hallway approximately 3 meters from the manifold location, indicating a leak beneath the tiled floor screed.
Repair and Outcome: The gas detection findings provided the evidence required for insurance claim approval. A heating engineer opened a 60cm access point at our marked location, finding a failed push-fit joint on plastic heating pipe buried in the screed - a known failure mode in properties of this age. The circuit was re-routed through the subfloor void and the screed access point reinstated. Detection cost: £545. Repair including reinstatement: £780. Total: £1,325. Insurance covered £850 after excess. Water bills immediately returned to normal (£145 quarterly), recovering the leak waste cost within 18 months. Our detailed report and photographic evidence proved essential for securing insurance authorization, demonstrating the value of professional documentation.
The Situation: A retail business operating in a converted Georgian building on High Street contacted us after discovering water pooling in their basement storage area, threatening thousands of pounds of stock. The leak appeared intermittent, sometimes absent for days before suddenly returning, making conventional investigation frustratingly inconclusive. Two plumbing contractors had failed to identify the source, suggesting the entire rear wall required opening at estimated costs exceeding £12,000 including business interruption.
Our Approach: Understanding the business urgency, we conducted an evening investigation to minimize trading disruption. Thermal imaging revealed an unusual temperature pattern on the rear wall, but only when the staff facilities above were in use. This timing correlation suggested a waste system rather than supply pipe failure. Detailed inspection using our thermal camera during toilet flushing revealed a cold water pattern within the wall cavity, indicating that the cast iron waste stack had cracked internally, allowing sewage water to leak intermittently into the masonry and eventually drain to the basement level.
Resolution: The waste stack crack occurred at a collar joint three meters above ground level, accessible through a single wall opening rather than excavating the entire rear wall. The Victorian cast iron stack was replaced with modern PVC-U pipework, with structural opening kept to 1.2 meters of single-skin brickwork. Business interruption was limited to two half-days for the work. Total project cost including our detection: £3,400 versus £12,000+ for speculative wall opening. Our evening investigation meant zero trading time lost during fault-finding. The business owner's testimonial emphasized how our 15 years of experience recognizing unusual thermal patterns prevented an expensive and disruptive wrong diagnosis, while our rapid same-day response protected stock from water damage.
Unlike many leak detection services that offer vague guarantees or limited liability, our comprehensive 12 months warranty provides concrete protection that demonstrates our confidence in the accuracy of our findings and the quality of our investigative work. This warranty represents more than a marketing promise - it constitutes a legally binding commitment backed by our professional indemnity insurance and 15 years of consistent service delivery throughout West Sussex. When we provide you with a leak detection report identifying specific leak locations, you receive our written guarantee that if those locations prove incorrect when accessed for repair, we will return to reinvestigate at no additional charge, cover reasonable costs incurred in accessing the incorrect location (up to the value of our original detection fee), and provide a revised investigation without any further payment.
The warranty extends beyond simple location accuracy to cover the quality and completeness of our investigation. If additional leaks emerge within the investigated areas during the 12 months warranty period, we return to verify whether these represent new failures or leaks that existed during our original survey but were not identified. Where our investigation proves incomplete, we provide supplementary investigation and revised reporting without charge. This comprehensive approach means you can commission repairs with complete confidence, knowing that if complications arise or findings prove incomplete, you have genuine recourse rather than facing additional investigation fees and finger-pointing between contractors about responsibility. Our extremely low warranty claim rate - below 3% across 15 years of service - demonstrates that we rarely need to invoke these warranty provisions, as our detection accuracy consistently exceeds industry standards.
The warranty explicitly covers our professional judgement and recommendations regarding leak severity, urgency, and repair approaches. If we advise that a particular leak represents minimal risk and can be monitored rather than immediately repaired, but that leak subsequently causes damage within the warranty period, our professional indemnity insurance responds to cover resulting losses (subject to policy terms). This protection proves particularly valuable when dealing with minor leaks in heritage properties where repair access might cause more damage than leaving the leak temporarily unaddressed - our 15 years of experience enables such nuanced judgements, and our warranty backs those recommendations with financial protection.
What the warranty specifically excludes deserves equal clarity: we cannot warranty against future leak development in areas not investigated during our survey, against damage caused by delays in acting on our recommendations, or against leaks in systems not tested during our investigation. If we detect a bathroom leak but don't test the heating system, subsequent heating leaks fall outside warranty coverage. However, our investigation protocols ensure comprehensive survey of all common leak risk areas appropriate to your property type and reported symptoms, minimizing such exclusions. The warranty transfers to new property owners if you sell within the 12 months period, adding value during conveyancing. When you call 0800 916 8602, you're not just purchasing leak detection technology - you're securing genuine protection backed by established business credentials, professional insurance, and a proven track record of standing behind our work throughout 15 years of consistent service.
Standard Thermal Imaging Survey: From £395
Comprehensive whole-property thermal scan identifying all cold spots, warm areas, and moisture patterns indicating concealed leaks. Includes detailed photographic report with annotated thermal images, written findings, and repair recommendations. Suitable for most residential leak investigations where symptoms suggest leaks behind walls, beneath floors, or above ceilings. Survey duration typically 2-3 hours with immediate verbal findings and written report within 48 hours. Our 15 years of thermal imaging experience ensures accurate interpretation of complex thermal patterns.
Underground Acoustic Leak Detection: From £495
Specialized investigation for leaks in buried pipes beneath driveways, gardens, or concrete floors using professional acoustic correlation equipment. Includes pressure testing to confirm leak presence, multi-point acoustic survey, digital signal analysis, and precision marking of leak location for targeted excavation. Particularly valuable for supply pipe leaks between boundary and property, or underground drainage failures causing subsidence. Accuracy typically within 30cm, backed by our 12 months warranty.
Tracer Gas Detection Service: From £545
Essential for pressurized systems including underfloor heating, plastic pipe installations, or intermittent leaks that standard methods cannot reliably locate. Process involves system isolation, pressurization with safe tracer gas mixture, comprehensive property survey with sensitive detection equipment, and detailed reporting. Particularly effective for modern properties with plastic pipework buried in floor screeds or heating circuits beneath tiles. Investigation time typically 3-4 hours including gas pressurization and dissipation.
Comprehensive Multi-Technology Investigation: From £695
Combines thermal imaging, acoustic correlation, tracer gas testing, and moisture mapping to address complex leak scenarios or properties with multiple suspected leak sources. Recommended when previous investigations by other companies have failed, or when symptoms suggest several concurrent problems. Includes detailed written report suitable for insurance claims, building surveys, or legal disputes. Our 15 years of experience prove most valuable in these complex scenarios requiring sophisticated interpretation of multiple data sources.
Commercial Property Investigation: From £595
Tailored for business premises including retail, offices, hospitality, and industrial facilities where leak detection must minimize operational disruption. Services include out-of-hours investigation options, rapid report delivery, detailed documentation for insurance or facilities management, and coordination with existing contractors. Our 15 years serving West Sussex businesses means we understand urgency and provide professional reports meeting commercial documentation standards.
Priority Emergency Callout: From £695
Same-day or next-day response for urgent leaks causing active property damage or business interruption. Available throughout Steyning and our extended service area with guaranteed attendance within agreed timescales. Includes immediate verbal findings, emergency mitigation advice, and accelerated written reporting. Premium pricing reflects the commitment of resources and scheduling disruption required for emergency response.
Professional Detection: £395-£695 investment
Typical repair with targeted access: £400-£1,500
Combined total: £795-£2,195
Trial and Error Excavation: £3,000-£8,000
Often requiring multiple attempts
Plus structural restoration costs
Your saving: £2,000-£6,000+ while avoiding property damage
Professional leak detection using thermal imaging and acoustic equipment achieves 95-98% accuracy in locating concealed leaks throughout Steyning properties, significantly exceeding the 60-70% success rate of traditional trial-and-error investigation methods. Our thermal cameras detect temperature variations to 0.1°C, revealing water movement patterns invisible to conventional inspection, while acoustic correlation equipment identifies leak frequencies inaudible to human hearing and triangulates positions to within 30cm accuracy. This precision reflects not just equipment quality but our 15 years of experience interpreting detection data across thousands of West Sussex properties, learning to distinguish actual leaks from thermal artifacts, condensation patterns, or historic damp areas no longer receiving water. Our comprehensive 12 months warranty backs this accuracy with genuine financial protection, demonstrating confidence rare in the leak detection industry.
We deploy four complementary technologies selected specifically for each property type and leak scenario based on our 15 years of experience: acoustic leak detection using digital correlation for underground pipes and pressurized system failures; thermal imaging cameras detecting temperature variations caused by water movement behind walls and beneath floors; tracer gas systems introducing safe hydrogen-nitrogen mixtures for locating leaks in sealed circuits like underfloor heating; and precision moisture mapping equipment quantifying water content within building materials to establish damage extent. Unlike general plumbers using single-method approaches, our comprehensive technology suite ensures we can address any leak scenario from Victorian cottage supply pipe failures to modern underfloor heating circuit problems. Equipment selection reflects your specific situation: thermal imaging excels for concealed leaks behind tiles or within cavities, acoustic correlation proves essential for underground pipework, tracer gas becomes necessary for plastic pipe systems producing minimal acoustic signature, while moisture mapping provides essential documentation supporting insurance claims and repair specifications.
Our entire service philosophy centers on non-invasive investigation that protects your property from the damage inevitably caused by exploratory excavation or speculative opening of walls and floors. Thermal imaging cameras, acoustic listening equipment, and tracer gas detectors all work through building materials without requiring any physical penetration, access opening, or removal of finishes. This non-destructive approach proves particularly valuable for Steyning's numerous heritage properties where preservation of original plasterwork, decorative moldings, or period flooring holds paramount importance both practically and from planning consent perspectives. Through 15 years serving West Sussex conservation areas, we've refined investigation protocols that locate leaks while respecting architectural integrity, understanding that the cost of restoring damaged period features often exceeds leak repair expenses by substantial margins. Where any investigation requires minimal access points - such as lifting one floor tile to verify tracer gas findings or opening a small section of ceiling for visual confirmation - we always obtain your explicit approval before proceeding and coordinate such work to minimize disruption and restoration costs.
Standard residential leak detection surveys in Steyning properties typically complete within 2-3 hours from arrival to departure, though investigation duration varies based on property size, construction complexity, and the number of suspected leak locations requiring investigation. Simple single-room thermal surveys addressing isolated damp patches may conclude within 90 minutes, while comprehensive whole-property investigations incorporating acoustic testing, tracer gas analysis, and detailed moisture mapping can extend to 4-5 hours for larger homes or complex scenarios. Our 15 years of experience enables efficient investigation without sacrificing thoroughness, as pattern recognition developed through thousands of previous surveys allows rapid identification of typical leak signatures while remaining alert to unusual presentations requiring deeper analysis. Commercial property investigations naturally take longer due to larger floor areas and more complex pipe installations, typically requiring 3-6 hours depending on building size and operational constraints. Emergency investigations proceed as rapidly as possible while maintaining diagnostic accuracy, with most urgent surveys concluding within 2 hours allowing immediate commencement of remedial work.
Many comprehensive home insurance policies include coverage for professional leak detection as part of escape of water claims, though policy terms vary significantly between insurers and specific coverage depends on individual policy wording and circumstances. Our 15 years working with insurance claims throughout West Sussex means we understand insurer requirements and provide documentation formatted to streamline claims processing. When leaks cause property damage triggering an escape of water claim, insurers commonly authorize leak detection as a reasonable investigation expense, particularly when our reports demonstrate cost savings versus speculative excavation. However, leak detection for preventative purposes or addressing increasing water bills without property damage typically falls outside standard policy coverage, remaining the homeowner's responsibility. We recommend contacting your insurer before commissioning investigation if you intend to claim, as pre-authorization often expedites settlement. Our detailed reports, photographic evidence, and professional documentation have proven acceptable to every major UK insurer throughout our operational history, providing the evidence claims handlers require for prompt authorization of both detection and subsequent repair costs.
Following leak detection, we provide immediate verbal findings explaining precisely where leaks exist, their likely causes, severity assessment, and recommended repair approaches, ensuring you understand the situation before we leave your property. We physically mark leak locations on floors or walls using chalk or temporary markers, enabling contractors to access exact problem areas with minimal disruption. Within 48 hours you receive our comprehensive written report including thermal photographs, annotated floor plans, detailed findings, and repair recommendations with indicative cost guidance. This documentation supports insurance claims, provides contractors clear repair specifications, and gives you permanent reference material for future property management. We can recommend trusted local contractors from our 15 years serving West Sussex if you require, though you remain free to choose any contractor you prefer - our findings provide clear guidance regardless of who performs repairs. Our 12 months warranty continues throughout this process, providing ongoing support if questions arise during repair work or if contractors require clarification of our findings. We're available for follow-up consultation by telephone and will revisit if warranty conditions apply or if unexpected complications emerge during repairs.
For genuine emergencies where leaks cause active property damage or business interruption, we prioritize same-day attendance throughout Steyning and surrounding areas when you call 0800 916 8602 before 2pm on weekdays, with next-day service typically available for afternoon or weekend contact. Our 15 years serving West Sussex means we maintain sufficient resource flexibility to respond rapidly when situations demand urgent attention, understanding that delay in leak detection can transform manageable problems into major damage requiring extensive remediation. Emergency service attracts premium pricing from £695 reflecting the scheduling disruption and resource commitment required, but prevents the far greater costs associated with continued water escape and escalating structural damage. For non-urgent situations like gradually increasing water bills or historic damp requiring investigation, standard appointment scheduling typically offers attendance within 3-5 working days, allowing proper preparation and coordination with your availability while maintaining our commitment to thorough investigation rather than rushed service compromising accuracy.
Throughout fifteen years detecting leaks across West Sussex, we've developed intimate knowledge of how Steyning's specific combination of property ages, construction types, and environmental conditions creates distinctive leak patterns and challenges. We understand that Victorian cottages along Church Street typically show lead pipe failures at specific stress points where original installations meet modern copper extensions; that 1960s properties in the Shooting Field area commonly experience concrete floor leaks from copper pipe corrosion accelerated by sulfate attack from the concrete itself; that newer developments around Kingsmead often present underfloor heating circuit failures at manifold connections where installation quality varies between original builders. This accumulated regional intelligence, combined with our comprehensive technology suite, enables rapid diagnosis that general contractors lacking such specific experience simply cannot match.
Our local knowledge extends beyond building characteristics to encompass the practical aspects of working in Steyning's unique environment. We know which conservation officer oversees heritage property work and what documentation they require for listed building consent; we understand that parking restrictions in the town center require coordination for equipment access; we recognize that South Downs water chemistry accelerates certain corrosion types requiring specific detection approaches; we appreciate that many Steyning properties have been extended and modified multiple times, creating pipe routing that follows no logical pattern without historical investigation. This contextual understanding, developed through 15 years of consistent service to the local community, transforms leak detection from a generic technical exercise into a specialized service tailored specifically to Steyning's architectural heritage and environmental conditions. When you call 0800 916 8602, you're not just hiring detection equipment - you're accessing a comprehensive knowledge base about how and why leaks develop in West Sussex properties, knowledge that delivers accurate results protected by our 12 months warranty and proven through fifteen years of consistent, reliable service to homeowners and businesses throughout the region.
Hidden leaks cause thousands of pounds of damage every day they remain undetected. Don't wait until minor problems become major structural repairs.
Call 0800 916 8602 now for expert leak detection throughout Steyning and West Sussex. Same-day emergency service available. 15 years proven experience. Comprehensive 12 months warranty. Save thousands with non-invasive detection.
Advanced Technology
Thermal imaging, acoustic correlation, tracer gas detection
Expert Interpretation
15 years experience across all property types
Zero Damage
Non-invasive methods protect your property
Complete Warranty
12 months guarantee on detection accuracy
