Specialist Leak Investigation • London

Specialist Leak Detection Without Unnecessary Damage

We investigate hidden and concealed water leaks using non-destructive diagnostic methods wherever appropriate — helping narrow down the likely source before walls, floors or ceilings are opened.

Initial Leak Investigation

£195

Up to 90 minutes onsite


Up to 90 minutes onsite. Additional diagnostic time only with your approval.

  • Non-Destructive Methods Where Appropriate

  • Price & Scope Agreed Before Attendance

  • Access Only Recommended When Justified

  • Clear investigation scope
  • Pricing explained before attendance
  • Additional diagnostic work requires your approval

Evidence Before Access

Diagnose First. Disturb Less.

A concealed leak does not necessarily appear directly beneath its source. Water can travel through floors, ceilings, walls, pipework and building materials before it becomes visible.

Opening the first wet area without sufficient evidence can create unnecessary damage while leaving the original problem unresolved.

Montgomery & Sons investigates the symptoms first and uses appropriate diagnostic methods to narrow the likely source before recommending access.

Investigation first. Access, repair and reinstatement are separate decisions.

Call 020 7088 8301
Panelled reception room in a period London townhouse with herringbone flooring

Common Symptoms

You Can See the Problem. The Source Is Less Obvious.

These are common symptoms we are asked to investigate. A symptom alone does not identify a cause — it indicates where investigation should begin.

  • Water Appearing on a Ceiling

    Water may have travelled from another location before becoming visible.

  • Recurring Damp Patches

    Persistent local moisture may require investigation beyond cosmetic treatment.

  • Unexplained Water Usage

    Meter movement or increased consumption can indicate an unseen leak.

  • Leak Beneath Floors or Behind Walls

    Concealed pipework requires a logical diagnostic approach before access.

  • Bathroom or Shower Leak

    The source could involve supply pipework, wastes, seals, waterproofing or the surrounding building fabric.

  • A Previous Repair Didn't Solve It

    The visible symptom may not have been the original source.

Diagnostic Methods

How We Investigate

There is no single tool that finds every leak. Appropriate investigation depends on the symptoms, the property, the pipework and the results as they emerge.

Thermal imaging camera, moisture meter, borescope and pressure gauge used in leak investigation

Please note: Not every method is used on every investigation. Testing is selected according to the evidence and the suspected leak type.

  • Moisture Mapping

    Measures relative moisture patterns to help determine how water may be travelling through the building.

  • Thermal Imaging

    Identifies useful temperature patterns where conditions and the suspected system make it relevant.

  • Pressure Testing

    Helps determine whether an isolated section of pipework is losing pressure.

  • Acoustic Leak Detection

    Can help identify sound generated by escaping pressurised water where conditions allow.

  • Tracer Gas

    A specialist detectable gas may be introduced into suitable isolated pipework and checked for escape where appropriate.

  • Borescope Inspection

    Visual inspection of concealed spaces through limited access where useful.

  • Dye Testing

    Controlled testing can help identify selected shower, waste and water-ingress paths.

  • Drainage CCTV

    Camera inspection of accessible drainage where a waste or drain defect is suspected.

How It Works

A Clear Investigation Process

  1. 01

    Tell Us What Is Happening

    We ask where water is visible, when it occurs, how long it has been happening, any previous repairs, the property type and your postcode.

  2. 02

    Agree the Initial Scope

    We explain what the investigation covers, the price, the exclusions, and whether a specialist investigation is indicated.

  3. 03

    Investigate

    We assess the relevant systems and areas using methods appropriate to the evidence in front of us.

  4. 04

    Explain the Findings

    We set out significant observations, what the evidence indicates, any remaining uncertainty, and the recommended next steps.

  5. 05

    Decide What Happens Next

    Access and repair are discussed separately. You remain in control of what is opened up and what is quoted.

Pricing

Leak Investigation Pricing

Two clear options. The price and what it covers are explained before we attend, and any further work is discussed with you first.

Most Common

Initial Leak Investigation

£195

Up to 90 minutes onsite

Suitable for an initial investigation into a suspected or concealed water leak or water ingress.

  • Up to 90 minutes onsite
  • Initial visual assessment
  • Non-destructive testing where appropriate
  • Plain-English explanation of the findings
  • Recommended next steps

If further diagnostic time or specialist testing is required, this will be discussed with you before any additional charges are incurred.

Book an Investigation

Trace & Access + Detailed Report

£495

A more extensive investigation with a documented report

For situations that need a more extensive investigation and documented findings — insurance-related matters, repair planning, landlords, property managers and more complex concealed leaks.

  • Extended investigation of the suspected leak
  • Significant observations recorded
  • Relevant test findings
  • Photographs where useful
  • Detailed written report and recommended next steps

Access, repair and reinstatement are separate unless specifically included in writing. We cannot guarantee that any insurer will accept a report.

Ask About Trace & Access

Complex or extended investigations requiring specialist diagnostic methods are quoted following telephone triage or the initial investigation — you do not need to work out which technical package you need.

Access, repair, materials and reinstatement are not included unless specifically stated in writing.

Separate Decisions

Finding the Leak Is Only the First Decision

01

Investigation

Determine what the evidence suggests about the likely source.

02

Access

Identify the appropriate area for opening up, if access is required.

03

Repair

The defect is quoted separately where the work falls within our scope.

04

Reinstatement

Plasterwork, flooring, tiles, decoration and finishes are discussed separately.

Keeping each stage separate means you understand the recommendation and the cost before any additional work begins.

Call 020 7088 8301

Trace & Access

Need Written Findings for an Insurance Discussion?

Our Trace & Access service provides a defined investigation and detailed written findings that can assist with repair planning or an insurance discussion.

Insurance policies, exclusions and trace-and-access cover vary. Montgomery & Sons can document findings but cannot guarantee insurer reimbursement.

Trace & Access + Detailed Report

£495

Written findings for repair planning or an insurance discussion.

Ask About Trace & Access

Areas Covered

Serving Kensington, Chelsea & Surrounding West London Areas

We currently provide leak investigation across the following London areas and postcodes.

  • Chelsea

    SW3

  • South Kensington

    SW7

  • Kensington

    W8

  • Chelsea / West Brompton

    SW10

  • Notting Hill

    W11

Outside these areas? Send us your postcode and we'll confirm availability.

B2B

Property Professionals

Montgomery & Sons also works with property professionals who need a clear diagnostic process before repair or reinstatement decisions are made.

  • Landlords
  • Letting Agents
  • Property Managers
  • Block Managers
  • Builders
  • Plumbers
  • Restoration Companies

For repeat or portfolio enquiries, contact us to discuss a consistent investigation and reporting process.

Discuss Property Work

Operating Standards

How We Work

  • Clear investigation scope
  • Pricing explained before attendance
  • Additional diagnostic work requires your approval
  • Written findings available
  • Access and repair quoted separately

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Call 020 7088 8301

Request a Callback

Tell Us What You Are Seeing

A short conversation is often the quickest way to determine what type of investigation is appropriate.

Prefer to speak now? Call us and describe what you are seeing.

Call 020 7088 8301

We use your details only to respond to this enquiry.

Know There Is a Leak. Find Out What Happens Next.

Tell us what you are seeing and we will help determine the appropriate investigation.

Further diagnostic work is only undertaken with your approval.