Underfloor Leak Detection Service in Newcastle

Detecting an underfloor leak in your home can be challenging, but there are several signs you can look out for:

• Wet or Damp Spots on Your Floor: This is one of the most obvious signs of an underfloor leak. If you notice any damp spots on your floor, it’s worth checking for leaks. Dry the spot out and see if the dampness reoccurs to be sure that your system is at fault.
• Mould or Mildew: Persistent dampness caused by a leaking pipe could lead to the buildup of mould or mildew. This is often accompanied by a musty smell, which can be a clear indicator of a leak.
• Changes in Floor Temperature: Leaks in hot water pipes can create hot spots on the surface of your floor. If you notice any unusual warmth in certain areas of your floor, it could be a sign of a leak.
• Loss of Boiler Pressure or Uneven Heating: If your underfloor heating system is leaking, you may experience a loss of boiler pressure or uneven heating in your home. This could also result in increased water bills due to the constant filling of the feed and expansion tank.
• Visible Signs of Water Damage: Look for tell-tale signs of water damage such as staining, bubbling, or warping of floor coverings. Water leaks can cause distortion or spoiling of domestic building materials.
• Cracks or Movement in Your Flooring: If you notice any cracks or movement in your flooring, especially in areas with tiles, it could be a sign of an underfloor leak.

Remember, early detection and repair are crucial to prevent structural damage and costly repairs. If you notice any of these signs, call us today to schedule a leak detection and repair professional to find and fix your leak.

The potential for underfloor leaks to cause structural damage should be a concern for any homeowners. Here are a few reasons you need to wary of an underfloor leak:

• Underfloor leaks can lead to structural damage if left undetected and untreated. Water can degrade the structural integrity of a building, affecting wooden beams, concrete foundations, and other structural elements.
• Leaks under or within a slab-on-grade foundation can cause soil movement due to the change in soil strength properties. This can lead to settlement or heaving, overstressing the slab, and causing cracks that may indicate foundation failure.
• Building materials such as wood and plasterboard are porous and can absorb water, leading to swelling, warping, and breakdown over time. This absorption can compromise the structure of a home and lead to further issues like mould growth.
• Prolonged water exposure can cause secondary damage, including mould growth, rusting of metal fixtures, and deterioration of electrical wiring.

Ignoring leaks can lead to a significant devaluation of property and make a building unsafe to inhabit. Structural damage can decrease a home’s value and safety, and potential buyers may reduce their offers or withdraw interest if they spot signs of water damage.

We typically detect underfloor leaks within a few hours.

Trust the experts: It’s our job to provide an effective solution based on your specific situation. And we’re good at our job!

Remember: Act fast when it comes to leaks! Quick action is the key to preventing costly damage.

When it comes to detecting leaks in residential properties, clients prefer our non-invasive technologies and methods due to their ability to locate leaks without causing more damage to the property. Here are some of our most commonly used non-invasive leak detection technologies:

1. Acoustic Leak Detection
   Acoustic leak detection involves using specialised equipment to listen for the sound of water escaping from pipes. Leaks create distinctive noises, with smaller leaks producing higher-frequency sounds and larger leaks producing lower-frequency sounds. Our technicians use sensitive microphones and ground probes to pinpoint the exact location of the leak by characterising and differentiating these sounds.
2. Thermal Imaging Cameras
   Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature variations on surfaces caused by water leaks. Water escaping from pipes can cause subtle changes in temperature, which are captured by the thermal camera. This method is particularly useful for detecting leaks behind walls, under floors, and in ceilings without the need to expose the pipes directly.
3. Snake Cameras
   Snake cameras, also known as borescopes, are flexible cameras that can be inserted into pipes and tight spaces to visually inspect for leaks. These cameras provide real-time video footage, allowing our technicians to see the exact location and extent of the leak without having to dismantle walls or floors.
4. Gas Tracing
   Gas tracing involves introducing a safe, inert gas (such as a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen) into the plumbing system. The gas escapes through the leak, and specialised gas detection equipment is used to locate the source. This method is particularly effective for detecting leaks in central heating systems and other pressurised pipe systems.
5. Infrared Thermography
   Infrared thermography uses infrared cameras to detect heat patterns and anomalies caused by water leaks. This technology can identify moisture and leaks by detecting the cooler areas where water is present. It is especially useful for large areas and can quickly scan entire rooms or buildings to locate leaks.
6. Moisture Meters
   Moisture meters measure the moisture content in building materials such as walls, floors, and ceilings. By detecting areas with higher moisture levels, technicians can identify potential leak sites. This method is often used in conjunction with other technologies to confirm the presence of a leak.

These non-invasive technologies and methods allow for accurate and efficient leak detection without causing unnecessary damage to your home. By using these advanced tools, our leak detection professionals in Newcastle can quickly locate and address leaks, preventing further damage and costly repairs.

Home insurance policies often cover the costs associated with detecting and repairing leaks, but this can depend on the type of leak and the specific terms of your policy. The easiest way to find out if our leak detection service is free for you is to call PCLA today.

Here’s how PCLA can help you:

• Detailed Reporting:
  We will provide a comprehensive report detailing the location and cause of the leak, which is crucial for your insurance claim. This report helps in substantiating the claim and ensuring that the insurance company has all the necessary information to process it.
• Direct Communication with Insurers:
  As part of our service, we will manage your insurance claim. This means we will communicate directly with your insurance provider to streamline the claims process. We will provide the necessary documentation and answer any technical questions the insurer might have.
• Guidance Through the Claims Process:
  Our experienced loss assessors will advise homeowners on the best steps to take and ensure that all required procedures are followed to make sure you get everything you’re entitled to.