Leak detection and pipe repairs for Bristol homes
From a damp patch on the ceiling to a pipe that keeps weeping under the floor, we track down where the water is coming from and repair it properly. Free quote, and we can often attend the same day.
- 10 years trading
- Gas Safe
- Local to Bristol
Finding where the water is coming from, and fixing it for good
Leak detection and pipe repairs cover any water escaping from where it should be: supply pipes, hot and cold pipework, heating pipes and radiator joints, and the connections around taps, cylinders and appliances. It suits homeowners, landlords and tenants (with the landlord's go-ahead) who have a leak they can see or one they only suspect.
The visible drip is often not the real problem. Water can travel along a joist or down a wall before it shows itself, so the stain on the ceiling may be some distance from the fault. Finding the true source first stops you paying for a repair in the wrong place.
Common signs that it's time to get it checked:
A repair is only as good as the pipe it's made on. Copper pipe made to BS EN 1057 is still the standard choice for most hot and cold supplies, and it can be repaired with proper soldered or compression fittings. Modern plastic pipe is useful where access is tight. Underground supplies are usually blue MDPE, and older homes may still have lead or corroded steel that is better replaced than patched. Whatever goes in, fittings should comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, which exist to prevent leakage, waste and contamination.
If you ever smell gas, that is a different matter: open windows, turn off the gas at the meter if it's safe to do so and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
- Damp patches, brown stains or bubbling paint on ceilings and walls
- A musty smell, or mould that keeps coming back
- Floorboards or laminate that have lifted, warped or feel soft
- The sound of running water when everything is switched off
- Your water meter creeping round when no taps are in use
- Boiler or heating pressure that keeps dropping and needs topping up
- Water bills that have risen with no change in how you use water
What's included when we deal with a leak
Every job starts with working out what is actually wrong, not guessing.
Proper investigation first
We trace the leak to its source, using visual checks, pressure testing and other suitable methods for the situation, and show you what we've found before any repair starts.
Repairs that suit the pipe
A failed joint, a split length or a pipe that has reached the end of its life each need a different fix. We explain the options in plain English and recommend the one that will last.
Pipes and fittings that meet the rules
Materials and fittings are chosen to comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, with compatible fittings for the pipe type already in your home.
Pressure tested before we leave
Once the repair is made we test the system and check it holds, so you aren't left wondering whether the drip has simply moved.
Careful in your home
We protect floors and furniture, keep disruption to the minimum needed, and clear up when we're finished. No job is too big or small, from one weeping joint to a run of pipework.
Work you can have in your home with confidence
- Gas Safe registered
- Fully insured
How a leak job runs, from the first call to a dry finish
A clear order of work, so you know what's happening at each stage.
- 1
Tell us what you're seeing and get a free quote
Call 01225 123456 and describe the signs. If water is escaping now, we'll talk you through shutting off the stopcock and, if safe, isolating the electrics nearby while we get to you.
- 2
We locate the source
We inspect the area and trace the fault back along the pipework. Hidden leaks can take longer to pin down, so we'll tell you honestly where we are and whether any access work is needed.
- 3
Repair or replace, agreed with you
We explain what we found, the options and the cost before work begins. Access holes are kept as small as possible, and pipework is repaired or replaced with suitable materials.
- 4
Test, tidy and aftercare advice
We pressure test, check for any further weeping, and leave the area clean. We'll tell you what to watch for, how long damp areas may need to dry, and where your stopcock is, so you can act quickly next time.
Where we fix leaking pipes
We cover homes across Bristol and the surrounding towns, from older properties with original pipework to newer builds with modern plastic plumbing.
- Bristol
- Bath
- Keynsham
- Filton
- Portishead
Leak and pipe repair questions homeowners ask
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Switch off every tap and appliance, then check your water meter. If the dial or reading is still moving, water is escaping somewhere. Other clues include damp patches, a musty smell, soft floors, or heating pressure that keeps falling. Call us and we can work out where to start.
What should I do while I wait for a plumber?
Turn off the water at the stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink or near the front door. Open the cold taps to drain the system and move belongings away from the wet area. If water is near sockets or light fittings, leave the electrics off and don't touch them. If the leak is on a heating system, switch the boiler off.
Will you need to lift floors or cut into walls?
Not always. Many leaks can be reached through existing access points such as under baths, behind panels or in the loft. Where pipes are buried, we'll explain why access is needed, keep any opening as small as we can, and talk you through what making good will involve.
Is it better to repair a pipe or replace it?
A single failed joint or split can usually be repaired. If the pipe is corroded, has been repaired repeatedly, or is lead or old steel, replacing the affected run is often better value than chasing one leak after another. We'll tell you which makes sense for your pipework.
What affects the cost of a leak repair?
Mainly how easy it is to reach the pipe, how long it takes to find the source, the type and amount of pipe and fittings, and whether any making good is needed afterwards. We give a free quote so you know what to expect before we start.
Will my home insurance cover the damage?
Many policies cover water damage, but terms differ and not all cover the cost of finding or repairing the pipe itself. Take photos of any damage, keep your paperwork and check with your insurer. We can provide a clear description of what we found and what we repaired to support a claim.
Don't leave a drip to get worse
A small leak can soak into timber and plaster long before it shows. Call 01225 123456 for a free quote and we'll get it traced and put right.