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Leak Detection in Maidstone

Water meter still turning, a damp patch spreading, or pressure dropping for no reason? Compare quotes from up to 3 vetted plumbers in Maidstone who can find the leak.

Job type: Plumbers
  • Reviews from real, invoiced jobs
  • Vetted local trades
  • Free for homeowners

Leaks we can help find

Hidden leaks indoors

Damp patches on walls, ceilings or floors, mould that keeps coming back, and the sound of running water when everything's off.

Supply pipe and water meter

A meter that keeps turning with every tap off, low water pressure, and wet ground or puddles in the garden or drive.

Heating system leaks

Heating pressure that keeps dropping, leaks from radiator pipes under floors, and damp around radiators or the cylinder.

A quick check before you book can tell you a lot. If you have a water meter, turn off every tap and anything that uses water, read the meter, wait an hour without using any water, then read it again. If the numbers have moved, water is escaping somewhere between the meter and your taps. If instead your boiler pressure keeps falling, the leak is more likely on the heating system. Note what you've found and where any damp is showing, as it helps the plumber bring the right equipment.

Finding a hidden leak is skilled work. Plumbers use thermal imaging cameras, acoustic listening equipment, moisture meters and pressure tests that isolate one part of the system at a time. The aim is to pinpoint the leak and only open up the wall or floor where it's needed. Ask whether a quote covers finding the leak only, or the repair and making good as well.

Who pays depends on where the leak is. In general, South East Water looks after the pipe up to your property boundary, and you're responsible for the supply pipe from there into your home. If you think the leak is outside the house, contact South East Water before you book, to check whose pipe it is and what help it offers. Many home insurance policies also include "trace and access" cover, which pays to find a leak and make good the damage caused getting to it. Ring your insurer first.

Maidstone's housing adds its own challenges. In Victorian terraces, pipes often run under suspended timber floors that can be lifted, but in many post-war homes they're buried in solid concrete floors. There, a plumber may suggest rerouting the pipe rather than breaking up the floor.

If water is coming through a ceiling or near electrics, turn off the water at the stop tap and switch off the electrics at the consumer unit if it's safe, then say so when you post your job. Reviews on Trade Pilot come from real, invoiced jobs, so you can see how other homeowners rated a plumber's work.

Typical prices

JobTypical UK rangeNotes
Plumber, per hour£45–£75Finding and fixing a visible leak often takes an hour or two
Leak detection survey (non-invasive)£250–£600Thermal imaging, acoustic and pressure testing
Repair a leaking pipe once found£75–£350Depends on access
Repair an underground supply pipe£300–£1,000Depends on depth, length and what it runs under
Reroute a pipe instead of breaking up a solid floor£300–£900Often quicker and less disruptive than digging

Typical UK ranges; your quotes depend on the job and access.

How it works

  1. 1

    Tell us about the job

    Check your Maidstone postcode and describe what you need. Photos help.

  2. 2

    Get up to 3 quotes

    Up to 3 vetted local trades who cover your part of Maidstone can quote.

  3. 3

    Compare and choose

    Read reviews from their real, invoiced jobs, compare the quotes, and choose who to invite round. Or choose no one.

How Trade Pilot helps you hire in Maidstone

Vetted local trades

We check every plumber before they can quote. For any gas work, always ask to see a Gas Safe ID card.

Reviews from real jobs

Reviews on Trade Pilot are tied to invoiced jobs, so you’re reading about work that was actually done and paid for.

Free, with no obligation

Posting a job and getting up to 3 quotes is free for homeowners. You choose who to invite round, or no one at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

A non-invasive leak detection survey typically costs £250 to £600. A simple visible leak can often be found and fixed in an hour or two at £45 to £75 an hour.

Signs include a water meter that moves when nothing is running, damp patches or mould that keep coming back, the sound of running water, a higher water bill, or heating pressure that keeps dropping.

Usually, South East Water looks after the pipe up to your property boundary, and you're responsible for the supply pipe from there into your home. Contact South East Water if you think the leak is outside.

Many policies include "trace and access" cover, which pays to find a leak and repair the damage caused getting to it. Check your policy or call your insurer before you book.

Not usually. Thermal imaging, acoustic and pressure testing pinpoint the leak first, so the plumber only opens up the wall or floor where it's needed.

Often, yes, although it can also be a faulty pressure relief valve or expansion vessel. A heating engineer or plumber can test the system to find out. Work on the boiler itself needs a Gas Safe registered engineer.

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