Leak Detection in East Lothian
Find Hidden Water Loss Before Unnecessary Opening-Up Begins.
Haggart Plumbers trace and repair hidden leaks across East Lothian, from unexplained water loss and damp patches to persistent leaks that are difficult to locate.
Our experienced plumbers identify the source, explain the available repair options and keep unnecessary disruption to a minimum, giving you a clear answer before any more invasive work begins.
Established 1903. Still Local.
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Trading since 1903
More than a century of plumbing and heating work in the same city.
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Four generations
The same family trade, handed down and still run from Edinburgh.
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Guaranteed workmanship
Work is completed to an agreed standard and backed by our guarantee.
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Three local bases
Braid Rd, Blackhall and North Berwick, so an engineer is rarely far away.
Complete Leak Detection Services
We investigate visible and concealed water loss in homes and properties across East Lothian. Our work can include water-meter flow tests, pressure-decay testing, moisture mapping, acoustic listening, thermal imaging and tracer-gas detection. We select the method to suit the pipework, building construction and symptoms rather than relying on one test. In older stone properties, we commonly find that moisture has travelled through lime plaster or masonry, so the damp patch does not always sit directly beside the leak.
Call us when a heating system keeps losing pressure, a boiler needs repeated topping up, a water meter continues moving with every outlet closed, or damp appears without an obvious source. We also investigate warm floor patches and suspected leaks beneath screed or concrete. Early testing can narrow the search area and reduce unnecessary damage to floors, walls and finishes. We provide leak detection from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, and you can contact our East Lothian team on 01620 843000.
Heating that keeps losing pressure usually needs central heating repairs, and a fast-flowing leak is an emergency call-out.
Gas Safe Registered. Vaillant Advanced Installer.
Haggart Plumbers is Gas Safe Registered, No. 936063, and a Vaillant Advanced Installer. Our engineers carry their Gas Safe ID cards to every job and work to current UK gas safety standards.
What Leak Detection Covers
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Non-invasive leak detection
We start with visual checks, system readings, flow tests and surface measurements wherever possible. This approach helps us narrow down the likely leak area before discussing any opening-up work.
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Acoustic leak detection
Acoustic equipment listens for the sound created by pressurised water escaping from a pipe. We commonly use it on concealed routes, although floor construction, insulation and background noise can affect what the equipment detects.
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Thermal imaging and moisture mapping
A thermal camera can reveal temperature differences caused by hot pipework or evaporating moisture. We compare those readings with moisture measurements because a thermal pattern alone does not confirm the exact source of a leak.
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Tracer-gas leak detection
For suitable sealed pipework, we introduce a detectable gas mixture and monitor where it escapes. Tracer gas can help locate small leaks beneath floors, screed or concrete when water loss produces no visible surface sign.
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Pressure and water-meter testing
Pressure-decay testing shows whether a sealed circuit loses pressure over a measured period. A water-meter flow test can identify ongoing mains water use when all outlets and appliances remain off. We check the setup before interpreting either result.
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Pipe-route and concealed-void inspection
We trace pipe routes to understand where services run behind finishes or below floors. Where access allows, we may use a borescope to inspect a concealed void through a small opening. UV dye can also help confirm specific drainage or water paths where appropriate. We also locate leaks on buried supply pipes and document findings for an escape-of-water insurance notification.
- Established 1903
- Gas Safe Registered No. 936063
- Vaillant Advanced Installer
- No call-out fee
- Free quotes
- Guaranteed workmanship
Common Plumbing Problems We Solve
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My heating pressure keeps dropping
Check the pressure reading, then avoid repeatedly topping up the system while waiting for an inspection. Frequent filling introduces fresh, oxygenated water and does not deal with the fault. We test the sealed circuit and check accessible components before investigating concealed pipework.
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My boiler needs topping up repeatedly
Record how quickly the pressure falls and whether it changes when the heating runs. If water is leaking from the boiler itself, switch it off and call us. Haggart Plumbers is Gas Safe Registered, No. 936063. We distinguish boiler faults from hidden system leaks before recommending access.
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There is damp or warmth under the floor
Keep furniture and stored items away from the affected area, and do not lift flooring without knowing the likely pipe route. We combine temperature readings, moisture mapping and pressure tests to narrow down leaks beneath timber floors, screed or concrete.
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My water meter moves when everything is off
Turn off taps and water-using appliances, then note the meter reading without disturbing the supply controls. A moving meter may indicate hidden consumption or a leak. On rural East Lothian properties, we also consider long private supply pipes between the boundary and building, where water can escape without appearing indoors.
Recent Projects Across East Lothian
Trusted in East Lothian. Their Words.
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Tony Howard, East LothianDelighted that Haggart's were able to arrange call-out visit for a small job on the same day I rang. Plumber who arrived was helpful and businesslike and sorted out our problem quickly and with no mess. Very pleased - thanks.
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Colette Bolton, East LothianExcellent service, punctual and efficient. I will use them again.
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David Pencheon, East LothianExcellent service. Prompt, efficient, friendly, local and good value.
How We Handle Your Leak Detection
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1. Respond and make the situation safe
We ask what you can see, hear or measure, how quickly the problem developed and whether water is reaching electrics or finishes. We explain immediate isolation steps when appropriate and arrange attendance within our operating hours of 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.
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2. Inspect and establish a baseline
Your single point of contact reviews the pipework layout, boiler or system pressure, water-meter movement and visible moisture. We check accessible fittings and components first so that we do not mistake an exposed fault for a concealed leak.
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3. Test and narrow the search
We choose suitable methods based on the system and structure. These may include pressure-decay testing, moisture mapping, acoustic listening, thermal imaging, tracer gas or pipe-route tracing. In East Lothian stone buildings, we account for moisture spreading through masonry before selecting an access point.
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4. Report and plan access
We explain what the tests show, where we believe the leak sits and any limitations in the findings. If trace-and-access work is required, we agree the opening location and scope before work begins. We can then quote for agreed follow-on work without opening large areas on guesswork.
Leak Detection Questions
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We quote per job because the cost depends on the system, property layout, suspected leak location and testing method required. A straightforward water-meter or pressure test differs from tracer-gas work beneath concrete. We explain the proposed checks and price before starting.
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We usually recommend targeted detection when the source remains hidden or opening the wrong area could damage floors, walls or finishes. Testing cannot remove every uncertainty, but it can reduce the search area and provide better evidence for any trace-and-access work.
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There are not only three fixed methods. Customers often group them as acoustic, thermal and tracer-gas detection, but we also use moisture mapping, pressure-decay tests, water-meter checks, pipe-route tracing, borescopes and UV dye. We choose according to the symptoms.
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We inspect accessible components, record the system pressure and carry out an appropriate pressure test. If the exposed system appears sound, we trace concealed routes and may use thermal imaging, acoustic equipment or tracer gas to narrow down the leaking section.
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If water is coming from the boiler, switch it off and contact us rather than continuing to run it. If only the pressure is falling, avoid constant topping up and arrange an inspection. Haggart Plumbers is Gas Safe Registered, No. 936063.
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We take enquiries from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Attendance depends on location, existing bookings and how urgent the water loss is. When you call 01620 843000, we assess the symptoms and explain the next available response.
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Yes. We regularly account for stone walls, lime plaster, suspended floors and later pipework alterations. In Haddington, Dunbar, North Berwick and other conservation settings, moisture may travel away from its source. We use several readings before recommending access.
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We can assess suspected water loss on long private supply routes using meter readings, isolation checks, pipe-route information and suitable detection methods. Ground conditions and pipe material affect the test, so we first establish responsibility, access and the likely route across the property.
Working in East Lothian
North Berwick
EH39 5PX
- Monday to Friday
- 07:00 to 19:00
- Saturday
- 07:00 to 19:00
- Sunday
- 07:00 to 19:00