Vortex Leak Detection Ltd offers a specialist investigative service focused on accurately identifying the source of hidden water leaks across the UK. Rather than simply locating surface-level issues, their approach involves a thorough investigation using advanced methods such as acoustic listening, thermal imaging, and tracer gas testing. This allows their skilled engineers to uncover the root cause of leaks within domestic and commercial properties, often without the need for invasive work. The service includes a detailed report, supporting customers in taking informed steps towards effective repairs and long-term prevention.
Vortex Leak Detection Ltd offers a specialist investigative service focused on accurately identifying the source of hidden water leaks across the UK. Rather than simply locating surface-level issues, their approach involves a thorough investigation using advanced methods such as acoustic listening, thermal imaging, and tracer gas testing. This allows their skilled engineers to uncover the root cause of leaks within domestic and commercial properties, often without the need for invasive work. The service includes a detailed report, supporting customers in taking informed steps towards effective repairs and long-term prevention.
Trace and Access
Trace and Access is a term commonly used by insurance companies to refer to the process of locating and exposing hidden water leaks within a property. “Trace” refers to the use of specialist equipment and techniques to detect the source of a leak, while “Access” involves safely reaching the area so that the leak can be repaired with minimal disruption.
Sometimes referred to as Track and Trace, this service is crucial when leaks are not visible or when the source is behind walls, under floors, or within ceilings.
At Vortex Leak Detection, we provide expert Trace & Access leak detection services using advanced non-invasive methods such as thermal imaging, acoustic listening, and moisture mapping. Our goal is to quickly find the leak, access it with precision, and provide a clear path for repair—saving you time, money, and further damage.
Many home insurance policies cover Trace and Access costs, so it’s worth checking your cover if you’re dealing with an undiagnosed water leak.
Hot and Cold Water Pipe Leaks
There are several common signs that could indicate a leak in your hot or cold-water pipes.
- Notification from your water authority about unusually high usage or a suspected leak
- Visible water damage such as damp patches, mould, or stains on ceilings or walls
- Obvious visual signs such as pooling water, warped flooring, or bubbling paintwork
- Sounds of running water when no taps or appliances are in use, often heard near the stopcock
At Vortex Leak Detection, we begin by identifying which pipe system is affected. From there, we use a combination of advanced techniques to accurately locate the source of the leak, including:
- Thermal imaging
- Moisture profiling
- Pressure testing
- Tracer gas leak detection
We specialise in non-invasive leak detection methods, ensuring minimal damage to your property while delivering fast, reliable results we aim to find it and guide you through the next steps for repair.
Heating System Leaks
Heating systems come in various forms, and each home can have a different setup depending on its age, size, and heating requirements. The two most common types in UK properties are gravity fed systems and combination (combi) boilers.
At Vortex Leak Detection, we’re experienced in working with all types of central heating systems to locate hidden leaks. Older heating pipework is often concealed beneath floorboards or within concrete screed, we typically use tracer gas leak detection, a highly effective and non-invasive method for pinpointing leaks in inaccessible areas.
- Gravity Fed Heating Systems
A gravity fed system usually has a small water tank located in the loft, fed by a ball valve. This tank supplies water to the radiators. If you’re losing water in a gravity system, the ball valve will continuously drip/flow to replenish the lost water—often a telltale sign of a leak somewhere in the pipework or radiators.
- Combination Boilers (Combi Systems)
A combi boiler is a sealed, pressurised system with no external tanks. You refill the system manually using valves. If there’s a leak in a combi system, the most noticeable sign is the boiler pressure dropping. This can lead to the boiler locking out or displaying a fault code. This may cause the Hot water not to work either.
Whether you’re experiencing a pressure loss in a combi boiler or suspect a hidden leak in your gravity fed heating system, Vortex Leak Detection has the tools and expertise to find the issue before more serious damage occurs.
Incoming Mains Leaks
An incoming mains water leak can be difficult to detect, but if left unresolved, it can lead to high water bills, property damage, and unnecessary water waste.
In some cases, your local water authority may notify you of a suspected underground leak. However, there are often other telltale signs, including:
- Sudden drop in water pressure
- Unusually high-water bills
- Discoloured or dirty water coming from your taps
- Constant sound of water even when nothing is in use
At Vortex Leak Detection, we specialise in locating hidden leaks on incoming mains supply pipes using advanced tracer gas testing. This precise, non-invasive method allows us to pinpoint the exact location of a leak—without the need to dig up your entire driveway, garden, or paved areas.
Whether your mains pipe runs beneath concrete, tarmac, gravel, or grass, we can detect the leak accurately and help you move forward with targeted repairs.
Waste Pipe Leaks
Waste pipe leaks can cause serious problems due to the volume and type of water flowing through these systems. Unlike clean water leaks, waste pipe issues often involve dirty or contaminated water, which can pose health risks and lead to unpleasant odours, water damage, and even structural concerns if not addressed quickly.
At Vortex Leak Detection, we use a range of advanced techniques to accurately locate leaks in waste pipes, whether they’re hidden beneath floors, behind walls, or embedded in concrete. Our detection methods include:
- Tracer dye testing
- UV dye for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions
- Endoscope cameras to inspect internal pipework
- Thermal imaging to identify moisture patterns and irregularities
These tools allow us to pinpoint the exact source of the leak without unnecessary disruption to your property. Whether you’re dealing with a suspected leak from a kitchen waste pipe or bathroom soil pipe, we have the expertise to find and report it quickly and efficiently.
Report Writing Services
After completing a leak detection job, Vortex Leak Detection provides you with a detailed report that includes all the necessary information for making an insurance claim. Our report includes:
- Pictures of the affected area
- Test results from our advanced leak detection methods
- Findings from the inspection
- Conclusions on the cause of the leak
- Recommendations for repairs and next steps
This thorough documentation is essential for submitting an insurance claim, as it provides your insurer with all the details they require to process your case efficiently.
