Concrete Slab Leak Detection

Warning Signs of Concrete Slab Leaks

Recognising the early warning signs of a concrete slab leak can prevent thousands in structural repair costs and protect your property from serious damage. Many homeowners ignore these symptoms until severe problems develop, but early intervention makes all the difference.

1. Unexplained decrease in mains water pressure throughout your property indicates significant water loss before it reaches your taps and appliances. When pipes buried under concrete develop leaks, water escapes underground, reducing the pressure available for normal household use.
2. Sound of running water when no taps or appliances are in use confirms that water is escaping somewhere within your system. This persistent noise, often heard during quiet periods, suggests an active leak beneath your concrete floor.
3. Cracks appearing in concrete slabs or walls signal that water is undermining your property’s structural integrity. As leaked water saturates the ground beneath your foundation, it creates unstable conditions that cause concrete to shift and crack.
4. Wet patches or damp spots appearing on floors, walls, or around your property without obvious cause indicate water penetration from below. These moisture problems often appear first in areas directly above the leak point.
5. Mould, mildew, or musty odours developing inside your property suggest prolonged moisture exposure from underground water sources. These health hazards affect indoor air quality and can trigger respiratory problems, particularly in vulnerable family members.
6. Puddles or water pooling appearing on patios or near foundations during dry weather confirm that water is escaping from underground pipes. This visible water emergence often represents just a fraction of the total water being lost beneath your concrete slab.

Our Professional Detection Methods

We employ cutting-edge technology to locate concrete slab leaks with surgical precision and minimal disruption. Our non-invasive detection methods eliminate guesswork and prevent unnecessary concrete breaking, saving you time and money while protecting your property.

Acoustic leak detection uses highly sensitive listening equipment to detect the distinctive sounds of water escaping under pressure beneath concrete slabs. Our advanced microphones can isolate leak signatures through thick concrete, pinpointing exact locations without any excavation. This method proves particularly effective for pressurised water systems where escaping water creates detectable acoustic patterns.

Thermal imaging employs infrared cameras to identify temperature variations that indicate water movement beneath concrete floors. Hot water leaks create distinctive thermal signatures that our trained technicians can interpret, revealing hidden problems without damaging your flooring. This technology excels at detecting heating system leaks and hot water supply problems embedded within concrete slabs.

Tracer gas leak detection represents our most advanced technique for locating complex slab leaks. This method involves introducing a safe, inert gas mixture into your water system, which escapes at leak points and rises through concrete. Our sensitive detection equipment then identifies exactly where gas emerges, pinpointing leaks with remarkable accuracy even through thick concrete slabs.

Moisture mapping utilises specialised meters to measure subsurface moisture levels across your concrete floor. This comprehensive approach identifies moisture patterns that indicate leak locations, helping us understand the full extent of water damage and plan targeted repairs.

Our pipe tracing technology maps the exact location and depth of pipes within your concrete slab, providing crucial information for accurate leak detection and repair planning. This prevents damage to unaffected pipes during repair work and ensures we target the correct areas.

FAQs about Concrete Slab Leak Detection

What are the signs of a concrete slab leak?

Common signs include unexplained spikes in water bills, reduced water pressure, damp or warm spots on the floor, cracks in walls or slabs, mould growth, and the sound of running water when all taps are off. These symptoms often point to a hidden leak beneath your property’s foundation.

Can slab leaks be detected without digging?

Yes. Our detection methods are completely non-invasive. We use advanced acoustic sensors, thermal imaging, tracer gas, and moisture mapping to pinpoint leak locations through concrete, no exploratory digging required.

How much does concrete slab leak detection cost in the UK?

Costs vary based on the size of the property and complexity of the leak. At DASA, we offer a free consultation to assess your situation and provide a clear, upfront quote. Our approach helps prevent costly damage and avoids unnecessary repairs.

Are slab leaks covered by insurance?

In many cases, yes,  especially if the leak causes structural damage or water loss. DASA works directly with major UK insurers and provides detailed reports and photographic evidence to support claims and speed up approvals.

How long does leak detection take?

Most leak detection investigations are completed within a few hours. Our experienced engineers use cutting-edge technology to deliver rapid results with minimal disruption to your home or business.

What causes slab leaks?

Slab leaks can develop due to pipe corrosion, shifting soil, poor installation, ground movement, or long-term wear and tear. Over time, even small flaws in buried pipework can turn into serious structural threats.