Acoustic Leak Detection in Devon
Pinpoint hidden water leaks by sound. Our acoustic detection finds escaping water beneath floors, driveways and concrete, so the right spot is fixed first time and your home stays intact.
- Non-Destructive Detection
- Same-Week Appointments Often Available
- Insurance-Approved Reports
- Over 95% First-Visit Success
What Is Acoustic Leak Detection?
Acoustic leak detection listens for the sound a leak makes. When water escapes a pressurised pipe it creates a distinctive hiss or rushing noise that travels along the pipe and through the surrounding ground. Using sensitive ground microphones and electronic listening equipment, our engineers tune in to that sound and trace it back to its source, even when the pipe runs beneath concrete, tiles or a solid driveway.
It is the go-to method for leaks on mains and underground supply pipes, where there is nothing visible to see at the surface. Rather than guessing and digging, we narrow the leak down to a precise point before any excavation begins, which keeps disruption and repair costs to a minimum.
Most homeowners call us when they spot the tell-tale signs of a hidden leak. Catching these early protects your home and helps avoid a much larger water bill.
- An unexplained rise in your water bill
- The sound of running water when taps are off
- Damp patches, warm spots or low water pressure
- A water meter that keeps ticking over
- Unexplained pooling on a driveway or path
How Acoustic Detection Works Alongside Other Methods
Ground Microphones
Highly sensitive ground microphones are placed along the suspected pipe run. They amplify the faint sound of water escaping under pressure, letting our engineer move along the surface and identify the loudest point, which sits directly above the leak.
Leak-Noise Correlators
For longer or buried mains, a correlator places sensors at two points on the pipe. By measuring the tiny time difference as the leak sound reaches each sensor, it calculates the exact position of the leak, even under driveways and solid concrete.
Combined With Thermal & Tracer Gas
Where a leak is quiet or the pipe is plastic, we pair acoustics with thermal imaging and tracer gas. Together these methods confirm the location from more than one angle, so we can mark the spot with confidence before anything is opened up.
Why Devon Homeowners Choose Us
- Local to Devon, with engineers who know the area and can offer same-week appointments often available
- Minimal disruption, because we pinpoint the leak before any digging starts
- Insurance-approved reports you can submit to your insurer with confidence
- Clear, no-obligation quotes with no hidden surprises
Acoustic Leak Detection Across Devon
Acoustic Leak Detection FAQs
Water escaping a pressurised pipe makes a distinctive sound that travels along the pipe and through the ground. Our engineers use ground microphones and electronic listening equipment to follow that sound to its loudest point, which sits directly above the leak, so it can be pinpointed without guesswork.
Yes. Acoustic detection is particularly well suited to leaks beneath solid surfaces. Ground microphones and leak-noise correlators pick up the sound through concrete, tarmac and tiles, letting us mark the spot precisely before any of it is lifted or broken out.
It is. The whole point of acoustic detection is to locate the leak before any digging or lifting begins. By identifying the exact position first, we keep excavation to the smallest possible area, which protects your floors, walls and garden.
Some leaks, particularly on plastic pipes, are very quiet. When that happens we combine acoustics with thermal imaging and tracer gas. These methods confirm the location from another angle, so we can still find the leak reliably and with confidence.
We can usually offer a same-week appointment across Devon and into neighbouring areas. If you suspect a hidden leak, call us on 07897 027775 and we will arrange a convenient visit and give you a clear, no-obligation quote.
Think You Have a Hidden Leak?
Get it pinpointed by sound, with minimal disruption and an insurance-approved report. Speak to our Devon team today.