Hidden leaks can be a nightmare for home and business owners. From unexplained increases in water bills to persistent patches of damp and disgusting musty smells, the damage can escalate quickly, causing structural issues and significant repair costs. But finding the exact source of the leak can be a challenge.
In this article, we’ll explore what trace and access insurance is, what a trace and access survey is, and the benefits it offers. We’ll also discuss how a trace and access survey works and when you might need one.
What is trace and access insurance?
Trace and access is insurance, often included as standard with your building insurance policy, that covers the cost of a professional locating the source of the leak and accessing it ahead of any repairs. While trace and access insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the repair itself, it does cover any repairs required to fix the damage that has been caused by the search for the leak source. Depending on your building insurance provider, the cost of actually repairing the pipes should be covered under your policy.
Although many building insurance policies include trace and access cover as standard, it’s still important to double-check whether it is or not, and how much you’re covered for. Some policies may have a coverage limit – often between £5,000 and £10,000. If your standard policy doesn’t include trace and access cover, you will be responsible for paying the full cost of any investigations that are required when you suspect a leak. However, with a lot of policies, you can add it on as an optional extra for an increased fee.
What does trace and access insurance cover?
To ensure you have a complete understanding of trace and access insurance policies, let’s explore what trace and access covers:
- Locating the source of a leak in your property
- Making the area around the leak accessible and ready for repairs
- Necessary repairs to fix any damage caused by the search
What doesn’t trace and access insurance cover?
Now you know what is covered by a trace and access insurance policy, you probably want to ensure you know what isn’t covered. Trace and access doesn’t cover:
- The cost of repairing the leak. This is usually covered by your building insurance policy, but it’s worth checking.
- Any external water damage. Trace and access insurance only covers internal escape of water, like from a burst pipe.
What is a trace and access survey?
A trace and access survey is a professional service that uses advanced equipment and cutting-edge techniques to pinpoint the source of leaks under floors or in walls, without causing unnecessary damage.
Companies that offer trace and access surveys are experienced in locating these leaks with precision, causing minimal disruption to the structure of the property where possible.
When is a trace and access survey needed?
Trace and access surveys are essential when the source of a leak isn’t immediately apparent. Let’s explore the common signs of a leak so that you know when a trace and access survey is required:
- Recurring damp patches: If you are often noticing damp spots on your walls, ceilings, or floors with no obvious cause, it may be a sign of a hidden leak.
- Unexplained drops in water pressure: If your boiler has suddenly lost water pressure, it can indicate a leak in your plumbing system – especially if it has recently been serviced and you know it is in good working order.
- High water bills: If you’ve noticed a huge increase in your water bills without increased usage, or your water company contacts you about a big spike in water usage, it is likely you have a leak in underground or hidden pipes.
- Visible signs of water damage: Warped flooring, peeling paint, or mould growth can all point to water leaking from an undetected source.
How does a trace and access survey work?
A trace and access survey uses state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques to pinpoint the exact source of a leak, whilst causing minimal damage to a property. The process combines technology and expertise to deliver precise results, and engineers will often use their years of experience to customise a bespoke solution, unique to your property and its requirements.
A trace and access survey begins with an assessment of any visible signs of damage, such as damp patches or mould growth. Using this information, surveyors will decide on the appropriate equipment to use when investigating further.
Let’s explore some of the leak detection equipment that can be used.
Pipe locators
Pipe locators are tools that use electromagnetic methods to locate underground pipes to a depth of 10 metres. They are very sensitive and highly accurate, meaning that they are useful when finding the mains water pipe that enters the property from the street, and other internal buried pipes.
Acoustic sensors
Acoustic sensors are used to amplify the noise of water escaping from pipes, helping engineers locate the source of the leak, regardless of how deep the pipe is.
Tracer gas technology
Tracer gas technology is a useful technique for locating water leaks in supply pipes, underfloor heating systems, boilers and mains distribution networks.
A combination of hydrogen and nitrogen gas is used as a ‘tracer’ and is added to the pipe that houses the suspected leak. Because hydrogen is the smallest molecule in the atmosphere, it will be able to escape from the pipe at the leak point and will be identified by a highly sensitive gas detector.
Thermal imaging cameras
Thermal cameras use infrared technology to detect temperature differences and patterns to help identify the existence of water. These cameras can identify hidden leaks behind walls, under floors and above ceilings, offering a non-invasive method to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
Moisture meters
Moisture meters are sensors that measure the moisture content of a material. By placing them at various points on a pipe or in different areas of the building, they will be able to detect where the leak is coming from and assess their severity.
What are the benefits of a trace and access survey?
A trace and access survey offers several key benefits when dealing with hidden leaks. By pinpointing the exact location of a leak, these surveys can help to prevent widespread damage and expensive repair costs that can occur if leaks go undetected.
Additionally, these surveys minimise disruption to your property. Instead of tearing down walls or floors to find a leak, professionals can identify the source with minimally invasive methods where possible.
On top of this, trace and access surveys are also time-savers. Traditional methods of locating leaks often involve trial and error, taking a long time and causing unnecessary property damage. Trace and access surveys don’t do this – instead using advanced tools and techniques to diagnose the problem quickly and accurately.
How Harmuns can help
If you have a leak, but both yourself and your plumber are unable to locate it, Harmuns will be able to help!
One of our experienced, gas-safe engineers will be sent to your property to detect and repair the leak as quickly and efficiently as possible.
You may not need our services right now, but you could in the future. Save our number now to prevent future panic: 01753 378569.