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Spectrum
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Leak Detection

Our leak detection service employs advanced technology and skilled technicians to quickly and accurately identify leaks at any height, saving time and preventing extensive damage.

Over

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Leaks Found

Leak Detection Specialists in London

Our leak detection service helps you to find the source of a gas or water leak, enabling quick and cost-effective repairs to take place. We achieve accurate leak detection with minimal disruption using a combination of advanced tools, extensive experience and creative access methods. Our team not only detects leaks but can also implement a temporary repair to prevent further water damage.

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Why Choose Us for Leak Detection?

Our leak detection service offers a precise, non-destructive way to locate leaks anywhere on your property, saving you time and money by avoiding unnecessary damage. Utilising state-of-the-art technology, innovative access methods and IRATA-trained abseilers, we avoid the need for costly scaffolding to deliver leak detection with minimal disruption.

Our comprehensive service includes an initial assessment, temporary repairs and a detailed report on required maintenance. With hundreds of successful emergency leak detection projects completed in London and across the UK, you’re in safe hands.

Detect and resolve leaks early with advanced detection technology and innovative access methods.

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Please use an alternative contact method. You can email us at info@spectrumss.co.uk, or call us on 020 3551 6206.

What to expect

  • 1

    Contact Us

    Contact us and explain your building maintenance needs.

  • 2

    Initial Consultation

    We start with a consultation to understand your needs and the specifics of the project.

  • 3

    Site Survey

    Our team will visit the site to assess the condition of the building and the scope of work required - this may be done in person or remotely. Depending on the level of works required, we may work alongside an experienced surveyor to ensure an accurate scope of works.

  • 4

    Scope of Works

    Based on our initial findings, we’ll develop a tailored plan for your property. This includes selecting the appropriate techniques and equipment, as well as considering factors such as building height, access challenges and specific restoration needs.

  • 5

    Work Starts

    With the right plan in place, our skilled technicians will carry out the work to the highest standards using the most effective combination of access solutions. We’ll ensure minimal disruption and high safety standards during execution.

  • 6

    Quality Control

    Throughout the project, we will maintain continuous quality control checks. If issues are identified, adjustments are made to ensure the highest standards of workmanship.

  • 7

    Detailed Report

    Once the work is successfully completed to your satisfaction, we will submit a completion report with photos and videos of the stages and finished result.

  • 8

    Ongoing Support

    Where needed, we offer ongoing support and regular maintenance services to protect and extend the lifespan of your building's exterior.

Leak Detection Services in Holburn Find Flooded Flat Roof!

A multi-level property in Holburn was suffering from severe and untraceable water damage affecting its lower floors, posing a challenge to five previous contractors. Our rope-access team, skilled in high-access and emergency repairs, identified and solved the leak originating from a poorly maintained flat roof, where water had accumulated due to blocked drainage. The use of advanced techniques such as thermal imaging and dye tests facilitated the pinpointing of the leak source, allowing for immediate and effective repair. This approach not only resolved the leak but also prevented future occurrences, ensuring minimal disruption to the property's occupants.

Learn more about this project

Extensive Gutter Maintenance and Repairs on Entire Housing Estate

A three-day project managed by Spectrum involved repairing and cleaning the gutter systems of six residential towers in Red Hill, using innovative scaffold-free methods. By employing a van-mounted cherry picker and modular pole systems, Spectrum accomplished comprehensive gutter cleaning, leakage repairs, and roof tile replacements efficiently and without the need for expensive scaffolding. The process included pre-site assessments, efficient debris removal, and detailed camera inspections, culminating in a fully operational, tested roofing and drainage system across the estate.

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How Our Emergency Leak Services Saved Our Client From Hiring a Helicopter!

In an urgent operation at Tileman House in London, a leak in a tenth-floor residential unit was rapidly addressed using rope access methods, avoiding the considerable expense of helicopter hire. Spectrum's specialised technicians adeptly removed 80 kg stone cladding panels, discovered and temporarily sealed the source of the leak—a disconnected downpipe—preventing further water damage and disturbance to residents. This operation exemplified how expert handling and precise coordination can result in efficient problem solving and cost savings, all within a tight timeframe of just five hours.

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Routine Gutter Cleaning Allowed Us to Spot Cracked Roof Tiles Before They Caused Serious Damage

A high-end residential building in Notting Hill, London, benefited from Spectrum's proactive gutter cleaning and roof maintenance, which identified cracked slate tiles that could have led to severe water damage. The two-week project involved a combination of expert rope access and mobile elevating work platforms to facilitate both the gutter cleaning using patented technology and the replacement of the damaged tiles. Thorough water testing post-repair confirmed the effectiveness of the repairs, ensuring the integrity of the building's roof and drainage system was maintained, thus saving the client potential future costs and disruption.

Learn more about this project

Our Accreditations & Training

Innovative access,
saving clients thousands

How we find and access your external leak

Our IRATA-certified abseiling operatives cause minimal disruption while carrying out leak detection, with no need to erect loud and costly scaffolding. We also provide portable anchorage, so there’s no need to worry whether or not your property has a safety system; our team comes fully supplied for every situation. If you're looking for a water leak detector in London, we have it all covered.

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Rope Access

Pole Access

Ground Access

Ladders

MEWP

Scaffolding

  • Disruption

  • Efficiency

  • Cost

  • Adaptability

Signs That You Have a Water Leak

You can sometimes locate a leak with just your eyes. Look out for stains or bubbling or flaking, as these are usually a sign of a leak coming from behind the wall.

Alternatively, you can use your water meter to determine whether the leak is coming from inside or outside your property. Follow these steps: 1. Turn off the main water supply. 2. Check your water meter and remember/write down the numbers. Wait an hour. 3. Check the meter, and if the numbers haven’t changed then your leak is most likely coming from inside. However, if the numbers have changed, then the leak is likely in the water line that runs into your property.

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We maintain a range of buildings in all sectors across the UK.

From houses to flats, schools to skyscrapers, commercial to heritage.

Our Leak Detection Projects

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Basingstoke

Leak Investigation and Balcony Leadwork at a Residential Building in Basingstoke

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Roofing Repairs: How We Identified Structural Issues Early and Protected a Residential Block in Reading

View Case Study
Holburn

Leak Detection Services in Holburn Find Flooded Flat Roof!

View Case Study
Fulham

Efficient Leak Investigation and Repairs at a High-End Fulham Property

View Case Study
Red Hill

Extensive Gutter Maintenance and Repairs on Entire Housing Estate

View Case Study
Putney

How Our Emergency Leak Services Saved Our Client From Hiring a Helicopter!

View Case Study
Notting Hill

Routine Gutter Cleaning Allowed Us to Spot Cracked Roof Tiles Before They Caused Serious Damage

View Case Study
Wimbledon

How Our Roof Inspection Services Solved a Mysterious Ceiling Collapse

View Case Study
Marylebone

Emergency Leak Investigation and Essential Pipework Maintenance

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Cavendish Square Gra

Succeeding Where Other Roof Inspection Companies Have Failed

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Redhill, England

Urgent Roof Inspection and Leak Repair

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Hyde Park Gardens, L

Emergency Roof Leak Repair

View Case Study
Covent Garden

Roof Leak Detection

View Case Study
Swiss Cottage

No Scaffolding Rooftop Leak Detection

View Case Study

Educating Leaders in Building Maintenance with Our CPD Programmes:

With a passion for sharing our latest insights, we have trained over 500 surveyors and property managers on sustainable facade restoration and advanced maintenance strategies.

We help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving sector by providing engaging, practical learning that can be easily applied to a broad range of projects. Join us to not only meet your annual continuing development requirements but also discover innovative methods that can deliver outstanding results for your organisation or clients.

Learn more about our CPD programmes
  • Atkins Realis
  • NBP Paribas
  • CBRE
  • Firstport
  • Haus Block Management
  • Hollis Global
  • Knight Frank
  • Savills

We’ve trained over 500 surveyors and property managers through our CPD courses.

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Frequently asked questions

Is leak detection worth it?

If you don't know exactly where a leak is coming from, you need a specialist leak detection company. Plumbers can repair and restore most visible leaks without delay; however, if the leak isn’t visible and is hidden within your property, seeking the help of water leak detection specialists is the best option.

Some plumbing companies will dig up and take apart your property just to source the leak, but there’s no need for this. Our team can provide you with a non-destructive leak detection service that will save you time and money.

Whether it’s a pipe, gas or general water leak, the benefits of using Spectrum leak detection include:

Accuracy and precision

Our specialist team can find your leak's exact location and source with our professional equipment and expert knowledge without the need to damage the surrounding area to find hidden plumbing leaks.

Saving you money

Our services are fast and non-destructive, with no need to rip apart walls to detect leaks.

Rope access

As highly-trained abseilers, our experienced leak detection engineers can be hands-on and as close to the problem as possible. Other issues on your property may also be detected for you and highlighted to you in the report at the end, saving your additional maintenance costs in the future.

Temporary repairs

If our teams can resolve the issue upon first inspection, we will carry out the final leak repair right there and then. You will not have to wait for a report to be written and for another call-out charge. If our leak detection specialists need to come back to complete the repair, they will at least ensure that you have a temporary repair in place to stop the problem from getting worse.

Detailed reports

At the end of the service, our team will supply you with a full report of the leak detection, including images and other recommendations on the maintenance of your building. Our detailed reports of completed works will give you peace of mind and confirm that your problem has been fully resolved.


Your property should have a water leak detection service every other year to help prevent problematic plumbing leaks and save you from costly repairs further down the line.

What types of leaks can we detect?

Our leak detection and repair experts specialise in leaks originating externally, especially at height or from your building’s facade. We combine extensive leak detection experience with innovative access methods to ensure a successful repair no matter the height or complexity of your building.

Some common types of leaks that we encounter include:

Pipe leaks

While pipe leaks may seem like a small problem, if untreated they could lead to a much larger problem, especially if the pipes are hidden throughout your property and go unnoticed.

Drain leaks

How do you detect a drain leak? There are a few telltale signs that your drains are leaking, including bad smells, cracks in your walls or the sound of trickling water. If you’re still unsure whether you have a leak or not, then do not hesitate to reach out to our leak detection team today.

Roof leaks

A roof that is leaking can be a very serious and expensive issue. It will lead to more severe damage, expensive repairs and interior destruction. Our leak detection technicians are all IRATA trained and can reach, repair and restore your leaking roof from any angle.

Mains water leaks

Mains water leaks can be the most damaging type of leak. Common indicators include increased water bills, mould and other damage, or an empty water tank.

How does our leak detection service work?

Our specialist team provides leak detection services by following three crucial steps:

  1. Assess: a visual inspection of the problem area is conducted and a plan of action is determined.
  2. Inspect: our roofing abseilers are sent to the site, bringing their expert knowledge and the relevant leak detection tool to find the source of your leak.
  3. Repair: we implement a temporary repair, so there’s no need for two call-outs.

What leak detection methods do we use?

The first step in the leak detection process is a visual assessment of the site. Once we have located the affected area, we will send out our abseiling team to access, inspect and repair it. 

Here are some of the tools and techniques that we use:

Thermal imaging camera

This infrared camera converts the area's data into an image reflecting the surface temperature, which allows us to identify the temperature differences in your pipes. Damp areas show as blue, which means they are colder than the surrounding dry areas in red or orange.

Moisture testing

Moisture testing uses a metering device that measures the moisture levels of a surface. Performing several moisture readings throughout a property means we can deduce whether or not there’s an increase in moisture levels in the area being inspected. This assists us in tracing where there is water ingress or dampness.

Borescope inspection

This optical tool helps assist in a visual inspection of drains, pipes and wiring without needing to remove walls and ceilings. The camera on this instrument allows us to carefully navigate into places that would be impossible to see otherwise. This allows us to spot any small internal cracks, blockages or misaligned piping without having to lift flooring or remove large areas of a wall.

Water testing

This is where water is deployed to targeted areas to test whether the waterproofing system is working effectively, this is usually done on the roof of the property. Areas are isolated to provide accurate results of this ‘replicate leak’ detection method.

Drain CCTV inspection

CCTV equipment is a great tool for detecting leaks in pipes and drainage systems. This camera survey helps to determine whether there’s a failure in the downpipes or if it's a blockage. This method is mainly used for investigating gutter leaks from the ground, removing the need for any operatives to access the roof.

Dye testing

Similar to water testing, a dye test is a test that tracks the route of the potential source of the leak by adding coloured dye to the water. The colour is completely washable and doesn't leave any sort of staining. The dye will highlight the path of water ingress and show our team exactly where the water is tracking through the property.

What is the best leak detection method?

There isn’t a ‘best’ leak detection method, as the correct method is tailored to the specific problem and location. The most suitable tools and methods are determined once all factors are thoroughly assessed. It’s crucial that any leak detection approaches are paired with specialist knowledge so that the results are as accurate as possible.

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What Our Google Reviews Say

Spectrum have a good response time and an enthusiastic team, in my experience of using them so far. The costs are reasonable given the complex access issues on some buildings but far more cost effective than erecting scaffold. Their abseil service is reliable and allows urgent repairs to be completed in a much quicker time frame.

Robert Dixon

Amazing company! I’d highly recommend! I’ve asked for render and windows cleaning and they did a stunning job. The teams are highly skilled professionals, reliable and very friendly. As well as communication are exceptional! Very trust worthy!

Dzessika Riekstina

I’ve been using Spectrum since 2019 for various building-related works, and they’ve consistently delivered to a very high standard. This review, however, is specifically for the recent DOFF cleaning of the brickwork. The transformation was genuinely impressive. They brought the entrance back to life the brickwork now looks fresh, clean and almost new again. Professional, efficient and clearly experienced in what they do

Fred Alebiosu

Engineer was polite and knowledgeable in the work being done would recommend.

Kamil Miazek

​We recently used Spectrums services for our building, and couldn’t be happier with the quality of the service. The team were fast to respond from the initial enquiry through to booking the work in. They initially had to move our appointment to a different date, but the communication was fast and responsive, and worked around any issues quickly and efficiently. The guys that did the work were amazing, they worked around everything we threw at them, and they were really patient with us, and went beyond what they were meant to do from the original quote, so thank you guys. We really felt like we were in safe hands, and I just wished all other contractors were like this, you can tell they really care! Thank you Spectrum team, you guys are the best.

Farid Gasanov

Been working with Spectrum for a while, We have our ups and downs but I'm happy :)

Latoya Latanea Okkers

We use Spectrum to clean our windows on a monthly basis. I would recommend this company 100%. We have had quite a few of there window cleaners turn up to do the job and i can honestly say they ALL do a fantastic job. There prices are very competitive and they are very friendly and helpful every time I speak with them. I cannot recommend them enough, you will not be disappointed.

Giggs Demetriou

I've worked with Spectrum on several external façade and roof leak tracing investigations within a Wandsworth Town Development and have consistently been impressed by their professionalism and reliability. Every team and operative attending site has conducted pre-start and completion briefings with myself, ensuring I’m fully informed about the work carried out even before receiving the formal report, this is hugely appreciated. Jakub Szynwelski and Emilia Palmieri are my main points of contact and are outstanding in their roles! Always quick to respond, incredibly helpful with any queries, and consistently willing to offer guidance and support when needed.

Junior Dos santos

Great guys, and the job is well done. Communication is fantastic throughout.

Ryan Wibisono

I have been working with Spectrum for around a year, using them on various sites for various works. Always very professional and carry out works to a very high standard.

Jack Hankey