247 Rapid Response
4.5 · 510 reviews
Nitrogen tracer-gas regulator and gauges set up next to a bathroom sink during a leak-detection callout

Leak detection

Thermal imaging surveys across London

Specialist thermal imaging surveys as part of our 24/7 leak detection service. Same fixed pricing, same 30 to 60 minute target response, same 12-month guarantee.

30 to 60 min target response12-month guaranteeGas Safe Registered
30-60 MINResponse time
12 MOWorkmanship guarantee
FULLYInsured & accredited
24/7365 days a year

Thermal imaging is the single most powerful tool we use to find hidden water leaks. By visualising tiny surface-temperature differences invisible to the human eye, a properly trained operator using a calibrated FLIR camera can locate active hot-water leaks, central heating system leaks, underfloor-heating failures and evaporative cooling from cold-water leaks, usually pinpointing the source to within 100mm before any plaster, tile or floorboard is lifted.

Our leak-detection team uses FLIR E76 / E96 cameras with thermal sensitivity below 30mK (millikelvin) and 640×480 IR resolution, the same equipment used by buildings surveyors, insurance loss adjusters and the British Damp Proofing Association. Every survey includes high-resolution IR images, surface temperature profiles, and a written report acceptable to all major UK insurers.

Need this service in London right now?
When We Use This

Where this service applies

  • ✅ Active hot-water leaks under floors, clearly visible as warm plumes against cooler surrounding surface
  • ✅ Central heating system leaks (radiator valves, pipework, manifolds, pumps)
  • ✅ Underfloor heating circuit failures and screed cracking
  • ✅ Evaporative cooling from cold-water leaks behind tiles or wall finishes
  • ✅ Damp / moisture mapping post-leak (where water has spread)
  • ✅ Insulation defects causing mould-supportive cold spots
  • ✅ Pre-purchase building surveys for hidden water damage
  • ✅ Insurance trace-and-access claims (covered by most policies up to £5,10k)
Our Process

How we deliver

No surprises, no upselling. The exact path every job follows.

  1. 1
    Site stabilisation
    Property climate is stabilised, heating set, doors closed, to make sure of stable thermal contrast before imaging.
  2. 2
    Visual inspection & moisture meter readings
    Surface moisture mapped with capacitance and pin-meters to confirm wet zones.
  3. 3
    Initial broad-scan with FLIR camera
    Full property thermal scan to identify anomalies.
  4. 4
    Detailed sectional imaging
    High-resolution images of suspect areas. Temperature profiles overlaid.
  5. 5
    Cross-verification with acoustic/tracer gas
    Where thermal isn't conclusive, we verify with secondary methods.
  6. 6
    Insurance-grade written report
    All images, locations marked, root cause and remediation recommendations.
Frequently Asked

Your questions answered

How accurate is thermal imaging for finding water leaks?
For active hot-water leaks and recently-active cold-water leaks, thermal imaging typically pinpoints to within 50,100mm. For deeply-embedded leaks behind well-insulated walls or in low-thermal-mass cavities, thermal alone is less reliable. We combine it with acoustic and tracer gas methods.
Will thermal imaging see through walls?
Slight misconception, thermal imaging measures surface temperature, not what's behind the wall. But because water leaks cool or warm the surface above them, thermal imaging effectively reveals what's behind a wall by reading the heat signature on the front face.
How much does thermal imaging cost in London?
Priced per our published rate card (see full pricing), with a written report included as standard. Insurance-claim grade reports included as standard.
Can thermal imaging find a leak in a flat above mine?
Yes, particularly common in London leasehold blocks. We thermal-image the affected ceiling/wall in your flat, identify the moisture pathway, and produce a report that establishes leak source for the managing agent / freeholder claim.
Is thermal imaging covered by my home insurance?
Most UK home insurance policies include a 'trace and access' cover (typically £5,000,10,000) specifically to pay for the work of finding the leak source. Thermal imaging falls within scope. We provide the right report format for direct insurance claim.
Related

More from our Leak Detection team

← Back to all Leak Detection services

Need a 24/7 emergency engineer?

30 to 60 minute response across every London borough. Gas Safe registered. 12-month workmanship guarantee.

FAQ

Thermal imaging surveys: your questions

How fast can you reach me for thermal imaging surveys?
Typical on-site time is 30 to 60 minutes across the M25, subject to engineer availability and traffic. Live dispatch, never queued. Times quoted are best-effort targets, not contractual guarantees.
What does thermal imaging surveys typically cost?
Labour is one flat rate across London and the M25, billed per 30 minutes: from £75 / 30 min (daytime) up to £147 / 30 min (nighttime), with a one-hour minimum then 30-minute increments. There is no callout fee. Domestic prices shown inc VAT, no hidden extras. Fixed-price conversion available on most jobs after diagnosis. Full rate card.
Is the work guaranteed?
Yes. Thermal imaging surveys carries the same 12-month workmanship guarantee as every other leak detection job we do.
Are you Gas Safe registered?
Yes. Gas Safe Register number 972173. Verifiable live at gassaferegister.co.uk before our engineer walks in.

Need thermal imaging surveys now?

30 to 60 minute response across every London borough. Gas Safe registered. 12-month workmanship guarantee.