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.
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)
How we deliver
No surprises, no upselling. The exact path every job follows.
- 1
Site stabilisation
Property climate is stabilised, heating set, doors closed, to make sure of stable thermal contrast before imaging. - 2
Visual inspection & moisture meter readings
Surface moisture mapped with capacitance and pin-meters to confirm wet zones. - 3
Initial broad-scan with FLIR camera
Full property thermal scan to identify anomalies. - 4
Detailed sectional imaging
High-resolution images of suspect areas. Temperature profiles overlaid. - 5
Cross-verification with acoustic/tracer gas
Where thermal isn't conclusive, we verify with secondary methods. - 6
Insurance-grade written report
All images, locations marked, root cause and remediation recommendations.