Water Leak Detection

Underground Water Leak Detection Services in England

Underground water leaks can be both expensive and disruptive. When left unidentified or unresolved, they may result in excessive water charges, reduced water pressure, structural damage, and, in severe cases, business interruption or loss of production. By way of example, a water main leak of approximately one litre per second can add in the region of £60,000 per year to a commercial water bill.

English Water recognises that visible surface water is not always located directly above the source of a leak. Our experienced water leak detection technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment to accurately identify the origin of a water main leak before any repair work is undertaken.

What Our Water Leak Detection Site Survey Includes

Comprehensive Water Main Mapping

All water mains serving your site are identified, recorded, and divided into clearly defined zones.

Flow Rate and Average Daily Consumption Monitoring

Usage data is analysed to identify irregular patterns that may indicate the presence of a water main leak.

Flow and Pressure Testing

Detailed tests are carried out to assess how effectively water is moving through the water main network.

Acoustic Correlation and Ground Microphone Surveys

Specialist sounding equipment is used to pinpoint the precise location of water main leaks with a high degree of accuracy.

All survey work is conducted without disruption to your water supply or site operations. Where any activity could affect normal operations, English Water works flexibly, including out-of-hours or weekend attendance, to minimise downtime.

Techniques Used to Locate Water Main Leaks

Following initial zoning, we apply targeted techniques to further narrow the search area—often locating leaks to within half a metre. These include:

Leak Detection Methods

Open sounding, acoustic correlation, pipe tracing, and ground microphones to detect underground water main leaks.

Flow and Pressure Logging

Data loggers are installed, with recorded information retrieved and analysed to identify abnormal patterns.

Pressure Management Design and Installation

Optimising pressure levels to reduce stress on water mains and minimise the risk of further leaks.

Step Testing and Zero Pressure Testing

Combined with data logging to confirm leak locations and assess their impact on the wider network.

Leakage-Controlled Areas

Designing and monitoring defined zones to isolate and manage water main leaks.

Crisis and Preventative Management

Ongoing pressure monitoring, data analysis, and water balance assessments to identify issues before they escalate into failures.

Why Choose English Water for Water Leak Detection in England?

Minimal Operational Disruption

All works are carefully planned around your operational requirements to avoid unnecessary downtime.

Experienced Leak Detection Specialists

Our technicians are fully trained in the use of advanced detection equipment, enabling rapid and accurate identification of leaks.

Cost Control and Prevention

Early detection reduces excessive water charges and helps prevent costly property or infrastructure damage.

England-Focused Expertise

Operating exclusively across England, we understand regional regulations, ground conditions, and environmental factors that affect water mains.

If you are concerned about unexplained increases in water usage or suspect an underground water leak, English Water can provide professional water leak detection services to protect your assets, reduce water loss, and control costs.

Contact English Water for Water Leak Detection and Repairs in England

For dependable, professional, and timely water leak detection and water main repair services across England, trust English Water to deliver accurate results.

English Water carries out water leak detection nationwide and offers free, no-obligation quotations. To arrange a consultation, call 0800 316 7322 or email hello@englishwater.co.uk to discuss your water leak detection requirements.