High Water Bill? How to Tell if You Have a Hidden Water Leak
Leak Detection
If usage has not changed but your high water bill keeps rising, a hidden leak may be to blame. Greenstar finds and repairs leaks using non-invasive tools.
A small, damp patch. A musty smell. An unexplained spike in your water bill. If you’re dealing with any of these, you might already suspect a leak, but how much will it cost to find and fix the problem?
For most UK homes, leak detection costs typically range from £500 to £1,250, depending on how difficult the leak is to locate and which tools are used. But it’s not just about numbers. Understanding how pricing works can help you act early, avoid further damage, and choose a local specialist you can trust.
In this guide, we’ll explain what affects leak detection pricing and which methods are used. We’ll also look at how Greenstar offers clear, fixed quotes to homeowners in Dorset and Hampshire.
Generally, you can expect to pay between £500 and £1,250 for professional leak detection in a residential property. This typically involves spotting the leak, supplying a report for your records or insurer, and, in some cases, doing a quick repair on the same day.
At Greenstar, our customers in Bournemouth, Poole, and nearby areas usually pay £400 to £900 for a full detection service. We have no call-out fees, and the pricing is transparent from the start.
The type of detection method used also influences the price, for example:
The more advanced or time-intensive the approach, the higher the cost, but it’s still far less than the damage caused by an undetected leak. According to Checkatrade, the above estimates align with national averages.
You can see what’s included in a typical survey on our Water Leak Detection and Repair Services page.
There’s no universal price for leak detection, and that’s for a good reason. Each job is different, depending on your property, the leak location, and the accessibility of the affected area.
Bigger properties or homes with complex plumbing, such as extensions or loft conversions, may need more time for a survey. Older homes might have non-standard pipe materials or layouts that require more detailed tracing.
Leaks behind tiled walls, under flooring, or beneath foundations are more difficult to reach. Therefore, they may require specialist equipment or multiple visits. In contrast, surface-level leaks can often be resolved more quickly.
At Greenstar, we tailor the tools to the situation:
Even if you’re unsure what method might be needed, our trained engineers will assess the symptoms and choose the least disruptive approach.
Yes, where you live can influence how much you pay for leak detection. Regional labour rates, access to your property, and even the common types of homes in your area can affect the method used and the time it takes.
Greenstar’s local team can often respond faster in places like Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch. Because we’re already working in the area, we can offer far more competitive pricing. That means less travel, more flexibility, and no surprises on your quote.
If you’re in a rural part of Dorset or a remote village in Hampshire, pricing may be slightly higher to account for access and travel. But you will still enjoy clear communication and transparent pricing before we begin any work. With Greenstar, there’s no guesswork or upselling involved; just honest, reliable work.
Often, yes, especially if your policy includes something called “Trace and Access” cover. This is a specific part of many UK home insurance policies that covers the cost of locating and exposing a leak, even if it isn’t yet visible. For instance, if you have to lift floorboards or open a wall to fix a leaking pipe, that access work is typically covered. Just make sure you have this policy clause!
At Greenstar, we’ve supported hundreds of homeowners with successful insurance claims.
We provide everything your insurer typically needs:
Not all policies cover repair work or cosmetic restoration. It’s a good idea to review your documents or contact your insurer. This helps you know your level of cover before booking a visit.
For additional guidance on what might be claimable, see Making a Claim on Your Home Insurance from the Association of British Insurers.
A clear price. A quick fix. A team you can trust.
Even subtle signs of a leak can lead to substantial issues if ignored. That’s why understanding leak detection costs in the UK isn’t just about budgeting, but about knowing when to take action and who to call.
At Greenstar, we keep things simple. Our engineers are on call across Dorset and Hampshire, offering fast response times, fixed pricing, and clear advice. There are no call-out fees with us, and we provide full support for insurance claims. We’ll talk you through what’s needed, with no pressure, just a practical next step when you need it most.
Call 01202 355 344 or book your leak detection survey online, and we’ll take care of the rest.
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