If you've just noticed a damp patch on the ceiling or your boiler keeps losing pressure, the first thing most people want to know is: what's this going to cost me? In London, leak detection pricing varies more than most people realise — and the cheapest quote is rarely the best value.
Typical prices in London in 2026
For a standard domestic survey, expect to pay between £275 and £595 as a fixed, all-inclusive fee. That should always include a full written report with photographs, a moisture survey of the affected area, and a Trace & Access document suitable for your home insurer.
Underground mains leaks, commercial buildings and heritage properties are quoted separately — usually £500 to £1,200 depending on pipe run and access. Anyone quoting hourly rates without a cap will almost always end up costing more.
What's covered by home insurance
Almost every UK home insurance policy includes a 'Trace & Access' benefit under the Escape of Water section, typically capped at £5,000. That means your insurer should pay for finding the leak and for the cost of opening up walls, floors or tiles to reach it. You pay your excess and that's usually it.
You'll need a written report from a specialist — which we provide as part of every survey — and it helps to phone your insurer first to confirm what they need.
Red flags to watch for
Avoid any company charging a low call-out fee with 'equipment hire' added later. Avoid anyone who won't commit to a fixed price in writing. And avoid any engineer who arrives without thermal imaging, acoustic listening and tracer-gas kit — those are the minimum tools for a modern, non-invasive survey.