Underground leak detection in Northern Ireland
Suspect a leak beneath a driveway, garden or yard? Discuss an investigation of buried private pipework before agreeing excavation and repairs.
Find out what is happening below ground
A persistent wet patch, unexplained water use on a metered supply or a change in pressure can prompt concern about buried pipework. These observations do not by themselves prove that an underground pipe is leaking.
Tell us where the problem appears, whether the supply serves a home or business and what has already been checked. We help arrange independent contractor investigations across Northern Ireland.
Explore the water leak-detection servicePrivate pipework or a public-supply problem?
If you suspect a leak in the public water supply, report it to NI Water. If you are unsure who is responsible, ask NI Water to clarify the supply arrangement before commissioning work. The position of a wet patch alone does not establish ownership.
NI Water Leakline: 0800 028 2011NI Water contacts and supply updatesIf NI Water has sent you a leak notice, tell us when you enquire. Check the instructions and deadline on the notice, and contact NI Water about anything unclear. Booking an investigation does not automatically extend a deadline.
Investigation before excavation
01 / Investigate
Narrow the search
The contractor considers the reported symptoms, available pipe information and site conditions. Acoustic equipment may help detect leak noise where conditions are suitable.
02 / Plan access
Agree what needs opening
Discuss the findings and any uncertainty before excavation. Agree the proposed access, relevant buried-service checks and the likely disruption. Detection does not guarantee that one small hole will be enough.
03 / Repair
Confirm the work and reinstatement
Independent engineers usually fix leaks and carry out repairs. Agree the repair, testing and any backfilling or surface reinstatement with the contractor, including what needs a separate quote.
Help the contractor understand the site
Have the postcode and a short description ready. If available, mention pipe plans, previous repairs, the surface above the suspected pipe and any known shared supply. Say whether NI Water or another contractor has already investigated.
Ask about access requirements, the scope of the survey, price and availability. Excavation, pipe replacement and making good should not be assumed to be included in a detection quote.
See how the service worksReports, bills and possible insurance claims
If you need written findings, agree the report and its price before booking. For claim support following a leak, a leak-detection report is needed; it is not automatically included with every survey.
Do not assume that an underground supply leak is covered by buildings insurance. Ask your insurer about your specific policy and circumstances. For a metered bill, ask NI Water whether any leakage allowance applies and what evidence it requires; an allowance is not guaranteed.
Understand trace and accessUnderground leak questions
Will you have to dig up the whole driveway?
The investigation aims to narrow the search, but the extent of access depends on what is found. Ask the contractor to explain the proposed excavation and reinstatement before agreeing to it.
Does low pressure mean an underground leak?
Not necessarily. Describe the change and any checks already made. NI Water can provide information about public-supply issues; private pipework may need a separate investigation.
Can the leak be repaired during the visit?
Engineers usually carry out repairs, but timing depends on access, the fault and the work agreed. Confirm repair availability and any additional costs with the contractor.
Who do I pay?
You contract with and pay the independent contractor directly. NI Leak Detection acts as an introducer and receives no commission or financial reward for the introduction.
Discuss your buried-pipe enquiry
Tell us where the property is and what you have noticed. We can discuss an investigation and the next steps.
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