We’re experts at trace and access leak detection – in fact, it’s what we’ve built our entire business on!
While the process can seem complex – and sometimes it really is – we wanted to break things down a little bit and show you exactly how we go about a typical trace and access leak detection situation.
So, if you’re wondering how leaks are found and what happens afterwards, this is definitely the page for you!
What is Trace and Access Cover?
“Trace and access” refers to the part of your home insurance policy that covers you for finding the source of a water leak.
This cover could help give you the confidence to call a trace and access plumber to identify the source of a water leak, knowing the work is likely to be insured and possibly preventing a lot of damage to your home as a result.
The Trace & Access Process in a Nutshell
We know that not everyone has the time to read through an entire article on the subject, so below you’ll find a quick step-by-step rundown of the entire trace and access process:
- Leak is located using specialist equipment, if needed
- Leak is accessed in the least destructive way possible
- Insurance company agrees to work plan
- Plumber then attends to carry out repair
- Affected area is comprehensively dried
- Restoration work is then carried out
As you can see, there are a few different steps to the process, however, you don’t need to worry.
This is because we’re experts at trace and access, and we’ll always be on hand to provide you with any guidance and advice you might need.
How Do We Find Leaks?
Perhaps the most common question we’re asked is how exactly we find leaks. After all, some are hidden away under surfaces or in inaccessible locations, but we still manage to find them!
The answer lies in the equipment we use, as we have some of the most advanced leak detection tools around.
If one tool isn’t suitable, there’s always another option we can use. Some of the tools we commonly use include:
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Acoustic detectors
- Borescopes
- Tracer gas
- Moisture meters
It’s also important to mention that we have exceptionally skilled trace and access plumbers, who are able to find leaks that other companies simply can’t.
All our engineers have been trained to the highest standard, and they’ll be able to find 99% of leaks in residential and commercial properties.
This includes leaks buried underground or in other hard-to-reach places.
What Happens When We Find a Leak?
After we find a leak, we will then access it, ensuring that work can be carried out.
When accessing a leak, we’ll always choose the least destructive path, as we want to impact on your home or business as little as possible.
Of course, there are situations when we will need to cause some damage in order to get to the leak. We’ll always talk with you first though, to ensure you know exactly what we’re doing.
Once the leak has been accessed, we can attempt a temporary repair, to ensure you don’t lose any more water.
It is then time to liaise with your insurance company, as they will have to approve all work to be carried out.
We will never carry out a full repair on the day we conduct access and trace, as this could complicate the insurance process.
Once the plan has been agreed to by your insurance company, one of our team of plumbers can reattend another day and carry out the fix properly.
Of course, we will only carry out work agreed to by your insurance company though, and we won’t do anything to make a claim more complex and problematic.
A good insurance policy will include Trace and Access cover, normally for £5000. This covers the costs of leak detection and any damage caused in accessing the leak.
If you need to arrange Trace and Access work in Essex and the surroundings, why not contact us today and speak with one of our trace and access plumbers? Just call 01206 580 481 to find out more!
