Internal Cold Mains Leak Detection in Kilmarnock

Symptoms

A two-storey property in KA17 was experiencing a leak that was making its presence known through the ceiling of the downstairs hallway. The source was unclear, and the upstairs occupant had already removed a sink and lifted a floorboard in an attempt to trace the origin — without success.

With the cause still unidentified, professional internal leak detection was called in.

Methods Used

From that point, moisture meter readings were taken beneath the bath and returned wet results, consistent with an active leak in that area. An endoscope camera was used to inspect cavities without further unnecessary lifting of floor coverings.

Thermal imaging was also deployed and identified a wet patch. With the area confirmed, several floorboards were lifted with the customer's permission, giving direct access and enabling a positive identification of the leak.

Internal leak detection carried out in this way — combining non-invasive scanning with targeted physical access — keeps disruption to a minimum while establishing the exact cause.

Investigation Process

1. 1
   Initial Assessment

   The engineer attended the property in KA17 and reviewed the situation: a leak presenting in the downstairs hallway with no confirmed source, and prior attempts by the customer to locate it having proved unsuccessful.

2. 2
   Central Heating Discounted

   The customer confirmed no pressure loss on the central heating system, so that circuit was set aside and testing focused on the hot and cold water supplies.

3. 3
   Pressure Testing Carried Out

   Pressure testing was completed across the pipework. The hot supply pipe failed the test while all other circuits passed, identifying the hot supply as the source system.

4. 4
   Moisture Meter Readings Taken

   Damp meter readings were taken beneath the bath and returned wet results, pointing to an active leak in that specific area of the bathroom floor.

5. 5
   Endoscope Camera Inspection

   An endoscope camera was introduced into the cavity beneath the bath and confirmed visible moisture, consistent with a leak in close proximity.

6. 6
   Thermal Imaging Deployed

   Thermal imaging identified a wet patch in the same zone, providing further corroboration that the leak was localised beneath the bath area.

7. 7
   Floorboards Lifted

   With the customer's permission, several floorboards were lifted to gain direct access to the pipework, allowing the engineer to positively identify the cause.

8. 8
   Leak Source Identified

   A hairline crack in a copper pipe was found beneath the bath — the definitive source of the leak affecting the downstairs hallway.

9. 9
   Repair Carried Out

   The cracked section of pipe was cut back, new fittings were installed, and an isolation valve was added to the cold mains pipe.

10. 10
    Retest Completed

    A retest was carried out following the repair to confirm the leak had been resolved and the pipework was holding pressure.

11. 11
    Recommendations Made

    The bathroom pipework and waste pipes were observed to be in poor condition with signs of corrosion, and the customer was advised to consider upgrading both as a priority.

Result & Outcome

Beyond the immediate repair, the engineer noted that the bathroom pipework and waste pipes are in poor condition and showing signs of corrosion. Upgrading both is strongly recommended to prevent further leaks developing from the same deteriorating infrastructure.