Articles & Guides

Received a notification from South West Water about a potential leak on your property? Don’t panic – you’re not alone. Our comprehensive guide explains exactly what SWW’s leak notification means, whether it’s a friendly alert or a Section 75 legal notice, your responsibilities versus theirs, and how to access the financial help available (up to £250 subsidy). We’ll walk you through every step from initial response to claiming your leak allowance, ensuring you resolve the issue quickly and cost-effectively.

Trace and access is the insurance cover that pays for finding and reaching hidden water leaks in your property – it covers the investigation costs and making good any damage caused whilst locating the leak, but crucially doesn’t cover repairing the actual pipe or the water damage itself. After 30 years tracking down hidden leaks across Cornwall and Devon, I’ve seen homeowners pay thousands unnecessarily because they didn’t understand this distinction. According to Defaqto, 97% of UK buildings insurance policies include it as standard, typically with limits between £5,000-£10,000, yet most homeowners don’t realise what it actually covers until they’re knee-deep in water and insurance paperwork. This guide explains exactly what trace and access means, what’s covered (and what isn’t), how to claim successfully, and why understanding this coverage could save you from financial disaster when pipes burst behind walls you can’t see.

The good news? Increasing boiler pressure takes just 5 minutes and costs nothing. The bad news? If you’re doing it monthly, you’re likely masking a hidden leak that’s causing expensive damage behind your walls. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to safely repressurise any boiler (Worcester, Vaillant, Baxi, or others), explains why pressure drops in the first place, and reveals when that innocent-looking pressure gauge is actually warning you about thousands of pounds worth of water damage brewing under your floors.

Finding a leak in your wall or ceiling can feel impossible when water’s dripping but you can’t see the source—yet ignoring it could cost you thousands in structural damage. When searching for “how to find a leak in a wall or ceiling, whether you’ve spotted water stains spreading across your ceiling, damp patches appearing on walls, or mysterious dripping sounds behind plasterboard, this expert guide reveals how to find a leak in walls and ceilings using both simple detection methods and professional techniques. Learn to identify the warning signs of concealed water leaks, understand when thermal imaging and acoustic detection are needed, and discover how your insurance’s trace and access cover can help—because that small stain today could become a £10,000 repair bill tomorrow.

Are you struggling with mysterious drops in your central heating system’s pressure? Discover the best practices to identifying leaks before they turn into costly disasters! With over 30 years of experience, I’ll guide you through effective DIY detection methods, from visual inspections to pressure testing, ensuring you can tackle leaks like a pro. Learn how to spot the signs of a leak, understand when to call in the experts, and prevent future issues. Don’t let a small problem escalate into a major headache—read on to protect your home and save thousands in potential repairs!

Are you noticing mysterious damp patches or warped floorboards? A leak under your floor can lead to costly damage if not addressed promptly. In our comprehensive guide, we reveal who to call for various leak situations, from emergency plumbers to leak detection specialists. With over 30 years of experience in Devon and Cornwall, we provide expert insights to help you navigate the complexities of under floor leak detection and repair. Don’t let a small issue turn into a major disaster—read on!

Are you puzzled by the numbers on your moisture meter? Understanding moisture readings is crucial for protecting your home from hidden leaks and costly damage. With over three decades of experience investigating properties across Cornwall and Devon, I’ve learned that these readings tell a story—one that can prevent disasters if interpreted correctly. From knowing what constitutes a normal reading to recognizing alarming patterns, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to safeguard your property.