Our Trace and Access service covering the whole of London, involves specialised techniques to find and repair leaks without tearing apart your property, if in some cases there is some need to, we repair all, and restore your property to its former glory. On this page you will find a straightforward explanation of these essential services, guiding you through the process of detection, insurance claims, and fixing any damage caused by water leaks. With our London Trace and Access experts, you can rest easy knowing that your property is in safe hands.
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“Trace and Access” is a specialised approach that involves two primary steps:
From advanced leak detection techniques using thermal imaging and tracer gases, to assistance with insurance claims and post leak property restoration, Better Gas Trace and Access services offer a comprehensive solution to locating and fixing your water leak, no matter how big or small.
Our Trace and Access services in London offer comprehensive expertise in leak detection with considerations for local architectural styles and property types, including assistance with insurance claims and post leak restoration.
Better Gas Trace and Access professionals employ advanced non invasive techniques like thermal imaging, acoustic detectors, and tracer gases for precision leak detection, while innovative solutions like SmartBall technology address complex.
Trace and Access coverage is typically part of buildings insurance policies with limits, possibly ranging from £5,000 to £10,000, and may not cover leaks due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance, but we are here to support you through the process.
Local expertise is not just about familiarity with the area. It’s about a deeper understanding of the local context, connections with local resources and communities, and most importantly, knowledge of the unique challenges posed by London properties. Our expertise is particularly critical in tracing hidden water leaks, often located in hard to access areas such as unoccupied flats or uncooperative leaseholders.
Thankfully, our Trace and Access services are designed to alleviate your worries, providing support with insurance claims, precise leak detection and prompt repairs.
Whether your property is residential or commercial, old or new, Better Gas have got you covered. In London, Trace and Access coverage is included in most home and buildings insurance policies, offering support for dealing with leaks and resultant damages, including those in underground pipes. However, the size of your property and the complexity of the leak may influence the cost of the service. Undoubtedly, the cost of hiring a leak detection specialist will outweigh the potential financial burden of destructive investigations.
So, whether your property is old and prone to wear and tear or a listed building with its unique set of challenges, our Trace and Access services have got you covered.
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Grasping your Trace and Access coverage can alleviate unnecessary stress when dealing with a water leak.
Trace and Access coverage is designed to cover the costs associated with locating and accessing a leak. This can include breaking into walls and ceilings or excavating floors, with a typical coverage limit of £5,000.00. It also covers the detection of underground pipe leaks, ensuring that even the most hidden leaks are not left unattended.
Although Trace and Access coverage is a standard feature in many home insurance policies in London, you should always verify your policy for adequate coverage, including access insurance cover. To ensure complete protection, it’s essential to conduct a home insurance cover trace, which will help you identify any gaps in your coverage.
While Trace and Access coverage is a lifeline in the event of a water leak, it’s important to be aware of the limitations. Here are some things to consider:
Coverage limits on certain buildings insurance policies may vary from £5,000 to £10,000.
There may be specific restrictions and terms across different insurers.
Your claim might be more challenging and costly if your policy does not include Trace and Access cover.
Prior to initiating an insurance claim, it’s important to review your policy for any coverage limitations, like exclusions for gradual wear and tear, that could impact your claim, but the good news is we are here to hold your hand through the process.
Video pipe inspection tools
Listening discs
Ground microphones
Thermal imaging cameras
Acoustic leak detectors
Visual inspection methods
These tools ensure that even the most complex leaks are accurately located.
Advanced non invasive techniques are at the heart of modern leak detection. Professionals use a variety of techniques to locate leaks, including:
Acoustic water leak detection
Thermal imaging
Ultrasonic
Video pipe inspection
Thermal imaging aids in identifying potential leaks by detecting variations in surface temperatures. Tracer gas is another method used, where a non toxic gas such as helium or hydrogen is introduced into pipes to pinpoint the location of a leak. These techniques not only ensure an accurate detection of leaks but also cover a wide range of pipe systems, providing comprehensive coverage without causing damage to your property.
For complex leaks that evade traditional detection methods, innovative solutions come to the rescue. Trace and Access experts utilise advanced technologies such as wireless water sensors, Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, and SmartBall® technology to ensure comprehensive and precise leak detection. Thermal imaging, ultrasonic and acoustic detection, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), drone imaging, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and video pipe inspections are some of the innovative methods that tackle leaks in hard to access areas.
These sophisticated methods guarantee precise leak detection while also reducing potential property damage.
When you’ve detected a leak, initiating a Trace and Access claim can seem daunting. But with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. Before you reach out to your insurer, it’s a good idea to speak to us prior to the following:
Start a ‘claim file’
Gather evidence of the leak
Document the incident with photographs
Keep a record of any affected or missing items
Being aware of the right time to contact your insurance company and the specific information required for a Trace and Access claim can streamline the process and enhance efficiency. With access insurance knowledge, you can better navigate this process.
The sooner you contact your insurer after detecting a leak, the better. Early contact ensures that you’re following the appropriate procedures for a potentially covered Trace and Access claim. This allows your insurer to guide you through the process and ensure that any damage is minimized. But before you pick up the phone, make sure you have documented evidence of the leak and any damage caused, as this will be required by your insurer.
Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Trace and Access claim process easier. These can include not understanding why your claim could be refused, not having Trace and Access cover in your insurance policy, failing to document the damage and losses, or encountering difficulties in accessing flats to trace leaks. Keep in mind that many Trace and Access claims are denied due to lack of water damage, confusion regarding the distinctions between Trace and Access and home emergency cover, and failure to conduct regular property maintenance resulting in damages.
In order to process your claim properly, it’s crucial to confirm your Trace and Access coverage, record the leak and resulting damage, and provide a detailed report to your insurer.
But the question arises, what when there’s a leak in the underground pipes? Who’s responsible for repairs and associated damage? Here are some details.
While homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of the drains, water pipes, plumbing fixtures, and waste drainage pipes within their property boundaries, water companies own, maintain and repair public sewers located under roads and footpaths, as well as any sewers under a homeowner’s property that are shared with neighbours.
But when it comes to the water supply pipes, the responsibility is divided. Homeowners are accountable for the pipework within their property, while water companies maintain the main water supply pipes. Both parties are legally obligated to maintain their respective pipes, ensuring they are in proper condition and taking corrective measures when needed.
When it comes to pipe responsibility, it’s important to distinguish between accidental damage and wear and tear. Accidental damage refers to sudden and unexpected harm to house pipes, such as a pipe bursting due to freezing temperatures or accidental impact. On the other hand, wear and tear refers to natural and anticipated degradation over time, such as rusting, corrosion, and gradual deterioration.
While accidental damage to pipes may potentially fall under the coverage of insurance policies, wear and tear is often not covered.
Upon detecting a leak and starting your Trace and Access claim, securing your property is essential.
The drying process can take about 72 hours under favourable conditions, but this can be influenced by temperature, humidity, evaporation, and air movement. Once the area is dry, restoration of the affected area can begin, including cleaning, disinfection, and repair works to return the property to its pre leak state.
Engaging our professional services for water extraction and drying post leak comes with manifold benefits. It plays a vital role in preventing the growth of mold and bacteria, thereby contributing to the maintenance of a healthy environment. Better Gas employ a variety of systems for water extraction and drying, such as vacuum and high pressure drying, suction drying, and room dehumidification. These methods are designed to efficiently eliminate moisture from the property following a water leak.
However, do it yourself water extraction and drying carry potential risks, including the possibility of overlooking areas requiring water removal, which can result in puddles and moisture accumulation. Inadequate drying may lead to the growth of mould and mildew, potentially causing health problems and additional property damage.
The restoration of the impacted area necessitates the following steps:
Drying the waterlogged materials
Improving ventilation
Fostering air circulation
Carrying out deep cleaning and disinfection
This helps prevent mould growth and returns the property to its pre leak condition. The restoration process typically takes several weeks to repair all the damage caused by a leak, with water typically drying up within 72 hours.
Humidity control plays a crucial role in the restoration process. It entails the utilisation of dehumidifiers to:
Extract moisture from the air
Accelerate the drying of water damaged materials and furnishings
Diminish odour
Aid in preventing the proliferation of mould
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