Hidden leak and an insurance claim? We find the leak, open up only where needed, fix it and make good, with a written report and photos for your insurer.
By AJ, certified Gas Safe engineer and lead plumber at 247 Emergency Plumbers Edinburgh · Checked
Trace and access means finding a hidden leak, opening up the wall, floor or ceiling to reach it, and making good afterwards. Many buildings insurance policies include it, so check yours before work starts. We find the leak, repair it, make good, and give you a written report with photos and the cause, ready for your insurer. Insurer-referred jobs are welcome.
Key points
What it covers
Finding where the water is coming from, getting to it, and putting the wall, floor or ceiling back. The ABI says insurers may pay to locate, access and repair a leak, but trace and access is not always standard cover.
Check your policy
Some policies pay to find and reach the leak but not to repair the pipe itself. Compare the Market and MoneyHelper both say to check what your policy includes.
Evidence first
The Society of Claims Professionals’ guide stresses recording the cause, with notes and photos, before repairs or clear-up. We photograph what we find before and after opening up.
Insurer-referred jobs welcome
If your insurer or loss adjuster asks you to use a local contractor, give them our details. We can work to their instructions and send the report to them or to you.
How it works
Stop the water if you can, and keep away from wet electrics.
Call your insurer to check whether you have trace and access cover, and whether you need approval before we open anything up.
We start with checks that do not damage anything, and only open up where the evidence points, once you or your insurer agree.
We repair the leak and make good the area we opened up. Drying and redecoration are quoted separately if needed.
You get a written report with photos, the cause and what we did, to send to your insurer.
How we can help
Leak detection: £100–£225 labour for detection, plus the callout
Opening up, repair and making good, quoted and agreed before work starts
Written report with photos and the cause, for your insurer
Drying and reinstatement quoted separately
Leak and an insurance claim? We can help.
We find the leak, fix it and make good, and give you a written report with photos and the cause for your insurer. Insurer-referred jobs welcome. Callout from £75 in standard hours (out of hours £100–£180); leak detection £100–£225 labour. Repairs, making good and any drying are agreed before work starts.
Our emergency line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Every policy is different. This page is general guidance, not insurance or legal advice. Check your own policy and ask your insurer.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Helpful answers before you call.
What is trace and access?
It is finding a hidden leak, opening up to reach it, and making good afterwards. Many buildings insurance policies include it as cover, but not all, so check your policy.
Does insurance pay for trace and access?
Often, if your buildings policy includes trace and access cover. Some policies pay to find and reach the leak but not to repair the pipe. Check with your insurer before work starts.
Do you provide a report for my insurance claim?
Yes. You get a written report with photos, the cause of the leak and what we did, which you can send to your insurer or loss adjuster.
Do you take insurer-referred jobs?
Yes, insurer-referred jobs are welcome. Ask your insurer or loss adjuster to contact us on 0131 210 0505.
DAYTIME BOOKING REQUESTS · 7AM–7PM
Prefer to book on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp booking requests are for weekday daytime visits, Monday to Friday within 7am–7pm, Edinburgh local time. One same-day slot is offered each weekday, at least 3 hours ahead; for a same-day booking, call 0131 210 0505 to confirm.
Choose an available date and then a two-hour time window in the chat. Bookings are provisional until the plumber confirms. The work and price must be discussed and agreed before work starts. Online and WhatsApp bookings are not available at weekends: for a weekend or bank holiday visit, call 0131 210 0505 (out-of-hours pricing applies). Standard rates apply Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Callout, labour, parts and materials are separate charges: agree all applicable charges before committing to a visit.
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