Trace and access explained.
If you suspect a hidden leak which an ordinary plumber is unable to locate, you need specialist help. The hidden leak may be buried under a floor or behind a wall and can be difficult to trace. With specialist non-invasive technology, experienced leak detection engineers can locate them quickly and accurately, helping minimise disruption to your property and enabling you to progress a valid insurance claim. Pinpointing the source early is the first step in effective water damage mitigation, limiting how far the damage spreads before repairs begin.
Trace and access cover at a glance.
Trace and access cover is part of many UK home insurance policies. It helps pay for the cost of finding a hidden leak and accessing the affected area, but the exact cover depends on your policy wording.
Many homeowners only realise they have a leak when visible damage appears but the source of the leak cannot be seen. In these situations, insurers often require the cause to be confirmed before repairs can begin, which is where trace and access cover becomes important. Understanding what is typically included and where limits apply can help you make informed decisions if a hidden water leak is suspected.
What it is.
Insurance cover that pays to locate a hidden leak and open up the property to reach it.
What it covers.
- Specialist leak detection
- Opening walls, floors or ceilings
- Damage caused by the access work
Typical cover limits.
Many UK policies include limits around £5,000–£10,000, depending on insurer and policy level.
- Repairing the faulty pipe or appliance itself
- Rising damp
- Long-term wear, deterioration or maintenance issues
When it applies.
- Usually linked to escape of water from internal plumbing, heating or appliances
- In blocks of flats, leaks from a neighbouring flat
Advanced technology used to locate hidden water leaks.
Modern leak detection uses specialist equipment designed to locate faults accurately while avoiding unnecessary damage. A combination of proven, non-destructive techniques can be used to investigate hidden pipework and confirm the source of a leak.
All investigations are carried out by qualified leak detection engineers, providing clear findings that can support an insurance claim where required.
Tracer gas detection.
A safe tracer gas is introduced into drained pipework and travels through the system. Sensitive sensors detect where the gas escapes, accurately locating hidden leaks even beneath tiles, concrete, or flooring.
Acoustic leak detection.
Specialist listening equipment detects the sound of water escaping from pressurised pipes. This helps locate leaks beneath floors or inside structures without the need for disruptive excavation.
Thermal imaging surveys.
Infrared cameras highlight temperature differences caused by hidden moisture. This helps trace pipe routes and identify likely leak locations without lifting floors or opening walls.
Endoscopic inspection.
Flexible cameras inspect wall cavities, ducts, and other hard-to-reach spaces. Visual confirmation helps pinpoint leaks while keeping disruption to your property to a minimum.
Targeted dye testing.
A safe tracing dye may be introduced into the plumbing system when needed. This helps confirm complex leak locations while avoiding unnecessary damage or guesswork.
How we help with trace and access claims.
By connecting you with specialist leak detection engineers, we are able to help you locate the leak source and link it to the water damage in the property. Our claims experts can then present your water damage repair claim and ensure your property is restored to how it was before the leak. Your trace and access costs are reclaimed from your insurer under the Trace & Access policy cover – so you don’t need to worry about a thing!
Clear evidence and documentation.
We focus on identifying the cause, location and extent of water damage so there is clear documentation before opening-up begins. This helps confirm whether trace and access cover may apply and provides the technical evidence insurers expect when a hidden leak is suspected.
Planned and targeted access.
Opening the wrong area can increase disruption and unnecessary costs. A carefully planned approach helps ensure access is proportionate and focused on locating the source efficiently while protecting the property during the investigation.
Claim and reinstatement support.
Once the leak has been confirmed and the damage understood, the next stage can be clearly outlined. This includes documenting the findings, clarifying reinstatement requirements and helping you move forward with confidence.
Meet our team.
Our experienced team combines specialist knowledge in water damage assessment, insurance claims support, and coordinated restoration to guide you through every stage of your claim with clarity and confidence.
FAQs
Below you’ll find answers to common questions about trace and access, how insurers assess it, and how we support you throughout the claims and restoration process.
Does trace and access cover include repairing the leak?
Trace and access cover pays for detecting the hidden leak location and then intrusively accessing it by digging up floors or walls. The cost of repairing the pipe or appliance itself is not included and must be paid for by the homeowner.
Is trace and access included in all home insurance policies?
Many UK buildings insurance policies include trace and access cover, but limits and exclusions vary. Some include it as standard, while others offer it as an optional extra or include different limits depending on the policy level.
What is the typical limit for trace and access cover?
Many policies include limits between £5,000 and £10,000, although higher limits may exist on premium policies. The exact amount depends on your insurer and policy wording.
Can a trace and access claim be refused?
Yes. Claims may be declined if no leak is found, the issue is wear and tear or poor maintenance, or the damage is caused by a long term operating cause such as rising damp.
Does trace and access cover roof leaks?
Trace and access usually applies to escape of water from internal plumbing. Roof leaks and rainwater entering from outside are often classed as ingress and may not be covered.
What our clients say.
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service, and the feedback from our clients speaks for itself. Here, you can read about the experiences of those who have trusted us with their water damage repairs.
Customer review by Mike Sohn left on 27 Jan 2026
PositionReally appreciated their 24 hour service. Had a burst pipe in the flat and called late at night. Helpful person took notes and got a call back early next morning with somebody sent out later that morning to come and look. Tom came on sight to survey and was just so clear and helpful explaining all the various options we had and how they could help. He went above and beyond in explaining ...★★★★★
Customer review by Lin left on 30 Dec 2025
PositionThe process from beginning to end went extremely smooth thanks to Steve and his team. Their communication is excellent, proactive and helpful. The job was carried out with quality & speed, the result looks fantastic! Very grateful for their repair work. Thank you Steve and team for being so trustworthy. Appreciate you all! ★★★★★
Customer review by Carole M left on 24 Aug 2025
PositionDefinitely no hard sell with these good people. I didn’t really know who I should be approaching with my problem, but the very knowledgeable gentleman was able to put me in touch with people who would be able to help. The help I got down the line was first class and am now in a position to get my problem resolved. Such a joy receiving such helpful advice from Water Damage Repairs. Thank you.★★★★★
Customer review by Mikhel P left on 27 Oct 2025
PositionThe claim process was made simple and all works was sorted.There were some delays but it all came together at the end. Tom who was the PM was helpful, made the process easier.★★★★★
Customer review by Sylvia K left on 17 Jul 2025
PositionWe were pleasantly surprised by how smoothly everything was managed and executed from start to finish. The team took the time to clearly explain each step of the process and maintained full transparency throughout. Dimitru and his team did an excellent job repairing our water damage with great attention to detail, and impressively fast! We always felt well-informed and in good hands. Highly recommended! ★★★★★
Customer review by Gareth L left on 2 Jul 2025
PositionFor us this was a crisis of life challenging proportions. For Allproperty Claims it was a routine job, no drama at all. We left everything to their specialist team. Job done. ★★★★★
Need help with trace and access? Start with clarity.
Speak to a specialist about trace and access cover, hidden leaks and the next steps for your property. Early advice can help you avoid unnecessary damage and move forward with confidence.