Leak Detection & Repair in Edinburgh
Fast, Accurate Leak Repairs with Minimal Disruption
From a dripping tap in Stockbridge to a hidden pipe leak under a Leith tenement floor — McInally's locate and repair leaks across Edinburgh with minimal disruption and a fixed-price guarantee.
Leak Detection Specialists in Edinburgh
Leak Detection Specialists in Edinburgh
Leaks can cause serious damage long before they become obvious. McInally's Plumbing & Heating provides leak detection and leak repair services across Edinburgh, helping homeowners find and fix dripping taps, hidden pipe leaks, radiator leaks, cylinder leaks and water ingress quickly and with minimal disruption.
We use a systematic approach to locate the exact source before starting repair work, which helps avoid unnecessary damage to floors, walls and fittings. Whether you have a visible leak, damp patch, rising water bill or suspect a hidden pipe problem, our Edinburgh plumbers can diagnose it properly and carry out a lasting repair with a fixed-price quote and workmanship guarantee.
What We Fix
Common Leak Problems We Fix in Edinburgh Homes
Edinburgh's older housing stock is particularly prone to certain types of leaks. Here's what we deal with most regularly.
Dripping Taps
A worn washer or cartridge is usually the culprit. We repair or replace the internal mechanism, stopping the drip and saving you money on your water bill immediately.
Hidden Pipe Leaks
Pipes buried in walls, floors, or under concrete are a common issue in Edinburgh's older properties. Our water leak detection equipment locates the exact source without unnecessary damage to floors or walls.
Leaking Joints & Fittings
Push-fit and compression joints can fail over time, especially in properties with fluctuating water pressure. We replace failed fittings and test the system thoroughly.
Leaking Radiators
Radiator valves and bleed points are a frequent source of slow leaks that can soak flooring and damage skirting boards. We fix valves, replace packings, and reseal — see our radiator repair service.
Boiler & Cylinder Leaks
A leaking hot water cylinder or associated pipework can cause serious damage if not addressed quickly. We safely assess and repair leaks from hot water systems — and can arrange a full boiler service and repairs if needed.
Leaking Shower Trays & Baths
Silicone seals perish and grout can crack, allowing water to seep into subfloors. We regrout, reseal, and where necessary replace trays to stop water ingress — part of our wider bathroom fitting service.
Full Service
What Our Leak Detection and Repair Service Covers
Every McInally's leak repair job in Edinburgh includes these steps as standard — no hidden add-ons, no surprises.
- Initial telephone assessment and advice
- Professional leak detection — acoustic, visual, and pressure testing
- Clear upfront quotation before any work begins
- Pipe repair or replacement using quality materials
- Tap washer and cartridge replacement
- Joint and fitting renewal — sinks, baths, and kitchen plumbing work
- Radiator valve and seal repair
- Full system pressure test after repair
- Written report for insurance or landlord requirements
- Full workmanship guarantee on all repairs
Our Method
How We Find and Fix Leaks
A thorough, systematic approach that locates the leak accurately and fixes it permanently.
Call & Describe
Call 07449 984820 and describe what you're seeing — wet patches, dripping sounds, rising bills. We'll advise on any immediate steps and book your appointment, often same day for active leaks.
Arrive & Detect
Our plumber arrives on time, carries out a systematic investigation, and uses professional detection equipment where needed to pinpoint the exact source — before opening anything up unnecessarily.
Quote & Repair
We explain what we've found in plain English and provide a clear fixed price. Once you approve, we carry out the repair using quality materials — most jobs are finished in a single visit.
Test & Guarantee
After every repair we pressure-test the system and check for any associated issues. You receive a written report and our workmanship guarantee. No leak — guaranteed.
Why McInally's
Why Edinburgh Homeowners Trust McInally's
Leaks need to be found accurately and fixed properly the first time. Here's why Edinburgh residents choose us.
Accurate Detection First
We locate the source precisely before starting any repair — avoiding unnecessary damage to your Edinburgh home's floors and walls.
Fully Insured
Public liability insurance covers all our work — your home and property are protected throughout every repair.
Fixed Transparent Pricing
No surprise bills. We quote a fixed price after diagnosis and before any work begins — and we stick to it.
Guaranteed Repairs
Our workmanship guarantee means if the leak returns due to our repair, we fix it again for free. No arguments, no fuss.
Same Day for Active Leaks
Active leaks are treated as emergencies. We aim to attend the same day — any day of the year, including weekends.
Insurance Reports Provided
We provide detailed written reports of all findings and work carried out — useful for insurance claims and landlord compliance.
Insurance & Landlord Work
Leak Reports for Insurance and Landlords
We can provide written reports detailing the source of the leak, the repair carried out, and any recommended follow-on work. These reports are useful for home insurers, landlords, letting agents and property managers — giving you a clear record of what was found, what was fixed, and what was done to prevent recurrence. We're experienced in working alongside insurers and loss adjusters across Edinburgh, and can supply documentation in a format suitable for claim purposes on request.
Customer Reviews
What Edinburgh Customers Say About Our Leak Repairs
"Had a damp patch appearing on my Marchmont ceiling for weeks. McInally's found the leaking pipe above without ripping up the bathroom floor unnecessarily. Brilliant diagnosis and a tidy repair."
"Noticed my water bill had shot up but couldn't see anything obvious. Ryan found a small pinhole leak in a pipe under the kitchen floor within an hour. Fixed same day. Highly recommend."
"Three dripping taps fixed in one visit, and they spotted a leaking radiator valve I hadn't noticed. McInally's are thorough, reasonably priced, and genuinely friendly. Our go-to plumbers in Edinburgh."
Recent Work
Recent Leak Repairs Across Edinburgh
A few examples of the leak detection and repair work we carry out regularly across Edinburgh properties.
Pinhole Leak Under Suspended Timber Floor
A homeowner in Leith reported a warm patch on their ground floor and rising damp on a skirting board. Using acoustic water leak detection equipment, we located a pinhole leak in the copper hot water supply running beneath the suspended timber floor — without lifting any boards unnecessarily. The corroded section was replaced and the system pressure-tested on the same visit.
Leaking Pipe Above Bathroom Ceiling
A tenant in a Marchmont tenement flat noticed a brown stain spreading across their bathroom ceiling. The flat above had no visible leak. We investigated systematically and found a slow weeping joint on the cold supply to the upstairs bath — invisible from below and not yet showing as a drip. The joint was rebuilt and a written report provided for the landlord and their insurer within 24 hours.
Act Early
What to Do If You Suspect a Leak
If you notice any of the warning signs below, acting quickly will limit the damage and reduce repair costs. Here's what to do straight away:
- Turn off the water at the mains stopcock if the leak is active or you can't identify the source — this prevents further damage while you wait.
- Move valuables and electrics away from the wet area — water near sockets or fuse boards is a safety risk.
- Take meter readings — if you suspect a hidden pipe leak, check your water meter. If it's still turning with everything off, you have a leak somewhere in the supply.
- Document the damage — take photos before cleaning up. This helps with any insurance claim.
- Call McInally's — for an active leak, flooding, or burst pipe call 07449 984820 immediately and we'll treat it as an emergency plumbing call-out. For non-urgent suspected leaks, we can book a same-week diagnostic visit.
FAQs
Leak Detection FAQs in Edinburgh
Common signs of a hidden water leak include unexplained increases in your water bill, damp or discoloured patches on walls or ceilings, the sound of running water when all taps are off, soft or warped flooring, or a persistent musty smell. If you notice any of these, it is worth booking a leak detection visit.
In many cases, yes. We use non‑invasive leak detection methods such as acoustic listening and pressure testing to pinpoint the likely source before any opening‑up is needed, so disruption to your home is kept to a minimum.
The cost depends on where the leak is and how accessible it is. Simple jobs like repairing a dripping tap typically start from around £60–£100, while hidden pipe leaks depend on the location and any access work required. We always diagnose first and then give you a clear fixed price before repair work starts.
Yes. Even a slow drip can waste thousands of litres of water a year, which adds up on your bill over time. In most cases, a tap repair or cartridge replacement is quick, relatively low‑cost and pays for itself by stopping the waste.
Yes. We work with all common pipe materials found in Edinburgh homes, including copper, modern plastic and push‑fit systems, as well as older lead pipework often found in pre‑war and tenement properties.
Yes. All leak repairs come with our workmanship guarantee. If the leak reappears as a result of our repair, we will return and put it right at no extra cost.
Yes. We can provide a written report describing the source of the leak, the damage observed and the repair work carried out. Many customers use this report to support insurance or landlord claims.
Active leaks and visible water ingress are treated as urgent, and we aim to attend the same day wherever possible. For non‑urgent leak investigations, we offer flexible appointment slots including some evenings and Saturdays.
Leak Repairs Across Edinburgh
Leak Repair Across Edinburgh
- Leith & Portobello
- Morningside & Bruntsfield
- Stockbridge & Newington
- Corstorphine & Murrayfield
- Colinton & Balerno
Not sure if we cover your area? Call 07449 984820