Do you notice cold zones, dropping pressure in the central heating or heat pump, damp spots, or mold? We at Ultrices Leak Detection help locate underfloor heating leaks without any demolition or breaking work.
At the manifold, we locate PEX pipes and couplings in concrete or anhydrite under laminate or tile flooring using infrared thermography, thermal imaging cameras, acoustic detection, tracer gas, pressure testing, moisture measurement, and crawl space endoscopy.
You receive a clear report for insurance and repairs. For proof and reassurance, read our 5 out of 5 Google reviews via experiences with detecting underfloor heating leaks.
Table of contents
Detecting underfloor heating leaks explained
Detecting underfloor heating leaks is all about quickly and precisely locating a leak in your underfloor heating pipes without unnecessary demolition work. At Ultrices Leak Detection, we combine thermography, acoustics, tracer gas, and pressure measurements into a conclusive investigation that limits damage and costs. We work nationwide for both private and business clients, are VCA VOL and NEN 3140 certified, and deliver a complete expert report with photos and a measurement report within three working days that meets insurer requirements. With over fifteen years of experience, five out of five Google review stars, a ninety-nine percent success rate, and a no cure no pay policy, you are in a strong and predictable position throughout the repair process. Our 24-hour emergency service means we are often on-site within one hour, and we always act 100% risk-free for you.
Signs and causes of leakage in underfloor heating
- Pressure loss at the manifold: the pressure gauge drops and you have to top up regularly, which indicates water leaking in a loop or coupling
- Cold zones in the floor: irregular heat distribution and warm or cold spots that become visible with a thermal imaging camera
- Damp spots or mold formation: discoloration, peeling floor finish, or bulging laminate planks due to capillary action of moisture
- Noise or rustling in the floor: acoustically perceptible sound caused by flowing water with minor cracks or micro-leaks
- Corrosion or leakage at the distributor: oxidation or dripping on valves, flow meters or connection couplings
- Damage after drilling or remodeling: a screw or nail through a pipe or a kink in a PEX or PERT loop
Our method without hacking or breaking
We detect leaks in underfloor heating using a combination of measurement techniques that confirm each other's findings. Thermographic inspection with a thermal imaging camera from brands such as FLIR and Testo makes temperature differences visible through emissivity and heat flow. Acoustic correlation and geophones detect the characteristic noise pattern of leaking water. With tracer gas based on hydrogen and nitrogen, also known as forming gas, we find even micro-leaks as hydrogen molecules escape through the smallest openings and are picked up by sensors from Trotec or Ridgid. A controlled pressure test shows pressure drop in a circuit, and with endoscopy, we inspect inaccessible zones through small inspection openings. These protocols capture the interaction between convection, conduction, and capillary propagation so that we can pinpoint the exact location with certainty. To learn more about damage-free inspection of pipes and structures, please read on our page. leak detection without heels.
Step-by-step plan for detecting underfloor heating leaks
- Intake and preliminary analysisWe discuss complaints, year of construction, system type, and recent work, and assess the floor plan and photos to determine the starting point.
- Preparation and isolation of groups: we terminate the correct loops at the manifold and measure the initial temperature and pressure.
- Pressure test per circuit: using a manometer and fine adjustment, we perform a standardized pressure test so that the leaking group is identified; see also our explanation regarding underfloor heating pressure test leak
- Thermographic scanWe visualize the pipe layout and leak-related anomalies with a high-quality infrared camera and capture this in images.
- Tracer gas and acoustics: we inject tracer gas into the suspected loop and locate the exit with gas sensors and geophones for pinpoint accuracy
- Marking and reporting: we mark the leak position on the floor, advise on the smallest possible repair, and provide an expert report for the insurance company, including measured values.
Leak detection process request
Types of underfloor heating systems and pipes
- PEX and PERT pipelines: widely used plastic pipes with high temperature resistance in houses and apartments
- Aluminum multilayer tube: tube with an aluminium core and a plastic sheath that is dimensionally stable and is often used in renovation
- Systems from Wavin Uponor and Rehau: common systems with distribution boards, groups, and control units in Dutch homes and non-residential buildings
- Henco distributors and pump groups: components with flow meters, mixing function, and circulation pump where we often see leakage around valves and couplings
Equipment and protocols that we use
- Thermal imaging camera: high-end thermography from FLIR and Testo with emissivity calibration for reliable interpretation of heat patterns
- Trace gas detection: forming gas with hydrogen and nitrogen that is safe for installation and with which micro-leaks are quickly detected
- Acoustic leak detection: Trotec geophones and correlation microphones for detecting noise and tapping sounds caused by flowing water
- Endoscopy and fluid measurement: endoscopes for looking behind skirting boards and under floorboards, and combined moisture meters that measure depth and surface area
- Work and safety standards: VCA VOL for safe execution, NEN 3140 for electrically safe working and insurance-compliant reporting processes
Thermographic inspection and practical example
At a home in Utrecht, we observed unexplained cold zones and recurring pressure loss. Thermography revealed an anomalous pattern perpendicular to the expected pipe layout, indicating heat loss through a leak. The pressure test confirmed accelerated pressure drop in one group, and tracer gas escaped near the dining table. The exact point location was marked within fifty minutes. A specialized installer replaced a short pipe section under the tile, and the floor finish could be reinstalled undamaged. The client filed a claim with the insurer using our expert report and had the underfloor heating back in operation the same day. If you would like to better understand how a thermal imaging camera works in these types of situations, please view our explanation at thermographic inspection of underfloor heating.
Cost control, insurance and immediate assistance
We limit demolition damage to the absolute minimum and recommend the smallest possible repair area. Thanks to our no cure no pay policy, you run no risk, and with guaranteed coverage, we assist you with the claim against your buildings or contents insurer. We are available day and night and often on-site within one hour. Call or WhatsApp 085 2505 217 or email info@Ultriceslekdetectie.nl for immediate assistance. If you want to act quickly and have certainty regarding planning and pricing, request your free leak detection quote via Free underfloor heating leak detection quote within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognize a leak in your underfloor heating and what do you do first?
The signs often start with a loss of pressure in your central heating system, hot and cold zones in the floor, a gurgling sound, or air in the circuit. If you see damp spots, a musty smell, bulging laminate, or mold on skirting boards or the ceiling beneath your floor, there is a good chance that a pipe in the screed is leaking. Also, watch out for a rapidly spinning water meter while all taps are closed.
Take a photo of the pressure gauge, check the water meter, close the group valves on the manifold if possible, and lay down towels to minimize damage. Call us immediately. We at Ultrices Leak Detection operate nationwide, arrive within an hour in emergency situations, and locate the leak without any demolition or breaking. If you also have wet spots around the shower, check out our emergency service via immediate bathroom leak relief.
How do you trace a leak in underfloor heating without breaking anything?
We combine multiple non-destructive techniques in a fixed investigation sequence. First, we locate the pipes and perform a pressure test per circuit via the manifold to delineate the suspected zone. Subsequently, we visualize heat patterns using thermography and record anomalies with accurate moisture measurements and data logging.
If we do not find a clear thermal trace, we deploy an acoustic correlator and geophones to locate micro-sounds from escaping water. If necessary, we inject tracer gas containing hydrogen into the circuit and follow the outflow down to tile level. Thanks to VCA VOL and NEN 3140, we work safely, provide a razor-sharp location, and your floor remains intact. Curious about thermography in wet rooms? Check out our explanation about thermographic bathroom inspection.
How much does it cost to locate a underfloor heating leak and how quickly will you be at your doorstep?
You will receive a free, fixed-price quote within twenty-four hours, tailored to floor construction, finish, accessibility of the manifold, and the number of circuits. With us, there are no surprises afterwards. No cure, no pay, and one hundred percent risk-free. Our 99 percent success rate and five out of five Google reviews provide peace of mind even before we begin.
We work seven days a week, day and night. In emergencies, we are on-site within an hour, nationwide. We use professional detection equipment and deliver ready-to-measure results without any demolition work. After the inspection, you will receive clear advice, and where necessary, we coordinate planning and repair options with your installer so that you can quickly heat comfortably and safely again.
Is leak detection for underfloor heating covered by your insurance, and what report do you receive?
In many policies, sudden water damage is covered by the buildings insurance. We act quickly after approval and work with insurers to ensure your process runs smoothly. Coverage varies by policy, so we advise checking your terms and conditions beforehand. We assist you with all the supporting documents to substantiate your claim.
Within three days, you will receive our comprehensive expert report containing thermographic images, measurements, cause and exact leak location, a floor plan, photos, repair advice, and a cost estimate. This report meets the requirements of claims handlers and facilitates a quick approval process. Read what a full insurance report entails via insurance report regarding leakageWith Ultrices leak detection, you choose certainty, speed, and demonstrable quality.