Escape of Water Investigations in London and Surrey
“Escape of water” is the insurance term for damage caused by water leaking from pipes, tanks, appliances or fixed heating systems. Insurers want the source found and the cause documented. That is what DML does.
Most buildings and contents policies cover escape of water and many include trace and access, which pays for the cost of finding the leak and making good what was disturbed to reach it. What insurers and loss adjusters need, before they accept liability, is an independent record of where the water came from, whether it was sudden or gradual, and what damage it caused. A vague plumber’s note rarely satisfies them. A DML report is written for that purpose.
What an escape of water investigation covers
- Source location using moisture mapping, thermal imaging, and acoustic or tracer gas methods where appropriate, with minimal opening up.
- Cause: failed joint, corroded pipe, split flexi hose, failed seal, overflowing appliance, defective shower tray or heating circuit.
- Nature of the event: evidence as to whether the leak was sudden or long-term, which can matter to the claim.
- Damage schedule: photographs and moisture readings across affected ceilings, walls, floors and fixtures.
- Repair and reinstatement scope that your insurer’s contractor, our team or your own builder can price.
Why independence matters to your claim
DML does not carry out the reinstatement, so the report cannot be read as a contractor building a job. Adjusters recognise the difference. We state what we found, including findings that may not help the claim, because a report that is accurate is one that is believed. See insurance leak investigations and does insurance cover trace and access?
Typical escape of water scenarios
- Ceiling collapse or staining below a bathroom in a flat above
- Kitchen floors lifting from a dishwasher, washing machine or sink waste leak
- Boiler losing pressure with a hidden heating pipe leak under the floor
- Cold water tank or cylinder failures in lofts and airing cupboards
- Shower trays and wet-room tanking failures
- Burst pipes after freezing weather
We investigate across Greater London and Surrey. See areas we cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurer pay for the investigation?
Where your policy includes trace and access, the cost of locating the leak is usually covered. Check your schedule or ask your adjuster; we can provide the quote in advance for approval.
Do you deal with the insurer directly?
We report to you, or to your loss adjuster or managing agent if you instruct us that way. Many adjusters instruct DML directly.
Do you do the repairs and drying?
No. DML investigates and reports. Repairs, drying and reinstatement are quoted separately by your insurer’s contractor, our team or any contractor you choose.
The leak is from the flat above. Who pays?
Usually the leaseholder or freeholder’s insurer depending on the lease and the cause. Our report establishes the source and cause so the right policy responds.
How quickly can you attend an active leak?
We prioritise active escape of water across London and Surrey. Isolate the supply if you can, then call 0800 054 1524.
Related services
- Trace and access
- Insurance leak investigations
- For loss adjusters
- Leak detection
- For property managers
Related reading: Mould after a leak: why it appears weeks later · Ceiling leak from the flat above: who pays and what to do
Get the leak found and documented
Independent escape of water investigations for homeowners, landlords, agents and adjusters across London and Surrey.
Last reviewed: 23 October 2026. Independent investigation and written reports. Repairs are quoted separately.