Guidance from ADI Leak Detection. Content reviewed 30 September 2026.
What a hidden leak can cost you
The total cost can include detection, access, pipe repair, drying and reinstatement. Some costs can only be confirmed after the leak has been assessed.
- Finding it. Ask for a written quote for your leak and check exactly what it includes before booking.
- Opening up to reach it. Lifting a floor or cutting into a wall at the marked spot, and making it good afterwards.
- Fixing the pipe. Wear-and-tear repairs are generally your responsibility. Other causes may be covered under a different policy section.
- Drying out. Drying equipment and specialist visits where required, with evidence of dryness agreed with your insurer.
- Repairing the damage. Plastering, flooring, decorating, and sometimes kitchen or bathroom units.
Trace and access may cover the first two costs. Drying and reinstatement may fall under escape of water. Confirm the relevant limits and excesses with your insurer.
Your excess, and why escape of water is often higher
The excess is the part of any claim you pay yourself. Your policy may set a separate, higher excess for escape of water than for other claims. The excess is shown on your schedule, usually next to the escape of water line.
Water leak claim calculator: costs and excess
Use your own figures to compare estimated costs with your excess. The calculator does not account for policy limits, exclusions or changes to future premiums.
Shown on your policy schedule. This may be higher than your standard excess.
Include estimated drying, ceiling, flooring and decorating costs.
Enter the total from your own written quote, including VAT. No fee is assumed.
Enter all three amounts to view the estimate. Your entries remain on this device.
Will a water leak claim increase my premium?
A claim can increase your premium at renewal. Insurers also ask about previous claims when providing new quotes, usually covering several years. Consider this potential increase alongside the expected settlement when deciding whether to claim.
Should I tell my insurer even if I don't claim?
Read the conditions in your policy. Some ask you to report any incident that could lead to a claim, even if you end up paying for it yourself. Prompt notification provides a record if further damage is discovered.
When paying it yourself makes sense
Paying directly may be appropriate where the leak is accessible, damage is limited and the total cost is close to or below your excess.
- The leak is visible and easy to reach, like a dripping joint under a sink
- Damage is limited to a damp cupboard base
- The total cost is close to or below your excess
