A hidden connection beneath the kitchen extension

Signs of the leak in Lowestoft

Water bills had risen without an obvious increase in use. There was no internal stopcock and no visible water damage, making straightforward isolation difficult.

How the hidden leak was located

Visible plumbing checks found no fault. A pressure test confirmed loss on the internal cold water pipework. Tracer gas indicated the middle of the kitchen, and acoustic listening narrowed the location. After lifting laminate and chipboard, an endoscope checked the concealed route before repair.

Why this area was opened

Gas indicated the kitchen and listening narrowed the location. Laminate and chipboard were lifted, then a camera checked the concealed route before the connection was repaired.

The investigation, step by step

1. 01Checked accessible taps, toilets, cylinder and loft ball valve.
2. 02Pressure tested the internal cold supply and confirmed a loss.
3. 03Used tracer gas and acoustic equipment to locate the fault beneath the kitchen.
4. 04Lifted the laminate and chipboard and inspected the hidden route with an endoscope.
5. 05Replaced the leaking 25mm MDPE connection and associated fittings.
6. 06Retested the pipework; it held pressure at 50psi.

What was found

Found

A leaking 25mm MDPE connection where the mains enters through ducting beneath the kitchen extension.

Repair

The connection was replaced with compression fittings, a 25mm-to-15mm reducer, a push-fit coupling, copper pipe and insulation. Retesting recorded 50psi with no remaining leak.

Recommended afterwards

The published report recommends seeking claims-management advice; it records no insurance outcome.

Worth knowing

Floor reinstatement is not recorded as completed.

What this investigation shows

The missing internal stopcock complicated isolation. The investigation combined accessible plumbing checks with tests, rather than relying on visible damp or one instrument.

Read about agreeing access and repair work and understanding the recorded outcome.