How to Detect a Heating System Leak at Home

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 A leaking heating system can cause serious problems in your home — from higher energy bills to property damage. But spotting the signs early doesn’t require plumbing expertise. At Leapfrog Leak Detection, we specialise in professional leak detection and are at hand to help, but there are simple checks you can do yourself first.

This guide will walk you through how to detect one of the most common leaks, a heating system leak in a residential property and what to do if you find one.

• Increased costs – A hidden leak means your boiler and radiators work harder, driving up your energy bills.
   
• Property damage – Water escaping behind walls, under floors, or into ceilings can cause damp, mould, or structural issues.
   
• System breakdown – Left unchecked, leaks can reduce pressure and eventually damage your heating system.

You don’t need plumbing skills to check for the basics:

• Damp patches or water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors.
   
• Bubbling or peeling paint near radiators or pipes.
   
• Dripping or pooling water under your boiler or radiators.
   
• Rust marks around pipe joints or radiator valves.
   

If you notice any of the above, there’s a good chance water is escaping

 Most modern boilers have a pressure gauge.

• A healthy central heating system usually sits between 1.0 and 2.0 bar (check your manual for exact levels).
   
• If you boiler pressure is dropping you may have a leak. If the pressure keeps dropping even after topping it up, it often indicates a hidden leak in the system.

 Unusual sounds can sometimes point to a leak:

• Hissing or dripping noises near radiators or pipes.
  
• Air sounds in radiators when bleeding them, which may indicate water loss elsewhere.

 Run your heating and check each radiator:

• If one radiator has cold spots at the bottom, it could be due to trapped sludge, but combined with other signs it might indicate water escaping.
   
• Uneven heating across your home can also be a leak symptom.
   

• Turn off your water supply if the leak is visible and severe.
   
• Avoid DIY repairs unless you’re confident – quick fixes can make things worse.
   
• Call professional leak detection experts like Leapfrog Leak Detection. We use non-invasive methods such as thermal imaging and acoustic technology to locate hidden leaks quickly without tearing up your property.

• Non-invasive techniques – no unnecessary damage to your home.
   
• Coverage in London and surrounding counties – trusted leak detection services across London, Bedfordshire, Buckenhamshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Suffolk, Cambridge and Essex.
   
• Fast response times – minimising disruption and property damage.
   
• Expert advice & repair recommendations/options once the leak is found.