Hot water leak in a newer townhouse
The property
A three-storey townhouse on a newer estate, owned by a couple who both commute. The hot water pipes run in the concrete ground floor.
The problem
The bill had jumped and the meter moved overnight. Nothing showed, yet tiles in front of the sink felt warm with the heating off.
How we found it
Shutting off the hot water stopped the meter, pointing to the hot pipe. Thermal imaging traced a warm strip in front of the sink, and moisture readings in the grout agreed.
The outcome
A neighbour with a spare key let us in while the owners were at work. One row of tiles came up at the mark, and the pipe was repaired at the price quoted.