Finding and fixing leaks in Edinburgh homes
How to get an accurate quote in Edinburgh
Short answer: Many Edinburgh flats have pipework running under suspended timber floors, behind lath-and-plaster walls or through a shared riser, so the stain you can see is often some distance from the leak itself. Say when the water appears and what was running at the time; it helps a plumber judge whether lifting boards or opening a wall is likely.
How this service works: Use Edinburgh Plumbing Quotes to compare quotes from independent local plumbers. Your chosen provider carries out the work.
This request can cover
- Damp patches on ceilings or walls
- Pipes that split in freezing weather
- Leaks under sinks, baths and washing machines
- Old lead or iron pipework that keeps weeping
Details that affect the quote
- When it started and whether it is getting worse
- Whether it stops with the stopcock off
- What the pipe looks like (copper, plastic, lead, iron)
- Whether floor coverings or tiles would need lifting
Related help guides
What to do before help arrives
Ask whether the price covers tracing the leak, lifting and refitting floorboards, and making good. If you think you still have lead pipes, mention it: Scottish Water and the council publish advice on replacing them.
What a good quote should include
Providers should state the price basis, likely work, included parts, exclusions and their current availability. Contact details and the exact job address stay private during quoting and are released only after you choose a quote and the selected provider confirms the job.
Serving requests across Edinburgh
Requests can be matched using the job type, approximate location and providers’ stated coverage. Your exact address stays private while providers quote. Coverage includes Leith, Portobello, Morningside, Stockbridge, Bruntsfield and other nearby EH1, EH2, EH3, EH4, EH5, EH6, EH7, EH8, EH9, EH10, EH11, EH12, EH13, EH14, EH15, EH16, EH17 postcode areas; live availability is confirmed by each provider.
Questions about this plumbing request
Should I turn the water off for a leaking pipe?
If you can safely identify and operate the relevant isolation valve or stopcock, isolating the water can reduce damage. Do not take risks around wet electrics or inaccessible valves.
Why can the visible water be away from the actual leak?
Water can travel along pipes, joists, walls or ceilings before becoming visible. Tell providers when the leak appears, what fixtures are being used and where staining or dripping is visible.