Preparing your site for a commercial leak survey
A locked plant room or an unknown isolation valve can hold up a survey. A little preparation gives the engineer more time to investigate the leak once they arrive.
Describe the signs of a commercial water leak
Explain where water appears, when it started and whether it follows rain, heating use or a busy period in the building. Note any recent plumbing work and what your maintenance team has already checked.
Photograph the affected area while the problem is visible. Include a wider view so the engineer can place it within the building.
Gather water meter readings and pipework plans
- Meter readings or consumption records, with dates and times.
- Heating pressure records and details of repeated replenishment.
- Available pipe layouts, plant drawings and valve schedules.
- Previous repair reports or investigations of the same area.
- Photographs showing where the water first appeared.
Drawings can be incomplete or out of date. Say which parts have been altered since they were issued.
Arrange access to plant rooms and water meters
The site contact should know how to reach the meter, relevant plant rooms, risers and affected rooms. On a shared site, arrange access with the other occupiers in advance. Confirm where the engineer should park and report on arrival.
| Area | Arrange before the visit |
|---|---|
| Plant rooms and service risers | Keys, an escort where needed and the appropriate maintenance contact. |
| Occupied offices or trading areas | A suitable access period and someone who can coordinate with staff. |
| Car parks and loading yards | Access to the suspected pipe route, with vehicle movements discussed. |
| Roof investigation | Details of the roof construction and available access for the survey team to assess. |
Plan water isolation during the leak survey
Pressure and tracer gas tests can require part of the water or heating system to be isolated. Tell the office about production equipment, essential services and any hours when isolation cannot take place.
Agree who can authorise an interruption. The engineer and site team can then discuss which tests fit the available access and operating conditions.
Send the site requirements
ADI states that it supplies a risk assessment and method statement before commercial work begins. Send any induction, permit, escort or site documentation requirements when arranging the appointment so they can be addressed in advance.
Agree who receives the findings
Choose a contact for the report and for any repair quotation. If you plan to share the findings with an insurer or managing agent, ask what information they need before commissioning the survey.
The report provides a record of the investigation, with photographs and findings. It can help the facilities team and repair contractor agree the next step. See what happens during the survey or browse the water systems ADI investigates.
About this survey checklist
Checked on against ADI Leak Detection’s published commercial service and tracer gas information. The access and records checklist is practical preparation advice; confirm the required tests, documents and access arrangements for your particular site when booking.
Have the postcode and site contact ready
Call the office to discuss the affected system, access requirements and a quotation.