Updated 25 September 2026
Leak investigation cost UK 2026
The going rate for leak investigation in 2026 is £80–£200 (total, ex VAT). Below: a calculator, what the job involves, materials at three price levels, and the prep that changes the price.
Market band£80–£200
Worked example, 1 visit£170
Time on site2 h
Leak investigation calculator
Price a real job freeUses your rates, your speed and your receipts.
Market band source: Trade2Base.
What the job involves
| Stage | Task | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| find | Trace and temporary fix | 2 h |
What changes the price
- Storeys? 1 · 2 · 3 big effect
- When? normal · emergency / out of hours
Good practice
- Three storeys: slower access, may need a tower or scaffold
- Emergency call-outs run £200–£500+
Prep to look for
| Condition | Check | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Slipped or missing tiles | gaps in the roof, displaced or missing tiles or slates | Replace or refix tiles, Set up roof ladders and access |
| Cement fillet or missing lead | cement fillets at walls or chimney, cracked or missing lead | Replace cement fillets with code 4 lead flashing |
| Failed roofing felt | torn or brittle felt, daylight visible from the loft | Underlay has failed: recommend a re-roof |
| Flat roof defects | ponding water, blisters, splits in the covering | Ponding: check falls (at least 1:80) when re-covering |
| Rotten fascia or sagging gutters | sagging gutters, rotten or flaking fascia boards | Fascias and gutters need replacing: quote the roofline while scaffold is up |
Questions
How much does leak investigation cost in the UK in 2026?
The researched market band is £80–£200 (total, ex VAT), from Trade2Base. A worked example of 1 visit comes to about £150–£200 across budget, trade and premium materials.
How long does leak investigation take?
The worked example of 1 visit takes about 2 hours.
What changes the price of leak investigation?
Mainly storeys, plus any prep found on site: slipped or missing tiles, cement fillet or missing lead, failed roofing felt, flat roof defects.