Planning leak investigations around school operations

Agree the scope before the visit

Describe the symptoms, affected systems and what is known about access. Ask which areas the investigator needs, whether isolation is proposed, and what information will be provided afterwards. Some methods need quiet conditions or interruption of a supply; a survey is not automatically disruption-free.

Set out what is included in the quotation and how additional work will be authorised. Detection, opening up, repair and reinstatement can require different people and permissions.

Plan access and service interruptions

• Agree identity checks, safeguarding arrangements, sign-in and the site contact.
• Provide relevant plans, asbestos information and restrictions on access or disturbance.
• Identify essential supplies and any affected accommodation, tenants, catering or hygiene facilities.
• Agree isolation authority, communications, exclusion areas and the procedure for returning systems to use.

Follow applicable construction duties and the school’s water-safety arrangements. Staff should know whom to contact if conditions differ from the plan.

Review findings and plan the next step

The investigation sequence depends on the fault and system. Ask for a written record of observations, methods, findings and limitations, plus recommendations where the cause remains uncertain. Avoid assuming that a leak position or rate can always be established in one visit.

Schedule further work according to risk, procurement and access. Holiday working may reduce disruption, but no calendar rule means a late survey must wait until the following summer. Confirm completion, reinstatement and any required water-safety checks before normal use resumes.