Hawkins recently welcomed clients to a Escape of Water Masterclass, delivered by materials experts George Jackson and Jacek Czech.

The event combined expert-led presentations with hands-on learning, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the causes of, investigation into and prevention of escape of water incidents.

The day began with a presentation exploring how escapes of water can result in significant and costly damage, often escalating rapidly if not identified and addressed promptly. Through a series of case studies and real-life examples, George and Jacek demonstrated how forensic investigations can uncover the root causes of losses and support successful recovery actions.

The presentations covered a wide range of plumbing systems and fittings, including compression, push-fit, soldered, press-fit, solvent-welded and threaded connections. Attendees learned that the majority of failures are linked to factors such as poor installation, inadequate maintenance, corrosion, freezing conditions and incorrect system design, rather than manufacturing defects.

The session also examined domestic hot water systems, the unique risks associated with high-rise buildings, and the regulations and standards that govern modern plumbing installations. A key message throughout was the importance of preserving evidence, understanding system design and carrying out thorough investigations to prevent repeat incidents, establish liability and maximise recovery opportunities.

Following the presentations, participants took part in a practical pipe-soldering activity, applying their newly acquired knowledge to create their own pipework assemblies. The completed pipework was then pressure tested, giving attendees valuable hands-on experience and insight into system performance.

Hawkins is pleased to welcome Dr Seb Altus to the team as an Associate in our Leeds office. Seb is a materials engineer with a strong background in advanced materials, battery technology, and failure analysis. His experience spans research, industry, and engineering environments, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the investigation of material performance and degradation across a range of sectors.

He began his career as a non-destructive testing (NDT) inspector of subsea oil and gas components. He then went on to gain further industrial experience in the steel sector, where he investigated product performance and helped mitigate equipment failure in high-temperature environments.

Seb holds a First-Class degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Swansea University, where his final-year research focused on sodium-ion battery technologies. He later completed a PhD at the University of Sheffield, funded by the Faraday Institution, where he investigated degradation mechanisms in next-generation solid-state lithium-metal batteries. During this time, he developed strong expertise in electrochemical analysis and advanced characterisation techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray computed tomography.

Following his doctorate, Seb held postdoctoral research roles, working on cutting-edge battery materials and hydrogen technologies, in collaboration with organisations including the Faraday Institution and the Henry Royce Institute. Through this work, he built significant expertise in battery testing, data analysis, and post-mortem cell analysis, alongside broader electrochemical systems.

Seb’s cross-sector experience, spanning energy, manufacturing, and oil and gas, allows him to bring a practical and analytical approach to understanding material behaviour, degradation, and failure. Now part of the Hawkins team in Leeds, Seb brings valuable specialist knowledge at a time of growing interest in energy technologies and material performance.

We are pleased to welcome Materials Engineer Steve Scott to Hawkins as a Principal Associate, having joined us back in February 2026. Based in our Cambridge office, Steve will also work closely with the London team, bringing his experience and insight to a wide range of investigations.

Steve has a strong technical background, having completed a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering before starting his career in composite materials. He began his career in the motorsports industry as a Project Engineer, where he was involved in building chassis, bodywork, and other composite components for both racing and luxury sports cars.

He later moved into aerospace, helping to develop new primary structural composite materials and supporting manufacturers with automated production processes for aircraft components. This experience gave him a deep understanding of advanced materials and how they perform in demanding real-world applications.

Since moving into forensic investigation in 2009, Steve has built up extensive experience across a wide variety of cases. These range from smaller domestic claims to complex, multi-million-pound disputes involving multiple parties. He regularly works with solicitors and barristers, providing clear and reliable expert advice.

Steve specialises in investigating mechanical and materials failures, covering both metallic and non-metallic components. His work includes investigating structural collapses, such as racking, ceilings, and buildings, as well as failures caused by corrosion, fatigue, wear, and overloading. He is also experienced in cases involving personal injury.

Steve is particularly interested in the investigation of escapes of water in plumbing systems. He has investigated a wide range of causes, from installation issues and defective fittings to corrosion, freezing damage, and even accidental or deliberate tampering.

We are delighted to have Steve on board and look forward to the knowledge and experience he brings to the team.

From July to September 2026, join experts from across Hawkins as they host our Escapes of Water, Oil and Gas webinar series.

This series will cover a range of topics, including damage to pipes caused by sub-zero weather, press fitting failures, property damage due to damp in buildings, oil leaks, and soil escapes.

For webinar details and to register, please see below.

If you would like further information on each webinar before registering, simply click on the titles. Our Events page provides details of other Hawkins events you may find of interest.