Slab Leaks in Arlington, TX: How to Spot Them Early and What to Do Next

When you have a slab foundation you might think it’s just concrete below the flooring when in fact there’s much more beneath the surface. There can be a series of pipes running underneath the slab foundation, and all it takes is a single leak from one of them to do extensive damage.

Slab leak repair is serious, which is why it’s important for homeowners to understand what they’re dealing with when water lines start leaking below the foundation. Let’s walk through what slab leaks are, why they’re common in North Dallas, how to spot them, and how to decide on the best solution for slab leak repairs.

What is a Slab Leak?

Beneath a home’s concrete foundation there are often pipes that are plumbing lines. They bring water into the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry. If one of those water lines or sewer lines begin to leak that is what’s called a slab leak.

Why Slab Leaks Are Common in Arlington, TX

In Arlington there are many homes that were built between the 1970s and 1990s that have concrete slab foundations with copper pipes or galvanized pipes running underneath. Over time, these pipes can corrode, shift, or break.

At this point age is a factor, but another major culprit is our Texas clay soil. It expands when wet and contracts during dry periods, especially in the scorching summers. This soil expansion, contraction, and soil erosion causes the foundation to move, which stresses the plumbing system and can lead to cracks or leaks beneath the slab.

How to Spot Slab Leak Signs in Your Home

We know what you’re thinking. If the pipes are under the foundation, how am I supposed to know there’s a leak?

Good question! Slab leak detection and knowing the exact location of a slab leak can be difficult. This type of leak often goes unnoticed until it starts increasing your water bill, impacting the floors, or even compromising the structural integrity of your home.

Slab leaks don’t always show up where you can see them, but there are still indications. Here are some key warning signs to watch for:

• Unexplained spikes in your water bill
• Warm spots on the floor, especially if there’s an underground stream from a hot water line
• Damp, moldy, or musty areas without a visible source for the moisture
• Water stains on the flooring
• Cracks in floors, baseboards, or walls
• Low water pressure throughout your home
• Running water sounds when no water is in use

If you notice any of these, it’s time to act quickly because something is off with the plumbing system and slab leak repair may be needed.

What to Do If You Suspect Plumbing Issues Are From a Slab Leak

Start by turning off all water-using appliances and check your water meter. If the meter is still moving, there’s likely a hidden leak.

Once you’ve verified the water is leaking somewhere, call a professional plumbing service to inspect all of the hot water pipes, sewer lines, and other piping. At Made’s Plumbing, we use modern equipment to locate slab leaks with minimal disruption to your home.

This is a problem that can go sight unseen, but once it’s a known problem it needs to be addressed quickly to prevent more damage and keep the repair process from becoming more complex.

Slab Leak Repair Options for Arlington, TX Homeowners

Depending on the location within the plumbing system and severity of the leak, you may have a few different repair options. Some common solutions include:

• Spot repair – Best for single, easily accessible leaks. We cut into the slab directly above the leak to fix or replace the pipe with a new line.
• Re-routing, pipe splitting, or re-piping – Common for older homes or when there’s been an improper installation. We bypass the slab completely, often running new pipes through walls or attics.
• Tunneling – Involves digging under the slab to reach the leak’s location, keeping your floors intact.
• Trenchless repair/pipe lining – If conditions allow, the pipe can be relined internally with minimal digging. This advanced technique is used by Made’s Plumbing.
• New plumbing materials – Plastic pipes can be a better option than cast iron and other metals that aren’t corrosion resistant and don’t flex well.

The plumber should walk you through your options and the entire process of correcting a slab leak so that it won’t cause any more issues. At Made’s Plumbing we also troubleshoot the whole plumbing system to head off any other potential problems before they happen and provide additional maintenance tips like removing lawn or foundation plants that can impact the structure.

How to Choose the Right Plumber in Arlington, TX

An issue under the slab isn’t a typical water leak. It’s an issue that requires advanced repair services.

When dealing with slab leak repairs, experience matters even more than the repair costs. It’s best to look for a plumbing company with:

• Proven success correcting slab foundation leaks
• Local knowledge of Arlington’s soil and weather conditions
• Transparent pricing
• Licensed, insured technicians using modern listening equipment to detect water

Cost effectiveness is important, but a slab leak requires expert knowledge and special equipment that not every plumber has.

Need a Professional Arlington Plumber to Inspect Your Slab?

Slab leaks can feel like an impossible problem, but with the right help there are solutions. It might even involve less invasive work than you anticipate. At Made’s Plumbing, we offer fast, honest, and expert plumbing services that allow us to detect and repair slab leaks quickly — saving you time, stress, and money.

If you’re seeing signs of a slab leak or just want peace of mind, give us a call. Our team works on all kinds of plumbing systems from older systems that need modern plumbing fixtures to new installations!