If you suspect a leak under your Arlington home, this page covers what to look for, what’s typical for the area, and how to get matched with a licensed local plumber. Fort Worth Leak Detection is a referral and matching service, not a plumbing company.
Why slab leaks are common in Arlington
Arlington’s housing stock spans several decades, and the plumbing under those slabs reflects when each home was built. Older homes may have copper supply lines and cast iron drains that have been in the ground a long time. Many homes from the late 1970s into the 1990s used polybutylene or copper supply lines, and newer homes typically use PEX or copper with PVC drains.
Whatever the pipe, the soil is the common thread. Clay under Arlington slabs swells in wet springs and shrinks during hot, dry summers. Pipes move a little with every cycle, and over years that movement, plus hot-water expansion and contact with concrete, wears through pipe walls and loosens joints.
Signs Arlington homeowners notice first
- A water bill from Arlington Water Utilities that jumps with no change in household use
- A warm patch on tile or hardwood, often in a kitchen, hallway, or bathroom
- A hissing or running-water sound when everything is off
- Damp carpet edges or baseboards away from wet areas
- A water heater that seems to run all the time
Try the simple meter test on our slab leak detection page before calling anyone. If the meter moves with everything off, something is leaking. Closing your home’s main shut-off tells you whether it’s inside the house or in the yard line.
Repair options
Once a leak is pinpointed, Arlington plumbers generally choose between a spot repair through the floor, tunneling from outside, or a reroute through the attic. In older homes with a history of leaks, a whole-house repipe can be the more durable choice. Drain and sewer problems, common with aging cast iron, are a separate issue. See water line and sewer leaks.
Plumbing permits in Arlington are issued by the city, and a licensed plumber normally pulls them for repipes and line replacements. Ask your plumber whether your job needs one.
If water has already caused damage
Slab leak water often spreads under flooring before you see it. If floors or drywall are wet, read water damage after a leak for first steps and insurance basics. If you notice new cracks or sticking doors after a leak, our sister site Fort Worth Foundation Fix covers foundation inspections in Arlington.
What happens when you reach out
- You tell us what’s going on. Use the form or call or text. Include your Arlington ZIP and what you’ve noticed: bill changes, sounds, warm spots, damp floors.
- We match you. We connect you with independent, TSBPE-licensed local plumbers; we don’t perform the work ourselves.
- A local pro will reach out to talk it through, explain any detection or service-call fee up front, and set a time if you want to go ahead.
- You decide. There’s no obligation, and any agreement is between you and the plumber.
Before you hire anyone in Arlington
- Look up the plumber’s license on the TSBPE public license search.
- Ask how they’ll locate the leak and how precise they expect to be before cutting concrete.
- Get the repair scope in writing, including who handles concrete, flooring, drywall, and permits.
- Ask about written warranties on the repair. Terms vary by company.
- Call your insurance company early if there’s water damage. See our insurance FAQ.
Costs and insurance in Arlington
Leak detection is usually a paid service, and national cost guides put it at roughly $150–$400, with typical slab leak repairs around $630–$4,400 including detection (Angi, 2026). Those are national figures, and Arlington quotes depend on access, repair method, flooring, and any water damage. Many homeowners policies help with sudden water damage and the cost of reaching the pipe, but not the pipe itself. Check your policy, and see our FAQ on signs, costs, and insurance.
Common questions
Do you have an office in Arlington?
No. We’re a referral and matching service and don’t list a storefront address. We connect Arlington homeowners with independent, TSBPE-licensed local plumbers.
Who do I call about a leak at the meter?
If water is leaking at or before the meter, contact the City of Arlington’s water utility. Leaks on your side of the meter, in the yard line or under the house, are usually the homeowner’s responsibility and need a plumber.
