Preventing and Detecting Slab Leaks in Arlington and DFW Homes

A slab leak is one of the most serious plumbing issues a homeowner in Arlington or the greater DFW area can face. These hidden leaks occur in the pipes beneath a home’s concrete foundation, often going unnoticed until they cause significant damage.

Left unchecked, slab leaks can lead to structural issues, mold growth and costly repairs. Although they can’t be easily seen, there are warning signs that may indicate something is wrong with your home’s plumbing.

Although slab leaks are never easy to repair, catching them early can mitigate the damage and potentially reduce the cost.

Why Do Slab Leaks Happen?

Slab leaks occur for several reasons, many of which are due to the natural shifting of a home’s foundation and age of pipes. Some of the most common causes include:

• Soil Shifting– The clay-rich soil in Arlington and DFW expands when wet and contracts when dry. This movement can put pressure on pipes, causing them to crack or separate.
  
  
• Corrosion– Older homes with copper, iron or galvanized steel pipes are particularly vulnerable to corrosion over time. Rust buildup in iron pipes and mineral deposits in copper pipes can weaken the material, leading to leaks.
  
  
• High Water Pressure– Excessively high water pressure can strain your plumbing system, leading to small cracks and leaks in the pipes under your slab.
  
  
• Poor Installation– If the pipes were improperly installed or made with substandard materials, they are more likely to fail prematurely.
  
  
• Aging Pipes– Pipes degrade over time, especially if they are exposed to high mineral content in the water, leading to wear and eventual leaks.

Warning Signs of a Slab Leak

By their nature, slab leaks are nearly impossible to see. You also might not notice an immediate change in water supply since pipe failures are often gradual rather than sudden. Supply line leaks can start as pinhole leaks and worsen over time. Leaks in drain or sewer lines can be even harder to detect since there won’t be a chance in water flow from faucets, showerheads or appliances.

However, there are potential warning signs homeowners should watch for:

• Unexplained Increase in Water Bills – If your water usage hasn’t changed but your bill has spiked, a hidden leak may be the culprit.
  
  
• Warm or Damp Spots on the Floor – If you notice unusual warm areas on your flooring, it could indicate a leak in the hot water line beneath your slab.
  
  
• Mildew or Mold Growth – Moisture from a slab leak can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to develop.
  
  
• Low Water Pressure – A leak in the foundation can reduce overall water pressure in your home.
  
  
• Cracks in Walls or Flooring – As water accumulates under your foundation, it can cause the concrete to shift, leading to cracks in walls and tile flooring.
  
  
• Sound of Running Water – If you hear water running when no faucets are on, it may indicate a leak under your home.

How Plumbers Detect and Locate Slab Leaks

Because slab leaks occur under the foundation, detecting them requires specialized tools and expertise. Professional plumbers use a combination of methods to pinpoint the leak’s exact location:

• Electronic Leak Detection – Advanced equipment listens for sounds of escaping water under the slab to determine the leak’s precise location.
• Infrared Cameras – Thermal imaging can detect temperature variations caused by leaks, particularly from hot water lines.
• Water Pressure Testing – Plumbers may isolate sections of piping to measure water pressure and identify where the leak is occurring.
• Camera Inspections – A small, waterproof camera can be inserted into the pipes to visually inspect for damage or leaks.

The Slab Leak Repair Process

Once a slab leak has been detected, there are several repair methods a professional plumber may use, depending on the severity and location of the leak:

1. Spot Repair – If the leak is in an accessible area, the plumber may break through the slab and repair the damaged section of the pipe directly.
   
   
2. Pipe Rerouting – In cases where the existing pipes are extensively damaged, rerouting the plumbing to bypass the affected area may be a better long-term solution.
   
   
3. Epoxy Pipe Coating – If multiple small leaks exist, plumbers may be able to apply an epoxy coating inside the pipes to seal leaks without excavation.
   
   
4. Re-Piping – If a home has aging or corroded pipes, a full re-piping may be necessary to prevent future slab leaks.

How to Prevent Slab Leaks

While not all slab leaks can be prevented, homeowners can take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of them occurring. Monitoring water pressure is essential, as high pressure can weaken pipes over time; a plumber can install a pressure regulator to maintain safe levels.

For homes with hard water, installing a water softener can prevent mineral buildup that leads to pipe corrosion. If your home has older pipes, upgrading to modern, corrosion-resistant materials can significantly decrease the risk of leaks and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.

Scheduling regular plumbing inspections is another crucial measure. During maintenance checks, plumbers can catch minor issues before they escalate into costly slab leaks. 

Get Expert Slab Leak Detection and Repair in Arlington, TX

If you suspect a slab leak in your Arlington or DFW home, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. At Tom’s Mechanical Inc., our experienced plumbers use state-of-the-art technology to detect slab leaks quickly. We strive to provide the least invasive repair solution possible to minimize costs and disruption to your home.

Schedule an inspection online today or give us a call at 817-277-4493 and let us diagnose plumbing issues early before they become a major problem.