Buying a Home in Arlington? Check for Hidden Leaks First

A standard home inspection looks at what can be seen. Leaks under a concrete slab, in a buried water line or inside a sewer pipe are often hidden. In Arlington, where most homes sit on slabs over clay soil, a leak check before closing can save a buyer from a costly surprise. Call (817) 285-5426 to schedule leak detection during your option period.

What can a standard home inspection miss?

A general inspector checks visible plumbing, fixtures and water pressure, but usually does not pinpoint leaks under the slab, test buried water lines, or run a camera through the sewer line. Those checks need special tools. Many inspection reports recommend a plumber for further review when something looks off.

• Slab leaks under floors
• Buried water line leaks
• Cracked or root-filled sewer lines
• Leaks behind tile and walls
• Old or failing pipe materials
• Past leak repairs covered up

What can you check yourself during a showing?

Look for warm or damp spots on floors, stains on ceilings and walls, fresh paint in odd places, warped flooring, musty smells, cracks in tile, soggy spots in the yard and very low water pressure. Ask the seller about past leaks and repairs. Texas sellers usually provide a disclosure form that asks about known problems.

If you can, ask to see recent water bills. A sudden jump with no change in use is a classic sign of a hidden leak. See our guide to a high water bill.

Which Arlington homes need a closer look?

Homes built from the 1960s to the 1990s, homes with original copper or cast iron under the slab, homes with large trees near the sewer line, and homes with signs of past slab repair deserve a closer look. Neighborhoods with many older homes, like parts of East and West Arlington, Woodland West and Interlochen, fit this pattern.

Newer homes in Viridian or South Arlington can still leak, usually at a fitting, so do not skip checks just because a home is newer.

What does a pre-purchase leak check include?

A pre-purchase leak check can include a water meter test, a pressure test of the water lines, acoustic and thermal scans for slab and wall leaks, and a sewer camera inspection. The goal is to know before closing if the plumbing is sound, and if not, where the problem is and what it may cost.

General estimates for Arlington, TX in 2026. See our full cost table.

When should you schedule it?

Schedule leak detection during your option period, as early as you can, so there is time to get results and talk to your agent. The seller must allow access, and the utilities must be on. Your real estate agent can help set it up with the listing agent.

For sewer lines, read our sewer camera inspection guide.

What if a leak is found?

You will get the location, likely cause and repair options with an estimate. Your agent can use that to ask the seller to repair, lower the price or offer a credit. Knowing the real cost of the fix helps you decide with facts instead of guesses.

See our guide to slab leak repair options to understand what a fix may involve.