Plumbing Leak in a New Arlington Home? What to Do About the Builder Warranty

If your new Arlington home has a leak, stop the water, take photos and report it to the builder in writing right away. Most Texas builder warranties cover plumbing for at least the first one to two years, and many cover the main supply and drain lines longer. An independent leak detection report shows exactly where the leak is and helps your claim. Call (817) 285-5426 for a test.

Neighborhoods like Viridian, and newer streets in South and Southeast Arlington, have many homes still under builder warranty. Water in the wrong place in year one is common, and it is usually fixable for free if you follow the steps.

Where do new homes usually leak?

The most common new-construction leaks are a nail or screw through a PEX line behind drywall, a loose crimp or fitting at a fixture, a shower valve or pan that was not sealed, a damaged yard line from landscaping, and a supply line nicked before the slab was poured. Many show up as a stain, a damp baseboard or a meter that never stops.

How does a builder plumbing warranty work?

Most builders give a written limited warranty: often one year for workmanship, two years for systems like plumbing and electrical, and up to ten years for major structural parts. The exact terms are in your warranty booklet. You usually must report the problem in writing within the warranty period and let the builder or its plumber inspect and repair it.

Read your booklet before you hire anyone. Some builders will not pay for repairs done by others without their approval. A leak detection report does not replace the builder's process, but it gives you proof of where the leak is and how it happened.

What should you do step by step?

1. Stop the water. Close the fixture valve, or the main shut-off if water is spreading.
2. Take photos and video of the leak, the stain and the meter reading with a date.
3. Report it in writing through the builder's warranty portal or by email. Keep a copy.
4. Dry the area with fans and towels to limit damage while you wait.
5. Get an independent test if the builder's team cannot find the leak or says it is not covered.

Why get an independent leak test?

A builder's plumber may patch the spot that is wet and miss the real source. An independent test uses pressure, acoustic and thermal tools to find every leak and record it. If the leak is in the yard line, our water line leak detection in Arlington traces the buried pipe. If it is under the foundation, slab leak detection marks the spot within a foot or two.

Buying a home that is a few years old, with some warranty left? Our leak check before buying guide covers what to test before closing.

How much does a leak test cost?

Basic leak detection in Arlington runs about $150 to $400, water line leak detection about $200 to $500, and slab leak detection about $250 to $600. If the builder accepts the claim, ask whether they will reimburse the test. You get the price before any work starts.