Sewer Hydrostatic Test in Arlington: What It Is and When You Need One

A sewer hydrostatic test checks whether the drain lines under your slab leak. The tech blocks the main sewer line at the cleanout with an inflatable test ball, fills the drains with water to just below the floor, and watches the level. If the water drops, a drain pipe is leaking under the house. The test then isolates which section is failing. Call (817) 285-5426 to ask if your home needs one.

Our leak detection Arlington TX crew runs these tests with cameras and pressure gear for supply lines too, so you get one answer for the whole system.

When does an Arlington home need a hydrostatic test?

The most common reasons are foundation repair, buying an older home, and signs of a drain leak under the slab. Many foundation companies require a test before and after leveling, because lifting a slab can crack cast iron or PVC drains. Signs of a drain leak include sewer smells, slow drains in several rooms, cracks in tile, and damp spots that do not show up on the water meter.

Our guide to a plumbing test after foundation repair covers that case in detail.

How is the test done?

1. Access. The tech opens the main cleanout outside the house.
2. Block. An inflatable test ball is set in the line just before it leaves the house.
3. Fill. Water is added until it rises to just below the lowest floor drain or toilet flange.
4. Watch. The water level is checked over a set time. A steady level means the drains hold.
5. Isolate. If it drops, the tech tests sections of the system to narrow down the leak.
6. Confirm. A camera is run in the failing section to see the crack or broken joint.

How does it compare with a sewer camera inspection?

A hydrostatic test tells you if the drains leak. A camera shows you where and why. The test is the better choice when you need a pass or fail result, such as for foundation work or a home sale. A sewer camera inspection is better for finding roots, sags, breaks and clogs. Many visits use both. A camera inspection in Arlington usually costs about $150 to $400.

Why do drain lines leak under Arlington slabs?

Many Arlington homes built before the mid-1970s have cast iron drains under the slab, which rust and crack with age. Newer homes use PVC, which holds up better but can separate at joints when the clay soil moves. Drought shrinks the soil, rain swells it, and the slab shifts. That movement is the main reason drain leaks are common here.

A leaking drain under the slab can wash out soil and make foundation problems worse. Our sewer leak under slab guide explains the warning signs.

What should you do before the test?

• Do not use any sinks, tubs, toilets or the washer during the test.
• Find and clear the outside cleanout.
• Tell the tech about any recent foundation work or past sewer repairs.
• Plan to be home, since the tech needs access to every bathroom.

If the test fails, you get a written result and repair options with prices before any work starts.