Slab Leaks

Slab Leak Water Damage in Arlington: What to Dry First and What to Save

A slab leak does two kinds of damage: the broken pipe under the concrete, and the water that soaks up into floors, baseboards and walls. Fixing the pipe is only half the job. Here is how to handle the water side.

By the Arlington Leak Pros team · October 31, 2026

Graphic of 5 steps to handle water damage after a slab leak in an Arlington, TX home

After a slab leak, turn off the water, find and fix the leak, then dry the floor and walls within 24 to 48 hours to stop mold. Carpet pad and swollen laminate usually come out. Tile, sealed concrete and most solid wood can often be dried in place with fans and dehumidifiers. Take photos first for insurance. Call (817) 285-5426.

The first step is still finding the exact spot. Our leak detection Arlington TX team pins the leak under the slab so the repair hole is small and the drying can start sooner.

What should you do in the first 24 hours?

Shut off the main water. See our guide to the main water shut-off valve.
Take photos and video of every wet room before you move anything.
Pull up wet rugs and move furniture onto blocks or out of the room.
Call your insurer and ask what they need before work starts.
Schedule leak detection and the repair. Drying with the leak still running only wastes time.

Which floors can be saved?

Floor type	Usually	Why
Ceramic or porcelain tile	Saved	Water does not hurt tile, but grout and the slab below must dry.
Carpet	Sometimes saved	Clean water can often be dried in place; the pad under it is usually replaced.
Laminate	Replaced	The core swells and the edges lift once soaked.
Engineered wood	Depends	Short exposure may dry out; long soaking delaminates it.
Solid hardwood	Often saved	Slow, controlled drying can save it if started fast.
Vinyl plank	Often saved	The planks resist water, but water trapped under them must be dried.

For more detail on walls and carpet, this water damage guide explains whether wet drywall and carpet can be saved. The same rules on clean water and drying time apply in Texas.

Think you have a leak? A licensed Arlington technician answers 24/7.

Call Now (817) 285-5426

How long does drying take after a slab leak?

Most homes take 3 to 5 days to dry once the leak is fixed and fans and dehumidifiers are running. Concrete slabs hold water and can take longer, so a moisture meter, not touch, decides when it is safe to put floors back. North Texas humidity in spring and fall can slow drying.

Hot water slab leaks add heat and humidity, which speeds mold growth. Our guide to a hot water slab leak explains the warning signs.

How do you know the water reached the walls?

Baseboards that swell, split or pull away from the wall.
Paint that bubbles low on the wall.
A musty smell in a closet or behind furniture.
A moisture meter reading that is higher low on the wall than higher up.

Wet drywall is often cut 1 to 2 feet up so the wall cavity can dry.

What does the repair side cost?

Slab leak detection in Arlington runs about $250 to $600, and a slab spot repair about $1,500 to $4,000. If the pipe keeps failing, a reroute may be better. Our slab leak repair page compares the options, and our slab leak detection service in Arlington finds the spot first.

Frequently asked questions

How long can water sit under a floor before mold grows?

Mold can start in 24 to 48 hours in warm, damp conditions. That is why drying should start as soon as the leak is stopped.

Does insurance pay for water damage from a slab leak?

Many Texas policies cover sudden water damage and access to the pipe, but not always the pipe repair. Read your policy and call your agent early.

Can I dry a slab leak area myself?

Small, clean-water areas can be dried with fans and a dehumidifier. Larger areas, or water under wood floors, need moisture meters and pro drying gear.

How much does slab leak detection cost in Arlington?

About $250 to $600 for most homes. The price is confirmed before the visit.