Leak Detection Arlington, TN | Slab Leak Signs & Repair

Hidden Leak Detection and Repair for Arlington Homes

A hidden water leak can damage floors, walls, and framing long before you see a puddle. Patton Plumbing, Heating & A/C provides leak detection and repair in Arlington, TN, and handles both finding the leak and fixing it. Family-owned and operating since 2005, with 35 years of experience from owner Shawn Patton and 1,300+ Google reviews with a 5-star average.

Call (901) 489-2119

What to do right now

If water is visible or spreading, close the main water shutoff if it is safe to reach.
Keep people and pets away from wet areas near outlets or electrical equipment.
Move valuables and take photos of stains, warm spots, or damp flooring.
Call (901) 489-2119 to schedule a diagnosis.

Slab Leaks: What Arlington Homeowners Should Know

Many homes are built on a concrete slab, with water lines running beneath or within the foundation. When one of those lines leaks, the water can go unnoticed for a long time. Left unchecked, a slab leak can lead to wood rot, mold, and foundation movement, and waiting usually makes the repair bigger.

Signs of a slab leak

A warm spot on the floor, often from a leaking hot water line
A water bill that jumps while your usage has not changed
The sound of running water when everything is off
Damp carpet, warped flooring, or stains with no visible source
A musty or mildew smell

A simple meter check

Turn off every faucet, appliance, and fixture that uses water, then look at your water meter. If the meter keeps moving, water may be going somewhere it should not. This does not tell you where the leak is, but it is useful information to share when you call. On a job, we also watch the meter for flow to confirm an active leak.

How leak detection generally works

The goal is to pinpoint the leak before opening anything up. Patton primarily uses acoustic listening with electronic ground microphones and tracer gas detection to locate hidden leaks. We use pressure testing as needed and thermal imaging occasionally for hot water side leaks. Once the location is known, we choose the least invasive repair that will hold up long-term. With tracer gas detection, a tracer gas is introduced into the water line and a handheld hydrogen detector follows where it escapes.

When to call a plumber

Call when you notice any of the signs above, when the water meter moves with everything off, or when a stain or damp area keeps coming back. Call right away if water is actively spreading. Leak detection starts at $650 for standard residential service and $1,250 for commercial. Our office schedules appointments Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM.

Real Leak Detection Jobs

Photos and video from actual Patton Plumbing leak detection jobs in the Memphis area, from checking the meter to marking the leak and exposing the line for repair.

Leak detection videos

Tracer gas leak detection: a hydrogen detector picks up gas escaping near a tub valve.

Tracer gas detector picks up a sharp rise in hydrogen over a buried line, pinpointing the leak under the lawn.

Listening for an underground leak near a sidewalk with an electronic ground microphone and probe rod.

Listening through the floor for a leak under a bathroom.

A small, clean wall opening at the exact spot we located, marked with tape.

The water meter shows a steady 5 to 6 gallons per minute of flow, confirming an active leak.

Photos from the job

Patton technician kneeling with headphones and an electronic ground microphone in a yard — Our technician listening for a hidden leak with an electronic ground microphone.

Patton technician walking a yard with headphones, a ground microphone unit, and probe rod — Tracing a water line across the yard by listening with a ground microphone.

Patton technician crouching near a brick foundation with a ground microphone and headphones — Checking along the foundation for leak sounds with an electronic ground microphone.

Badger water meter in an in-ground meter box being checked for movement — Checking the water meter for movement when no water is running.

Yard with white marker flags and a T-handle probe rod along a traced leak path — Leak path traced and flagged in the yard before any digging.

Lush green patch of grass in an otherwise dry lawn above a buried water line — A green, soggy patch in a dry yard can point to a buried water line leak.

Blue marker flags placed around a leak location in a front lawn — Leak location flagged in the front yard.

Hardwood kitchen floor with a blue tape X marking a pinpointed leak location — Leak location pinpointed and marked before any flooring is opened.

Excavated soil with an exposed white underground water line and coupling — Underground water line exposed at the marked spot for repair.

Commercial concrete slab with orange spray-paint X marks showing leak locations — Commercial leak location marked on concrete in Millington.

More Than Slab Leaks

Hidden leaks can also show up as pinhole leaks inside walls, slow drips under the house, or leaks near fixtures and water heaters. If leaks keep returning in older pipes, ask about piping and repiping. For whole-home protection, see our smart water monitor and shutoff service.

Learn more on our main leak detection and repair page, or see all plumbing services in Arlington, TN.

Leak Detection Arlington, TN FAQs

What are the signs of a slab leak?

Common signs include a warm spot on the floor (from a leaking hot water line), an unexplained jump in your water bill, the sound of running water when nothing is on, damp or stained flooring, and musty smells.

What should I do if I think I have a slab leak?

If water is visible, close the main water shutoff if it is safe to reach. Note where you see warm spots, moisture, or sounds, check whether your water meter keeps moving with all fixtures off, and call (901) 489-2119 to schedule a diagnosis.

Do you repair the leak after finding it?

Yes. Patton handles both leak detection and repair. The right repair depends on where the leak is and the condition of the pipe, and we will explain the proposed work before you approve it.

How much does leak detection cost in Arlington?

Leak detection starts at $650 for standard residential service and $1,250 for commercial. The final cost depends on the home, access, and how hard the leak is to locate.

Schedule Leak Detection in Arlington

Call (901) 489-2119 to describe what you are seeing and schedule a weekday appointment, or use the contact form. Return to all Arlington services.

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Arlington Service Area & Contact Details

Patton’s main office is at 5320 Hwy 70, Mason, TN 38049. Call +1-901-489-2119 for weekday scheduling in Arlington. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 7 AM–5 PM.

Leak Detection & Slab Leak Help in Arlington, TN