Title: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
I don’t think you need to go overboard unless you’ve had issues before. Seasonally works for most folks, in my experience.
I get the logic, but honestly, I’ve seen too many “minor” leaks turn into big headaches because folks waited for a seasonal check. Especially in older houses—sometimes those slow drips under a sink don’t show up until there’s already water damage in the cabinet or, worse, mold. I’m not saying monthly is always necessary, but I do a quick check every time I’m at a property, even if it’s just to swap out furnace filters or whatever.
Also, DIY is fine for the basics, but every couple years I’ll bring in a plumber just to do a pressure test and look at the stuff I can’t see. Caught a pinhole leak in a copper line that way once—would’ve been a mess if I’d waited for “signs.” Guess it depends on your risk tolerance and how much you like surprises...
- I get the urge to check everything, but I’m all about balance (and saving a buck).
- My DIY list: peek under sinks, feel around toilets, check the basement for puddles, and eyeball the water meter every now and then.
- If something smells funky or I see a drip, then yeah, I’ll call in a pro. Otherwise, I’d rather spend the plumber money on pizza... or, you know, actual emergencies.
- Old house here too—once found a slow leak behind the washing machine just by following my nose. Not glamorous, but it worked.
I get the “save a buck” approach, but I’ve had a couple rentals where a slow leak turned into a way bigger problem than I expected.
Ever had a hidden leak that didn’t show any signs until it was too late? I’m always torn—DIY checks are fine, but sometimes I wonder if a pro would catch stuff I’d miss, especially in older places. How do you decide when it’s worth the extra cost?“If something smells funky or I see a drip, then yeah, I’ll call in a pro.”
Had a place once where the only clue was a slightly warped baseboard—turned out water had been dripping behind the wall for months. DIY checks are great for the obvious stuff, but older homes? I usually bite the bullet and get a pro in every couple years. Peace of mind’s worth it, especially after that mess.
DIY checks are great for the obvious stuff, but older homes? I usually bite the bullet and get a pro in every couple years.
I get the peace of mind angle, but honestly, most of the time I’ve found pros just do the same surface checks I do—except they charge a lot more. If you know what to look for (like stains under sinks, weird smells, water pressure changes), you can catch most issues before they get out of hand. Plus, you learn your house inside out. Sure, some things need a pro, but every couple years feels like overkill unless you’re seeing real warning signs.
