HOME PLUMBING CHECKUPS: DIY CHECKLIST OR PRO INSPECTION?
That slow leak behind the washing machine story hits a little too close to home for me. I once ignored a faint musty smell in the laundry room for weeks, thinking it was just the dog’s towel or something. Turned out the hose clamp was loose and water was dripping down the wall. Ended up with a patch of mold and a chunk out of my “emergency fund.” Lesson learned: trust your nose, even if it feels a bit silly.
I’m with you on the regular checkups. I do a quick run-through every couple months, but I always wonder if I’m missing something less obvious. Like, I know to look for leaks and listen for weird noises, but what about stuff like water pressure changes or slow drains? Sometimes I can’t tell if it’s just normal wear and tear or a sign of something bigger brewing.
I get a little nervous about calling in a pro for every little thing, though. The cost adds up fast, and half the time they just tighten something and charge a hundred bucks. But then again, I’ve also tried to “fix” things myself and made it worse (don’t ask about the time I tried to replace a faucet and ended up with a geyser in the kitchen).
Curious if anyone has a rule of thumb for when to call in a plumber versus just keeping an eye on things? Like, is there a certain age where pipes or fixtures start needing more attention, or is it just a case-by-case thing? Sometimes I feel like I’m just guessing and hoping for the best.
Curious if anyone has a rule of thumb for when to call in a plumber versus just keeping an eye on things?
I wrestle with this too, especially since I’ve got a few rental properties and the costs add up quick. In my experience, once pipes or fixtures hit 20+ years, they start acting up more often—especially if you’re dealing with galvanized pipes. I’d say slow drains or water pressure drops aren’t always urgent, but if you see rust or water stains, that’s when I bring in a pro. The “wait and see” approach has bitten me before… but yeah, sometimes it feels like you’re just rolling the dice either way.
I hear you on the “wait and see” approach biting back. I’ve tried to save a few bucks by holding off, only to end up with a bigger mess (and bill) later. One time, I ignored a tiny drip under a bathroom sink in a flip because it seemed harmless—turned out the shutoff valve was corroded and finally gave out, flooding the vanity and warping the floor. Lesson learned.
Now, if I spot anything that looks like active leaking, or if I see water stains on ceilings or walls, I don’t mess around. But for slow drains or minor pressure changes, I’ll usually try a DIY fix first—snake the drain, check aerators, that kind of thing. If it keeps coming back, that’s when I call in backup. It’s a balance, but I’d rather pay for a quick fix than deal with water damage down the line. Sometimes it feels like you’re just gambling either way, but I guess that’s part of the fun... or the headache.
I get what you mean about the gamble—sometimes it feels like you’re just rolling the dice with plumbing stuff. I’ve had slow drains turn into full-on backups overnight, and then you’re scrambling. Curious, do you ever do a full house check yourself, like once a year, or just handle things as they pop up? I’ve thought about making a checklist but never seem to stick with it. Wondering if that’s actually worth the effort or just overkill.
Honestly, I used to just wait until something went wrong, but after a surprise leak under the kitchen sink last year (and a big plumber bill), I started doing a yearly walk-through. It’s not fancy—just a quick look at pipes under sinks, checking for drips, making sure drains aren’t slow, and peeking at the water heater. Takes maybe 30 minutes. I made a checklist on my phone so I don’t forget stuff, but I don’t stress if I miss a month. It’s saved me from at least one headache so far... not overkill in my book, especially if you’re on a budget.
