I hear you on the moisture meters—sometimes they’re a lifesaver, sometimes they just make you second-guess everything. I’ve had readings jump all over the place in my 1950s basement, especially near old pipes. Still, like you said, it’s better than ripping out drywall for no reason.
Curious if anyone’s actually found a reliable way to tell when it’s time to call in a pro versus just keeping an eye on things yourself? I tend to do a full check every few months—look for corrosion, feel around for damp spots, and run all the taps to check water pressure. But I always wonder if I’m missing something less obvious, especially with older plumbing. Anyone ever regret not getting a pro inspection sooner? Or is DIY usually enough unless there’s an obvious problem?
Home Plumbing Checkups: DIY Checklist or Pro Inspection?
I get what you mean about second-guessing those meters—sometimes they make me more paranoid than anything else. I’ve had similar issues in a couple of my older rentals, especially where the pipes run behind concrete walls. Honestly, I used to think a thorough DIY check was enough, but after one nasty surprise (slow leak turned mold nightmare), I’m a bit more cautious now.
I still do the basics—look for rust, listen for weird noises, check pressure, etc.—but if I notice anything off even slightly (like that musty smell or a tiny bit of discoloration on the wall), I don’t wait too long before calling someone in. The cost of a pro inspection is nothing compared to dealing with a busted main or hidden leak down the road.
That said, I think a lot depends on how old the plumbing is and how much you trust your own instincts. If it’s copper from the 50s or galvanized, I’d lean toward getting a pro in every couple years, even if nothing obvious seems wrong. Sometimes peace of mind is worth it, y’know?
That mold nightmare sounds rough. I’m in the middle of my first reno and honestly, plumbing is the one thing that keeps me up at night. I’ve been doing the usual—checking under sinks, feeling for damp spots, even sniffing around (which feels weird but whatever works). But sometimes I wonder if I’m just missing something behind the walls. Has anyone tried those moisture meters or thermal cameras? Do they actually help catch stuff early, or are they just another gadget to stress over?
- Been there with the “sniff test”—definitely not just you.
- Looked into moisture meters because I’m paranoid about hidden leaks, but honestly, the cheaper ones felt kinda hit or miss.
- Borrowed a friend’s thermal camera once and it did pick up a cold spot behind drywall that turned out to be a slow drip.
- They’re not magic fixes, but if you can borrow or rent one, might give some peace of mind (and save on pro fees).
- Still, nothing beats just keeping an eye out and trusting your gut if something feels off.
The “sniff test” is practically a rite of passage in these old houses—if you haven’t spent an afternoon crawling around with your nose to the floorboards, are you even a homeowner? I’ve tried those bargain-bin moisture meters too, and honestly, I trust my dog’s reaction to a musty corner more. Thermal cameras are cool, but I swear half my walls are cold spots just because this place leaks heat like a sieve. Still, I’d rather catch a leak early than have to explain to my insurance why the dining room ceiling is now “open concept.” Trust your gut, but maybe keep a bucket handy just in case...
