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 get the whole “sniff test” tradition, but have you ever had a sneaky leak that didn’t smell at all? I’ve had a couple properties where water pooled behind a wall for ages and there wasn’t a hint of mustiness. Made me wonder if relying on just senses (or even a dog’s nose) is enough. Ever tried a pro inspection just for peace of mind, or do you think it’s overkill unless you spot something obvious?
Title: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
Totally get what you mean about the “sniff test” not always catching everything. I’ve seen more than a few places where water damage was quietly wreaking havoc behind the scenes, and you’d never know from the smell alone. Sometimes it’s just a tiny drip behind a wall or under a cabinet, and by the time you notice anything, the damage is already done.
I’m all for the DIY approach—there’s something satisfying about poking around and feeling like you’re on top of things. But honestly, I think there’s a limit to what our senses (and even the best checklists) can catch. I’ve had clients who swore their homes were bone dry, only to discover hidden leaks during a renovation. One time, we pulled up some old tile and found a patch of subfloor that was basically mulch. No odor, no visible signs, just quietly rotting away.
I don’t think calling in a pro is overkill, especially if you’re dealing with an older house or you’ve got any nagging doubts. The peace of mind is worth it, and sometimes they’ll spot stuff you’d never think to look for—like weird pressure drops or moisture readings behind walls. It’s not something I’d do every year, but before a big remodel or if you’re noticing anything off (even if it’s just a hunch), it makes sense.
DIY is great for regular upkeep, but I’d say a professional inspection every now and then is just smart. It’s like getting your car serviced—you can change the oil yourself, but sometimes you need someone with the right tools to catch the stuff you can’t see.
Couldn’t agree more with this:
I’ve done my share of poking around pipes and drains, but there’s only so much you can catch with a flashlight and a checklist. Had a slow leak under my bathroom sink once—no smell, no water pooling, just a soft spot in the cabinet months later. If I’d had a pro look at it sooner, probably would’ve saved myself a headache. DIY’s awesome for maintenance, but sometimes you just need that extra set of trained eyes.DIY is great for regular upkeep, but I’d say a professional inspection every now and then is just smart.
I get where you're coming from, but I think we might be underestimating what a thorough DIY checklist can actually catch if you’re methodical about it. I mean, yeah, there are definitely things that slip by—like your slow leak, those are sneaky. But I’ve found that with a moisture meter and a decent inspection mirror, you can spot a lot more than just what’s visible with a flashlight.
Honestly, I feel like pros are great for peace of mind, but sometimes they just do the same surface checks unless you’re paying for a deep dive. I’ve had a plumber overlook a cracked washer that I caught myself later on. Maybe it comes down to how detailed your own checklist is? Or how comfortable you are poking around in tight spots?
Not saying pros aren’t worth it—just that a lot of us could probably up our DIY game and catch more issues ourselves.
Had to laugh reading this because I once spent a Saturday crawling under my kitchen sink with a headlamp and a roll of paper towels, convinced I could out-inspect any pro. Found a slow drip the plumber missed—felt like Sherlock Holmes for about five minutes, until I realized I’d also managed to knock loose the P-trap. DIY wins some, loses some. But you’re right, a solid checklist and the right tools can catch a lot. Still, there are days when I’d pay double just to avoid lying on cold tile again...
