Couldn’t agree more about the value of a hands-on inspection. I’ve lived in an old Victorian for years, and sensors just don’t catch everything—especially with weird plumbing runs behind thick plaster. Like you said,
I make it a habit to check under every sink and around the basement pipes every few months. Found a slow drip once just by noticing a faint musty smell before any sensor went off. Trust your senses—sometimes they’re the best tool you’ve got.“nothing beats a careful walkthrough now and then.”
I’ve lived in an old Victorian for years, and sensors just don’t catch everything—especially with weird plumbing runs behind thick plaster.
That “musty smell” tip is spot on—sometimes it’s the tiniest detail that gives away a hidden leak. I once designed a kitchen for a client with original beadboard walls, and we only discovered a slow leak because the paint started to bubble ever so slightly. Sensors totally missed it. I’m curious, have you ever tried using colored chalk or powder to trace moisture? It’s an old trick from restoration work, but I wonder if it’s overkill for regular checkups...
Chalk or powder, huh? That’s a new one for me—my “technique” is usually just poking around with a flashlight and hoping I don’t find anything expensive. I get the appeal though, especially if you’ve got those sneaky leaks that like to hide behind walls. For me, it’s usually the water bill that tips me off something’s up...or when my socks get unexpectedly squishy. Not sure I’d go full CSI with colored powder unless things got really weird, but hey, whatever works when you’re trying to save a few bucks.
Not sure I’d go full CSI with colored powder unless things got really weird, but hey, whatever works when you’re trying to save a few bucks.
I get what you mean—sometimes it feels like you need a detective badge just to figure out where that mystery drip is coming from. I’ve actually seen the colored powder trick used during a renovation, and while it looked a bit over the top, it did help pinpoint a leak that was staining the ceiling below. Still, I usually stick to the basics: checking under sinks, feeling for damp spots near baseboards, and keeping an eye on grout lines in bathrooms.
Curious if anyone’s tried those moisture meters? I’ve heard mixed things—some swear by them, others say they’re not sensitive enough for small leaks. Personally, I’d rather catch something early than have to rip up flooring later. Do you find your “flashlight and hope” method catches most issues before they get out of hand, or have you ever had a surprise that made you wish you’d called in a pro sooner?
Honestly, your checklist sounds solid. I’ve used a moisture meter a few times—mixed results, like you said. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it just makes me second guess myself. Still, catching stuff early is way better than dealing with warped floors or mold later. The “flashlight and hope” method has saved me more than once, but yeah, there was that one time I missed a slow leak behind the dishwasher... ended up with a soft spot in the subfloor. Live and learn, right?
