Definitely agree about the “if it smells, something’s up” rule. I learned that the hard way after ignoring a weird odor and discovering a slow leak had turned my cabinet into a science experiment. Now, my “plumbing check” routine is basically: sniff, poke, listen, and pray nothing drips on me. If I hear gurgling or see green fuzz on the pipes, it’s time to call in the pros. Otherwise, I just keep a roll of paper towels handy and hope for the best.
Title: Home Plumbing Checkups: DIY Checklist or Pro Inspection?
If I hear gurgling or see green fuzz on the pipes, it’s time to call in the pros.
Honestly, by the time you spot green fuzz, you’re probably already dealing with corrosion. I get the DIY approach, but sometimes waiting for obvious signs just means more damage. A quick flashlight check under sinks every month catches stuff early—way before things start smelling funky.
Flashlight checks are a lifesaver—learned that the hard way after ignoring a slow drip under my bathroom sink. By the time I noticed the green fuzz, the cabinet bottom was toast. Now I just poke around every month or so, even if it feels paranoid. Small leaks turn into big headaches real quick.
Can’t count how many times I’ve found a “little” leak that turned out to be a rotted mess. In my old place, I run through a quick checklist every couple months—flashlight under every sink, check behind toilets, feel around for dampness, and peek at the basement pipes. I also keep a cheap moisture meter handy, just in case. It’s not fancy, but it’s saved me from having to replace floorboards more than once. Never hurts to be a bit paranoid with old plumbing... trust me.
Title: DIY Is Great, But Sometimes You Need a Pro’s Eye
Never hurts to be a bit paranoid with old plumbing... trust me.
I get where you’re coming from—old houses are full of surprises, and not usually the good kind. I’ve done the flashlight-under-the-sink routine more times than I can count, and yeah, it’s caught a few sneaky drips. But honestly, I’ve learned the hard way that even the most thorough DIY checklist can miss stuff, especially in these historic homes where pipes run behind walls that haven’t been opened since the Hoover administration.
Last year, I thought I was on top of things. Did my usual rounds, checked for damp spots, even used one of those moisture meters like you mentioned. Everything looked fine. Then, out of nowhere, I noticed a faint musty smell in the dining room. Turns out, there was a slow leak inside the wall from an ancient galvanized pipe. By the time I found it, the plaster was toast and I had to rip out half the wall. If I’d had a plumber do a camera inspection or pressure test, maybe I’d have caught it before it got ugly.
I’m all for being hands-on—there’s something satisfying about knowing your house inside and out. But sometimes, especially with these old systems, a pro’s trained eye (and their fancy gadgets) can spot stuff we just can’t. It’s not cheap, but neither is replacing original hardwood or 1920s tile.
Guess what I’m saying is, DIY is awesome for the obvious stuff, but every couple years, I bite the bullet and get a real inspection. Peace of mind is worth it, especially when you’re living in a place with as much history (and hidden headaches) as mine.
