Honestly, unless you’re planning to chase leaks all over the house every year, I’d just rent the thermal camera or moisture meter. They’re not cheap, and most of us only need them once in a blue moon. I borrowed one from a buddy when I had a mystery leak behind a wall—saved me a ton of drywall repair. Out of curiosity, has anyone tried those cheaper phone attachment cameras? Wondering if they’re actually useful or just gimmicky.
Tried one of those phone thermal cameras last year when I was scoping out a rental with some suspicious water stains. Honestly, it picked up the temp differences fine, but the image quality wasn’t anywhere near a pro unit. Good enough for a quick check, but I wouldn’t trust it for anything major. If you’re just trying to spot obvious leaks or drafts, they’re not a total gimmick, but don’t expect miracles. Kind of like using a butter knife instead of a screwdriver—it’ll work in a pinch, but not ideal.
I’ve run into the same thing with those phone thermal cameras—handy for a quick look, but they’re just not in the same league as the pro gear. I remember checking out a client’s basement with one after a heavy rain. It flagged a cold spot behind the drywall, which turned out to be a minor leak, but honestly, if I hadn’t already suspected something was up, I might’ve missed it. The resolution just isn’t there for subtle issues.
For basic DIY checkups, those gadgets are fine for spotting obvious problems like missing insulation or big leaks. But when it comes to hidden plumbing issues or anything that could turn into a bigger headache down the line, I always recommend bringing in someone with better equipment. It’s kind of like using a stud finder versus actually opening up the wall—you get what you pay for.
That said, I do think there’s value in homeowners doing regular visual checks and using whatever tools they have on hand. Catching something early, even with a “butter knife” approach, is better than letting it go unnoticed.
- Totally agree about the phone cams—they’re like the duct tape of home tools, useful but not a real fix.
- I’m all about saving money, so I usually stick to the basics: look for water stains, listen for drips, check under sinks.
- Only call in a pro if I see something weird or can’t figure it out myself.
- Has anyone found a budget-friendly tool that’s actually worth it for spotting leaks, or is it all just gimmicks until you pay for the real deal?
Title: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
Has anyone found a budget-friendly tool that’s actually worth it for spotting leaks, or is it all just gimmicks until you pay for the real deal?
Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing. I’ve tried those cheap moisture meters from the hardware store—mixed results. Sometimes they pick up a leak, sometimes it’s just humidity messing with the reading. Ever tried those acoustic leak detectors? I’m skeptical, but curious if they’re any better than just listening closely. Your approach of sticking to basics makes sense... but I do wish there was a reliable middle ground before calling in the pros.
