Honestly, I get the “flashlight and a hunch” approach—been there, done that. But I’ve had a couple leaks that were totally invisible and odorless until the detector started screaming.
Sometimes the gadgets do earn their keep, especially with slow drips inside walls. I still trust my gut, but I’m not ditching the tech just yet.my nose and eyes have caught more than my leak detector so far...
my nose and eyes have caught more than my leak detector so far...
I hear you, but I’ve seen those detectors pay for themselves when it comes to pinhole leaks behind drywall. Had a job last year—client swore everything was fine, but the meter picked up moisture in a spot nobody would’ve guessed. Turned out to be a slow drip from an old copper joint. Sometimes your gut’s right, sometimes the tech wins. I like having both in my toolbox, honestly.
Title: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
I get the value of those detectors, but honestly, I can’t justify dropping a few hundred bucks on something I might use once every few years. Most of the time, if there’s a leak, I’ll notice a musty smell or see a stain before anything else. Maybe it’s just luck, but my last “leak” turned out to be condensation from an AC line—no fancy tools needed, just some patience and a flashlight.
I’m not saying tech doesn’t have its place, but for folks watching their spending, is it really worth investing in all these gadgets? Or paying for a pro to come out with them? I’d rather stick to regular visual checks and keep an eye on my water bill for spikes. If something seems off, then maybe call in the big guns. Otherwise, feels like overkill for most homes... unless you’ve got ancient pipes or something.
Honestly, I get where you're coming from. Most leaks I've seen in regular homes are pretty obvious—water stains, weird smells, or a sudden water bill spike like you mentioned. Those fancy detectors are cool and all, but unless you’re living in an older house with sketchy pipes or have had a string of mystery leaks, it’s probably not worth dropping serious cash on gadgets you’ll barely use.
I tell folks to just do a once-over every couple months—check under sinks, around the water heater, look for soft spots on walls or floors. Sometimes just running your hand along pipes will catch a drip before it gets bad. If you spot something odd or your bill jumps for no reason, then yeah, maybe call in a pro who’s got all the tools. But for most people? A flashlight and some common sense go a long way.
Funny thing—last year I had a client convinced there was a hidden leak because their basement smelled musty. Turned out their kid left a wet towel by the furnace for days... sometimes it really is that simple.
I get the appeal of just doing a quick check yourself, but I always wonder—how do you know when it’s time to actually call in a pro? Like, is there a point where DIY just isn’t enough, even if nothing looks wrong?
