Title: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
I’m with you on not messing with original plaster unless you really have to. It’s just not worth the hassle unless there’s a clear sign of trouble. I’ve found that using a moisture meter and checking for any weird smells or discoloration around pipes goes a long way. Access panels are a lifesaver—I’ve caught a slow drip behind the washing machine that would’ve gone unnoticed for months otherwise.
Honestly, I think most folks can handle the basics themselves if they’re comfortable, especially in older homes where you want to minimize damage. That said, if you spot anything odd—like persistent moisture or bulging paint—it’s probably time to call in a pro. I had one mystery leak that stumped me for weeks; plumber found it in about 10 minutes. Sometimes it’s just not worth the stress trying to DIY everything.
Access panels are a lifesaver—I’ve caught a slow drip behind the washing machine that would’ve gone unnoticed for months otherwise.
Totally agree about access panels—wish every wall had one. I’m still figuring out how much I can trust my own “sniff test” for leaks, though. Ever get paranoid you’re missing something just because you don’t see obvious signs? I keep wondering if there’s a trick to spotting hidden issues before they become disasters. Maybe it’s just experience, or maybe some things really do need a pro’s eye.
I keep wondering if there’s a trick to spotting hidden issues before they become disasters.
Honestly, I think a lot of the “tricks” are just luck and paranoia. I’ve torn open walls chasing a musty smell and found nothing, then missed a slow leak under the kitchen sink for ages. Some stuff just stays hidden unless you’re doing regular, hands-on checks—no pro needed for every little thing, but I don’t trust my nose alone either. Moisture meters are worth their weight in gold, though.
- I hear you on the paranoia—sometimes I think I’m just inventing problems.
- My go-to is a flashlight and a white towel under every sink for a week. If there’s a drip, it’ll show up.
- Moisture meters are great, but I’ve also found thermal cameras pick up weird cold spots that can mean trouble.
- Ever tried using dye tablets in toilets to catch slow leaks? It’s cheap and surprisingly effective.
Curious—do you think it’s worth investing in those smart leak detectors, or are they just another gadget collecting dust?
Title: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
Curious—do you think it’s worth investing in those smart leak detectors, or are they just another gadget collecting dust?
Honestly, I used to be skeptical about the smart leak detectors too. I figured, why bother when a flashlight and some towels do the trick? But after a pipe burst in my basement last winter (while I was out of town, of course), I caved and got a couple of the WiFi ones. They’re not perfect, but they did catch a slow leak under the water heater that I probably wouldn’t have noticed for weeks. Saved me a headache.
Here’s how I approach it now:
1. Manual checks every few months—white towel trick, check all visible pipes, run the thermal camera if something seems off.
2. Dye tablets in toilets twice a year (those things are sneaky).
3. Smart detectors under appliances and in the basement—set and forget, mostly.
I get the hesitation about adding more tech, but if you’ve got an older house or spots you can’t easily monitor, they’re worth considering. Not a replacement for regular checks, but a good backup. And hey, peace of mind is hard to put a price on.
