I totally get the appeal of handling it yourself—there’s something satisfying about catching a drip before it turns into a disaster. But I’ve gotta say, even with a solid checklist, there are things I’d never spot without some pro gear. Thermal cameras, for example, can pick up leaks inside walls that you’d never see just poking around under the sink. I had a slab leak once that didn’t show any obvious signs until it was already a mess... would’ve loved to catch that earlier.
Here’s how I look at it: DIY covers the basics—visible leaks, loose fittings, water pressure. But every couple years, I’ll bring in a plumber for a more thorough sweep, especially if I’m planning a remodel or have noticed anything weird (like a sudden jump in the water bill). It’s not cheap, but neither is tearing out moldy drywall. Maybe it’s overkill for some folks, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. Plus, pros sometimes spot stuff that’s not even on my radar—like outdated shutoff valves or sneaky backflow issues.
Guess it comes down to how much risk you’re comfortable with and how old your place is. For me, it’s a mix of both worlds.
Totally agree with this—especially the part about catching stuff before it turns into a nightmare. I’m in an old house, and trust me, “outdated shutoff valves” are just the tip of the iceberg.
Couldn’t have put it better. I do what I can with a flashlight and some elbow grease, but after finding a slow leak behind plaster (that I’d never have caught), I’m sold on bringing in a pro every so often. Sometimes peace of mind is worth the bill.“It’s not cheap, but neither is tearing out moldy drywall.”
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think a lot of folks overestimate how much only a pro can spot. With a decent moisture meter and some patience, you can catch a surprising amount yourself. Not saying skip the pros forever, but regular DIY checks save me a ton between flips. That said, I do agree with this:
—been there, done that... not fun.“It’s not cheap, but neither is tearing out moldy drywall.”
Honestly, I’m with you—DIY checks go a long way, especially if you’re flipping and need to keep costs down. Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Moisture meter is clutch. I run it along baseboards, under sinks, and around toilets every few months. Caught a slow leak that way before it got ugly.
- Don’t skip the crawlspace or basement (if you’ve got one). That’s where I found a cracked pipe once—no visible water inside, but the musty smell tipped me off.
- Check for water stains on ceilings and around windows. Sometimes it’s not plumbing but roof leaks, and you don’t want to mix those up.
- Listen for weird noises when water’s running. Gurgling or hammering can mean trouble brewing.
That said, I still bring in a plumber before listing or if anything seems off. DIY catches the obvious stuff, but pros have the gear and know-how for the sneaky leaks. Had a pinhole in a copper line once—never would’ve spotted it without a pressure test.
Bottom line: regular DIY checks save headaches, but there’s a time to call in backup. Learned that the hard way... drywall dust everywhere, and not in a good way.
