Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?

Pressure tests are a game changer, but I always wonder if they catch every tiny drip, especially with older copper lines. I’ve used those cheap inspection cameras too - sometimes they’re more frustrating than helpful, but once in a while you spot something you’d never find otherwise. Had a pinhole leak behind my laundry room wall last year... only found it because the baseboard started warping. Makes me question how much is hiding in the walls that we’ll never know about until it’s too late. Anyone else get paranoid about that, or is it just me overthinking?

Title: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?

You’re definitely not alone in that paranoia. I’ve owned a few older properties and let’s just say, “hidden leaks” is basically my least favorite phrase now. Pressure tests are great for the obvious stuff, but those tiny pinholes in copper? They’re like ninjas - strike when you least expect it.

I’ve tried those little snake cameras too. Half the time I’m staring at what could be a spiderweb or maybe just 30 years of dust. Once, though, I did spot a slow drip behind drywall before it became a disaster, so I guess even cheap tools have their moments.

Honestly, unless you’re tearing out walls every year (not recommended), there’s always some risk. I try to keep an eye out for subtle clues - stains, weird smells, baseboards that suddenly look “wavy.” It’s not overthinking; just being proactive... or maybe we’re all just a little too invested in our pipes. Either way, better to catch something early than deal with a flood later.

You nailed it with the “ninja leaks” - those things are sneaky. I’m all for being proactive, even if it feels a little obsessive sometimes. Honestly, catching a slow drip before it becomes a full-blown mess is worth every awkward crawl under the sink. I get that some people think it’s overkill, but water damage is no joke and fixing it after the fact is way more expensive (and wasteful) than just keeping an eye out. Trust your instincts - if something seems off, it probably is.

Title: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?

Haha, “ninja leaks” is the perfect name for those little troublemakers. I swear, they wait until you’re out of town for a weekend and then decide to turn your kitchen into a slip-n-slide. I’m with you - being a little obsessive about checking under sinks and behind toilets is way better than dealing with soggy cabinets or, even worse, that weird musty smell that never quite goes away.

I’ve definitely gotten some eye rolls from friends when I mention my “monthly plumbing patrol.” But after seeing what a slow leak did to my neighbor’s bathroom (think: mushrooms growing where baseboards should be), I’ll take the awkward crawl any day. Plus, it’s kind of like a treasure hunt, except the treasure is not having to replace drywall.

That said, I do think there’s a line between being proactive and going full-on detective mode. Like, I’m not busting out the moisture meter every week or anything... just a quick check here and there, especially if something sounds off or smells funky. And honestly, most of the time you can spot the early signs yourself - little puddles, water stains, or that “why is this cabinet door sticking now?” moment.

I get why some folks prefer to call in the pros for a yearly checkup, though. Peace of mind is worth something, especially if your house is older or you’re not super handy. But for me, a DIY checklist and a flashlight do the trick most of the time. Plus, crawling around under the sink is basically my version of yoga at this point.

Anyway, I’d rather look a little paranoid now than have to explain to my insurance company why my bathroom floor feels like a sponge.

I totally get the “paranoid now, dry floors later” mindset. When we started our reno, I thought a quick peek under the sink was enough - until I found a slow drip that had warped the cabinet bottom. Now I’m crawling around with a flashlight every month, no shame. I’ll leave the pro inspections for when something actually looks weird or I hear that dreaded dripping sound at 2am.