DIY Plumbing Checks: Worth the Risk?
I get the urge to tinker first—there’s something satisfying about figuring it out yourself. But I’d push back a bit on the idea that pros always see things we don’t. In my experience, a lot of plumbing issues are actually pretty predictable if you know where to look and what to listen for. I’ve picked up a few rentals over the years, and after getting burned by hidden leaks (and the repair bills that followed), I started building out my own checklist for regular inspections.
Here’s how I usually approach it:
1. Water meter test. Turn off all fixtures, check the meter, wait an hour—if it moves, there’s a leak somewhere. Super basic, but it’s caught more than one sneaky drip for me.
2. Visual inspection under sinks and around appliances. Look for any discoloration, warping, or that musty smell. Sometimes it’s not obvious until you really get your head in there.
3. Feel along baseboards and behind toilets for dampness or soft spots. I’ve found leaks this way before they became visible.
4. Check water pressure at different taps. Sudden drops can mean something’s up inside the walls.
5. Listen for hissing or dripping when the house is quiet—nighttime is best for this.
I’m not saying skip the professionals entirely—especially if you’re seeing signs of trouble or if you’re dealing with older pipes—but doing these checks every few months has saved me from bigger headaches down the line. The trick is not ignoring what you find just because you want to fix it yourself... sometimes calling in a pro early is still the best move.
But yeah, I get wanting to poke around first. Just don’t let that old habit cost you more in the long run—been there, regretted that more than once.
Honestly, this is super helpful. I’m in the middle of my first reno and the plumbing stuff has been the most intimidating part. Your checklist makes it feel way less mysterious—like, I can actually do a few of these things without feeling like I’m about to flood the place. The water meter trick is genius, never would’ve thought of that.
I totally get what you mean about not ignoring warning signs just because you want to DIY everything. I’ve already learned (the hard way) that sometimes calling in a pro early saves a ton of stress and money. But there’s something really satisfying about catching a problem before it gets out of hand, you know? Makes you feel like you’re actually getting the hang of this whole homeownership thing.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your process. It’s encouraging to see that you don’t have to be an expert to keep an eye on things and maybe even prevent a disaster or two.
Had a similar moment during my first flip—thought I could handle a “small” leak under the kitchen sink. Ended up with water everywhere and a very humbling call to a plumber. But yeah, catching stuff early is such a win. That water meter trick saved me once when I couldn’t spot a slow leak behind a wall. It’s wild how much you learn just by paying attention and not being afraid to mess up a little.
Title: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
I get the appeal of calling in a pro, especially after a “humbling” plumbing moment—been there, done that, and yeah, it’s not fun mopping up water at 2am. But honestly, I think a lot of these routine checks are totally doable if you’re willing to get a little technical and maybe get your hands dirty. That water meter trick is gold, but there’s a bunch of other stuff you can catch early if you’re systematic about it.
I started making my own checklist after getting burned by a slow leak under the bathroom vanity. It was one of those “just a drip” situations that turned into warped cabinet wood and a musty smell I couldn’t ignore. Since then, every couple months I run through my list: check all visible pipes for corrosion, feel around shutoff valves for moisture, test the water pressure (I bought a cheap gauge online), and even peek at the water heater for any signs of rust or pooling. Takes maybe 30 minutes tops.
I get that not everyone wants to crawl under sinks or poke around behind appliances, but honestly, the more you do it, the less intimidating it gets. Plus, you save a chunk of change—last time I priced out a “plumbing inspection” it was almost $200 for what amounted to a guy shining a flashlight and nodding a lot.
Not saying pros don’t have their place. If you’ve got an old house with weird plumbing or you suspect something major, sure, call them in. But for the everyday stuff? I’d rather spend that money on something less... soggy.
I hear you on the DIY front—there’s a lot you can catch early if you’re paying attention and not afraid to get a little dirty. But after flipping a few houses, I’ve learned that sometimes what you *don’t* see is what bites you. I’ve had “routine” checks miss stuff like slow leaks inside walls or a main line with roots growing through it. Sure, a pro might just shine a flashlight and nod, but a good one will spot things you’d never think to look for (like subtle signs of backflow or weird pressure drops).
I’m all for saving money, but I treat a pro inspection like insurance, especially before buying or selling. One missed leak can turn into thousands in repairs or kill a sale. For my own place, I do the basics myself, but every couple years I’ll pay for a thorough check—just for peace of mind. Sometimes it’s worth the $200 just to know you’re not sitting on a ticking time bomb behind the drywall.
