plumbing check-up dilemma: DIY or hire a pro?

PLUMBING CHECK-UPS: WHEN TO DIY AND WHEN TO CALL IT

That “drip drip” sound is basically my arch-nemesis at this point. I get what you mean about the stress—plumbing can go sideways fast. I remember the first time I tried to swap out a shutoff valve under the bathroom sink. I thought, “How hard could it be?” Turns out, pretty hard when you forget to actually shut off the main water supply first. Water everywhere, towels ruined, and my pride took a hit.

Here’s how I usually decide: if I can see the problem and reach it easily (like a loose connection or a worn-out washer), I’ll give it a shot. But if it’s behind a wall or ceiling, or if I hear water but can’t see where it’s coming from, that’s where I draw the line. Hidden leaks can mean mold, structural stuff... not worth the risk.

I still like to poke around and check for obvious issues—look under sinks, feel for damp spots, check the water meter for unexplained usage. But yeah, sometimes calling a pro is just less hassle in the long run. No shame in that.

Totally get where you're coming from—my first attempt at fixing a leaky faucet ended with me Googling “how to turn off water main” mid-flood. I was so sure it’d be a quick fix, but nope, ended up with wet socks and a new respect for plumbers.

I’m with you on the “if I can see it, I’ll try it” approach. But honestly, sometimes even the simple stuff feels intimidating. Last month, I noticed a damp patch under my kitchen sink and figured it was just a loose pipe. Tightened everything up, but the drip kept coming back. Turned out the actual leak was way further up, behind the cabinet. At that point, I just gave in and called someone.

Curious—has anyone here ever tried those leak detection gadgets? Like the ones that beep if they sense water? Wondering if they’re worth it or just another gadget collecting dust in the drawer...

Plumbing Check-Up Dilemma: DIY or Hire a Pro?

Those leak detectors are actually kind of interesting. Picked up a couple after a tenant called me about water pooling under their bathroom sink—turned out the supply line had a tiny crack, and by the time anyone noticed, the cabinet was already warped. The detectors I got were the simple battery-powered ones that beep if they sense water. Honestly, they’re not perfect, but they did catch another slow leak in the laundry room before it got bad.

I wouldn’t call them a waste, but you have to actually remember to check the batteries and put them in the right spots. The downside is, if the leak starts somewhere hidden (like behind a wall), they’re not much help. Still, for under sinks or near water heaters, I’d say they’re worth it—especially if you’re managing multiple places or you travel a lot.

Has anyone tried those more advanced systems that shut off the water automatically? I keep seeing ads, but can’t tell if they’re just overkill for a regular house or actually worth the investment.

I’ve looked into those auto-shutoff leak detectors, and honestly, I think they make a lot of sense, especially for rentals or if you travel. The upfront cost is higher, but one major leak can easily wipe out any savings from going cheap. I will say, installation can get a bit technical—some need pro fitting, especially if you want them tied into your main line. But the peace of mind is real. For a regular house, it might feel like overkill, but if you’ve got multiple properties or just want to avoid that “surprise flood” scenario, it’s worth considering. Still, nothing beats good old-fashioned visual checks now and then... tech’s great, but it’s not magic.

Had a client last year who thought visual checks were enough—until their finished basement turned into a swimming pool. The auto-shutoff system wasn’t cheap, but it paid for itself in one incident. I get what you’re saying about tech not being magic, but honestly, those “surprise floods” are brutal to fix after the fact.

“installation can get a bit technical—some need pro fitting, especially if you want them tied into your main line”