Plumbing check-up dilemma: DIY or hire a pro?
That image of a slow drip turning into a fountain is way too real. I’ve seen more than one “simple” fix turn into a full-on water feature—once, in the middle of a kitchen remodel, a client’s old valve snapped and we had to scramble for buckets. Not my favorite kind of drama.
I get the appeal of tackling it yourself, though. There’s something satisfying about tightening up a loose nut and feeling like you’ve outsmarted the system. But with older plumbing, I’m always a bit nervous. Sometimes just touching those ancient pipes is enough to wake up problems that have been sleeping for decades.
I usually tell folks: if you’re comfortable and it’s something minor, go for it—but keep your plumber’s number handy just in case. And maybe don’t schedule any big dinner parties until you’re sure everything’s dry behind the walls... Learned that one the hard way.
That “just a quick fix” turning into a mini geyser is way too familiar. I always tell folks to start with the basics: check for visible leaks, test shut-off valves, and look for corrosion. If you spot greenish buildup or hear weird noises in the pipes, that’s usually my cue to call in backup. I’m all for DIY when it’s just tightening or swapping out a washer, but once you’re dealing with old galvanized or mystery pipes, things get dicey fast.
Curious—has anyone tried using those water leak sensors? I’ve been thinking about adding them during remodels, but not sure if they’re worth the hype or just another gadget collecting dust.
PLUMBING CHECK-UP DILEMMA: DIY OR HIRE A PRO?
- Had a couple of those “quick fixes” turn into all-day projects myself. The older the house, the more likely you’re gonna find something weird behind the walls.
- Water leak sensors—actually installed a few last year after a friend’s basement flooded. They’re not magic, but they do give you a heads-up before things get out of hand. The cheap ones just beep, but the pricier models can shut off your main line automatically. That’s pretty slick if you travel or have rental properties.
- Downside: batteries die, and if you’re not checking them, they’re useless. Also, false alarms from condensation or minor drips can get annoying.
- I’d say they’re worth it in places you don’t check often—under sinks, behind the washing machine, near the water heater.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those “smart” shut-off valves that connect to WiFi? Are they reliable or just another thing to troubleshoot when your internet goes down?
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those “smart” shut-off valves that connect to WiFi? Are they reliable or just another thing to troubleshoot when your internet goes down?
Had a client install one of those WiFi shut-off valves last year—Moen Flo, I think. It’s cool tech, but there’s a learning curve. The app is handy for alerts, but yeah, if your router hiccups or you lose power, it’s basically just a regular valve until you’re back online. Plus, some of the “smart” features can be a bit too smart for their own good... had a false alarm once from someone running a bath and the thing shut down the water mid-soak. That was an awkward phone call.
I’m with you on leak sensors though. The cheap ones are better than nothing, but if you’re gonna bother, might as well go for something that actually does something when it senses water. Just don’t forget about the batteries—out of sight, out of mind, right?
Old houses are always full of surprises. If you’re poking around behind walls, be ready for anything. Sometimes it’s just easier (and less stressful) to call in backup before you’re knee-deep in mystery pipes.
I’ve got a Moen Flo too, and I’ll admit, it’s saved my bacon once when a pipe started leaking behind the washing machine. But yeah,
—that’s spot on. I wired mine to a UPS just to keep it alive during short outages, but if the internet’s out, remote control is toast. Still, I’d rather deal with the occasional tech headache than come home to a flooded basement. For old houses, though, I always brace myself for “creative” plumbing from previous owners... sometimes DIY is fine, but if you see anything weird or patched together, calling a pro can save you a lot of grief (and cash) down the line.if your router hiccups or you lose power, it’s basically just a regular valve until you’re back online
