Yeah, I hear you—water damage is no joke. I’ve tried to save a few bucks by doing small fixes myself, but honestly, the stress of maybe missing something hidden isn’t worth it for me. I’ll swap out a faucet or clear a clog, but anything behind a wall or under the floor? I’d rather pay up front than risk a huge repair bill later. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I’d rather be safe than sorry...
PLUMBING CHECK-UP DILEMMA: DIY OR HIRE A PRO?
I get where you’re coming from. I’ve done my share of DIY stuff, but once you’re dealing with pipes in the wall or anything that could cause hidden leaks, it’s a different ballgame. I tried to fix a slow drip behind my bathroom sink last year—thought I nailed it, but a month later I found water stains in the basement ceiling. Ended up costing way more than if I’d just called someone in the first place.
Swapping out fixtures or clearing clogs is one thing, but when you can’t see what’s going on, it’s just not worth the risk. Peace of mind is huge, especially with water involved. Maybe it’s a little cautious, but honestly, I’d rather be a little paranoid than deal with mold or a busted floor down the line. Sometimes paying up front really does save you in the long run.
I get the paranoia, but honestly, I’ve saved a ton doing my own checks. If you’re careful and know where your shutoff valves are, it’s not rocket science. Worst case, you learn something and get a funny story for the next BBQ.
- Totally get the appeal of DIY, especially when you’re juggling multiple properties and every service call adds up.
- That said, I’ve seen a “simple” check turn into a full-blown leak behind the wall… and suddenly you’re on the hook for drywall repairs too.
- If you’re comfortable with the basics—shutoff valves, checking for drips, maybe swapping a washer—go for it.
- For anything beyond that, I just weigh the risk vs. reward. Saving $150 isn’t worth a flooded basement, at least not for me.
- Learned that lesson after a tenant tried to “help” with a leaky faucet and ended up with a geyser. Good story, expensive fix.
I hear you on the risk vs. reward. I’ve got a 1920s place and even “simple” fixes can turn into a can of worms.
—been there, paid for that. I’ll swap washers or tighten fittings, but anything involving old pipes or hidden leaks, I’d rather pay up front than gamble with water damage. Those old walls don’t forgive mistakes.“I’ve seen a ‘simple’ check turn into a full-blown leak behind the wall…”
