Plaster walls from the '20s are a wild card—sometimes you poke a hole and end up with a whole afternoon project. I totally hear you on the “backup” call when you can’t see what’s going on. About those inspection cameras: honestly, they’re not just collecting dust in my garage. I picked up a mid-range one last year, and it’s actually saved me from tearing out way more wall than necessary.
Here’s how I usually go about it: snake the camera in through a pipe access or even a removed fixture, take it slow, and keep an eye out for anything weird—corrosion, drips, or just spots that look off. The picture quality isn’t always perfect, especially with older pipes that are gunked up, but it gives enough info to make smarter decisions. Sometimes you still need to open up the wall, but at least it’s a targeted cut instead of a guessing game.
Wouldn’t say it’s foolproof—sometimes the camera cable gets stuck or the lighting’s terrible—but for the price, it’s paid for itself in drywall I didn’t have to patch. If you’re dealing with mystery leaks, it’s worth a shot before calling in the cavalry.
I’ve definitely had those “just a peek” moments turn into patching half a wall, so I get the appeal of those cameras. Ever run into issues with insulation or old wiring blocking your view? I’ve found some wild surprises behind plaster—once it was a whole bird’s nest. Makes me wonder if there’s ever a point where it’s just better to bite the bullet and call in a pro, especially with really old houses.
I get the temptation to call in a pro, especially when you’re staring at a mess of ancient insulation and mystery wires. But honestly, sometimes I think the “just call someone” route is more about peace of mind than actual necessity. I mean, yeah, you might find a bird’s nest (that’s wild, by the way), but half the time, it’s just old dust or some weird, forgotten patch job from fifty years ago.
I’ve had my fair share of “what IS that?” moments behind walls—once found a stack of ancient newspapers stuffed as insulation. Still, I’d argue that with a bit of patience and the right tools (those cheap inspection cameras are getting better every year), you can usually get a good sense of what’s going on without shelling out hundreds for a pro to poke around. If you hit something truly baffling or dangerous-looking, sure, maybe then it’s time to bring in backup.
But I just can’t justify the cost unless there’s clear evidence of a real problem—like water stains, weird smells, or actual leaks. Otherwise, I’d rather save the cash and tackle it myself, even if it means patching up some plaster later. Plus, half the fun of owning an old house is discovering all its quirks...even if it means running into a bird’s nest or two.
Maybe I’m just stubborn, but I’d rather risk a little extra work than pay someone to tell me what I could’ve found out on my own.
Couldn’t agree more about the “peace of mind” angle. Honestly, most of the time when I’ve called in a pro, it’s because something *looked* scary, not because it actually was. Half the stuff behind these walls is just weird old fixes from decades ago—nothing a little patience and YouTube can’t help with.
I picked up one of those cheap snake cameras off Amazon last year and it’s already paid for itself. Found out my “leak” was just condensation from an uninsulated pipe, not some catastrophic plumbing failure. Saved me at least $300 right there.
That said, I do have a hard line—if I see anything that looks remotely electrical or there’s a hint of mold, I’m done. Not worth the risk for me. But for plumbing? Unless water’s pouring out or you smell something foul, I say poke around yourself first. Worst case, you end up patching some drywall. Best case, you save a ton and learn something new about your house’s quirks.
I hear you on the “scary-looking” stuff—half the time it’s just old repairs or weird DIY jobs from previous owners. I’m with you on drawing the line at electrical and mold, though. That’s where I tap out fast.
If you’re thinking about a plumbing check-up and want to give it a shot yourself, here’s what worked for me as a first-timer:
1. Start by turning off the water supply. I learned that one the hard way when I soaked my socks.
2. Check under sinks and around toilets for any dampness or discoloration.
3. Use that snake camera (or even your phone if you can squeeze it in) to peek behind walls or under appliances.
4. Run all your taps and flush toilets to see if anything drips or leaks.
5. If you spot anything weird—like greenish corrosion, persistent puddles, or that unmistakable “wet drywall” smell—maybe call in a pro.
Honestly, most fixes are just tightening something or replacing a washer. But yeah, if water’s gushing or there’s a mystery smell, don’t mess around. Otherwise, it’s mostly just patience and not being afraid to get your hands dirty.
