Ended up soldering hidden pipes and using SharkBites under the sink where I can keep an eye on them. Peace of mind counts for a lot...especially when water damage is involved.
Had a similar experience last year—thought I'd save some cash going DIY, but after a weekend wrestling with pipes and fittings, I ended up calling a plumber anyway. Learned my lesson: sometimes peace of mind really is worth paying for...especially behind walls.
Totally get where you're coming from. SharkBites are handy, especially in spots you can easily monitor. I've seen plenty of DIY plumbing jobs hold up just fine, but I've also had to rip out walls and floors because someone underestimated the complexity of hidden pipes. Water damage is no joke—it's sneaky, expensive, and a huge headache to fix once it sets in.
Honestly, peace of mind is worth every penny when it comes to plumbing. Sure, you might save a few bucks upfront doing it yourself, but one small leak behind drywall can cost thousands down the line. I've been in this business long enough to know that sometimes the smartest DIY move is knowing when to call in a pro. Sounds like you made a solid compromise—DIY where you can keep an eye on things, and leave the hidden stuff to soldered joints. Good call.
"Honestly, peace of mind is worth every penny when it comes to plumbing."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've seen beautifully designed interiors ruined by hidden leaks that went unnoticed for months. DIY is great for accessible areas, but when it comes to plumbing behind walls or beneath flooring, professional expertise is invaluable. Your approach—DIY where visible and professional soldering for concealed joints—is practical and smart. It's always better to invest upfront than deal with costly repairs and renovations later... trust me, I've learned that the hard way.
Yeah, good points here. I'm currently renovating for the first time and was tempted to DIY everything, but plumbing behind walls makes me nervous... Decided to hire a pro for concealed areas—figured it's cheaper than tearing out drywall later.
Smart move hiring out the hidden plumbing stuff. I've done a few remodels myself, and trust me, nothing ruins your weekend faster than discovering a slow leak behind freshly painted drywall (ask me how I know...). DIY is great for visible areas or simpler tasks, but plumbing behind walls? Yeah, that's one area where peace of mind is worth every penny spent on a pro. Good luck with the rest of your reno—sounds like you're on the right track.
