I've found most homeowners are pretty open to DIY checks at first, especially if I frame it as "just taking a quick peek" under sinks or around toilets. But honestly, I've had a few cases where even thorough DIY checks missed some sneaky leaks behind drywall. Like you said:
"there's always stuff lurking behind walls that only a pro would spot."
Personally, if the house is older or has signs of previous water damage, I gently push for a pro inspection. Ever had a DIY check backfire on you?
Totally get your point about sneaky leaks behind drywall. I'm tackling my first reno right now, and DIY plumbing checks seemed straightforward at first—but now I'm second-guessing myself. Might just bite the bullet and call a pro to avoid surprises later...
I've been down this road myself—old house, plenty of hidden plumbing nightmares lurking behind layers of plaster and decades of questionable DIY jobs. Calling in a pro might seem like the safe bet, but honestly, hiring someone doesn't always guarantee they'll catch every sneaky leak either. I've had licensed plumbers miss stuff that ended up costing me later.
What I've learned (the hard way) is that sometimes doing your own thorough check first can be pretty valuable. You get to know your home's quirks better than anyone else, and you're more likely to notice subtle signs that a stranger might overlook. Sure, it takes patience and some research, but it's not rocket science—you just need to be methodical and careful.
Maybe give it one more solid go yourself before handing over cash to a pro? Worst-case scenario, you'll at least be better informed when you do decide to hire someone. Just my two cents from experience...
Totally agree—pros aren't always foolproof. Ever spent hours chasing a phantom drip only to realize it's condensation from your fridge? Yeah...been there. DIY first, wallet-friendly and oddly satisfying when you finally crack the mystery.
I've definitely chased my share of phantom leaks—once spent an entire weekend convinced I had a pipe issue, only to discover it was condensation from the AC unit dripping down behind the wall. DIY can be rewarding, but it's important to know your limits. If you're dealing with something like gas lines or major plumbing reroutes, hiring a pro is usually safer and ultimately cheaper in the long run. For minor mysteries though, DIY is often worth the effort and frustration...plus you learn something new each time.
