Braided steel hoses are solid advice though—can’t argue there. Those cheap rubber ones are basically ticking time bombs.
You nailed it with the hoses. I can’t count how many times I’ve been called out for a “mystery flood” that turned out to be a split rubber connector. People don’t realize those things degrade way faster than you’d think, especially if they’re tucked behind a washing machine where nobody ever looks.
I hear you on the insulation, too. Wool and denim are great if you can swing the cost, but I’ve seen plenty of folks go with foam just because it’s easy to slap on in a pinch. I’m not a huge fan of the stuff either, but sometimes you gotta work with what’s available at 10pm when the temp’s dropping fast.
Curious—has anyone tried those leak detection sensors you stick under sinks or behind appliances? I’ve seen mixed reviews, but I wonder if they’re worth it for peace of mind, especially in older places where leaks can go unnoticed for ages.
Wool and denim are great if you can swing the cost, but I’ve seen plenty of folks go with foam just because it’s easy to slap on in a pinch. I’m not a huge fan of the stuff either, but someti...
I’ve used those leak sensors behind my dishwasher and water heater. They’re not foolproof, but they’ve saved me once—caught a slow drip I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. The cheap ones just beep, but the WiFi versions can ping your phone. Worth it if you’ve got ancient pipes or a finished basement, honestly. Only downside is remembering to check the batteries every year, but that’s a small price to pay compared to mopping up a flood at 2am.
Leak sensors are a solid move, especially if you’ve got old plumbing or a finished basement. I’ve seen folks forget about them, though, and the batteries die right when you need them most. Here’s what I usually suggest: set a yearly reminder on your phone to check all your sensors and swap batteries if needed. Also, test them by dripping a bit of water near the sensor—just to make sure the alarm still works. It’s a five-minute job that can save you a ton of hassle.
That’s a solid system you’ve got there. I’ve had my share of late-night plumbing disasters, and honestly, leak sensors have saved me more than once—though I’ll admit, I’ve also found a dead battery or two at the worst possible moment. You’re right about the reminders; it’s easy to forget those little things until you’re ankle-deep in water.
One thing I’ve wondered: do you find yearly checks are enough? In some of my older properties, I started checking every six months after a sensor failed during a spring thaw. Maybe it’s overkill, but it gave me peace of mind. Also, have you ever tried the WiFi-enabled sensors? They’re pricier, but getting an alert on your phone even if you’re not home is pretty handy.
Testing with a bit of water is smart—sometimes folks just assume the alarm will work when needed. That five-minute check can really be the difference between a quick mop-up and a full-blown insurance claim...
Yearly checks always seemed fine to me—until I learned the hard way. I had a sensor under the washing machine that I totally forgot about, and by the time I noticed it, the battery had corroded. Guess who found out during a long weekend away? Not my finest moment. Ever since then, I started doing a quick check every six months, especially before winter rolls in. Maybe it’s a bit much, but it’s less stressful than mopping up water at 3 a.m.
About those WiFi sensors—I actually tried one in the basement last year. Got a phone alert while out grocery shopping and managed to call my neighbor to shut off the main valve before things got too messy. The upfront cost stings, but it probably saved me more in repairs. I’m still not sure if I want to swap all my sensors for smart ones. Have you found they’re reliable long-term? I worry about WiFi drops or app glitches at the worst times...
