I get the logic behind swapping SharkBites for solder or crimp if it’s behind a wall, but honestly, I’m not sure I’d bother unless I was already opening things up. If it’s holding and there’s no sign of trouble, ripping out drywall just to replace a fitting seems like overkill. Maybe that’s just me being lazy or cheap, but I’d rather keep an eye on what I can see and deal with the rest if it ever becomes a problem.
Honestly, I’m right there with you. If the SharkBite’s not leaking and it’s tucked away, I’m not about to go tearing up perfectly good drywall just for peace of mind. My wallet would never forgive me. I’ll save the heroics for when there’s actually water spraying everywhere at 2am… until then, I’ll just keep a close eye on what I can see and hope for the best.
I get it, but I’m a little more paranoid. After my neighbor’s pipe burst last winter and trashed his basement, I started checking every fitting I could reach. I’m not ripping out drywall either, but I do peek under sinks and behind the washer every now and then. Peace of mind’s worth a quick look, at least for me.
I do peek under sinks and behind the washer every now and then. Peace of mind’s worth a quick look, at least for me.
Yeah, I’m with you on that. I’ve seen way too many slow leaks turn into big problems just because nobody noticed them early. Even just running your hand along the pipes under the sink once in a while can catch a drip before it gets out of hand. I get not wanting to tear into walls—nobody wants that mess unless there’s a real reason. But honestly, those little checks? They’re worth it, especially if you’ve got old copper or sketchy fittings.
Even just running your hand along the pipes under the sink once in a while can catch a drip before it gets out of hand.
That’s exactly what I do, too. I’ll add—keep a flashlight handy for those dark corners, especially behind appliances. I’ve caught a slow leak behind my washing machine that way before it ruined the floor. Also, know where your main shutoff valve is and make sure it actually turns. It’s not fun wrestling with a stuck valve at 2am when water’s pouring out. Sometimes I even put a towel under the pipes just to spot drips early... maybe overkill, but it’s saved me once or twice.