I get what you mean about not wanting to go overboard with tech. I’ve had a couple of those smart leak detectors and honestly, the false alarms drove me nuts—especially when it was just condensation or a tiny drip. As for valves, I usually look for signs like greenish corrosion around the stem or if it feels gritty or stiff even after WD-40. If you see any weeping (like a little moisture at the joint), that’s a red flag. But yeah, unless it’s leaking or won’t budge, I tend to leave them alone. Sometimes I wonder if I’m being too cautious, but then again, better safe than mopping up a flood on Christmas morning...
Totally get where you’re coming from on the “less is more” with tech. I tried one of those leak sensors once and it went off every time the cat knocked over her water dish... drove me nuts. Your approach with valves sounds spot on to me. I’m always a bit paranoid too, but I’d rather be the cautious one than have to explain why there’s an indoor pool in my basement. No shame in playing it safe—those little green corrosion patches are sneaky.
Those leak sensors are more trouble than they’re worth half the time—false alarms drive me up the wall. I’m with you on sticking to manual shutoff valves and just keeping an eye out for corrosion or drips. Thing is, I’ve seen folks ignore those green patches until it’s too late, then act surprised when a fitting gives out. Ever had to deal with a pinhole leak in copper? It’s wild how fast a tiny spot can turn into a mess. Curious if anyone here actually trusts those “smart” water shutoff gadgets, or if it’s just another thing to break down the line...
I hear you on those pinhole leaks—had one sneak up behind the washing machine last year. By the time I noticed, the drywall was already soft. I get why folks want the smart shutoffs, but I just can’t trust another app to save me from water damage. Has anyone actually had one of those gadgets catch a leak before it got bad, or is it mostly hype?
I just can’t trust another app to save me from water damage. Has anyone actually had one of those gadgets catch a leak before it got bad, or is it mostly hype?
I get where you’re coming from—there’s a lot of tech out there that promises the world and doesn’t deliver. But I’ve seen a couple of those smart shutoff valves actually do their job, especially in homes with older copper lines prone to pinholes. One client had a sensor under the water heater—caught a slow leak before it got ugly. The app part’s not perfect, but the hardware itself can be a real lifesaver if you’re not home much. Still, nothing beats checking your pipes every so often, in my book.
