I've tackled a few bigger plumbing jobs myself, and honestly, it depends on the job:
- Replacing faucets or toilets—no problem, just some patience and YouTube videos.
- Running new pipes or major boiler work? Eh...that's when things get dicey. I spent a weekend rerouting copper lines, thought it was perfect—then noticed a slow drip two days later. Turns out soldering upside-down in tight spaces isn't my strong suit.
Sometimes it's worth the extra cash to avoid the headache (and wet surprises).
I've had similar experiences with boiler plumbing—it's deceptively tricky. One tip that's helped me is switching to press-fit fittings instead of soldering in those tight spaces. They're definitely pricier, but they save a ton of frustration and minimize leaks. Still, there's always that nagging feeling afterward...did I really do it right? Sometimes it's just peace of mind to call in a pro, even if you technically can handle it yourself.
"Still, there's always that nagging feeling afterward...did I really do it right?"
Haha, welcome to plumbing—where second-guessing yourself is practically part of the job description. Press-fit fittings are a life-saver in tight spaces, good call there. Honestly though, even us pros have moments staring at a finished job thinking "hmm...did I tighten that enough?" If it's holding pressure and dry after a day or two, you're probably golden. Sounds like you've got this handled better than most DIYers I've seen out there.
"Press-fit fittings are a life-saver in tight spaces, good call there."
Yeah, press-fits can definitely save your sanity in cramped spots, but honestly, I still prefer soldering whenever possible. Call me old-school, but there's something reassuring about seeing that solder flow and knowing it's sealed tight. Press-fits are great, don't get me wrong, but I've had a couple of fittings leak after a year or two—usually because of slight misalignment or debris I missed during prep.
One thing I've learned the hard way: always double-check your pipe prep. Even the tiniest burr or speck of dirt can cause headaches down the line. And if you're ever unsure about a joint, just mark it with a sharpie and check back after a few days. If it's bone dry, you're probably good to go. But yeah, plumbing's funny like that...you can do everything right and still end up staring at the ceiling at 2 AM wondering if you remembered to tighten that one fitting behind the boiler.
Totally get the appeal of soldering—nothing beats that peace of mind. But press-fits saved me big-time last winter when the boiler sprung a leak at midnight...no way was I firing up a torch half-asleep in that tiny crawlspace. Sometimes convenience wins out, haha.
