Not sure I’d put that much faith in the “walk-through” routine. I’ve seen plenty of slow leaks go undetected for months, even with regular checks. By the time you smell something off, the damage is usually done—especially with pinhole leaks behind walls or under floors. Tech isn’t perfect (false alarms are annoying, yeah), but those sensors pick up stuff you’ll never spot with a flashlight. I get the old-school approach, but honestly, I’d rather deal with a coffee spill false alarm than rip out drywall because I missed a hidden drip. Maybe it’s just me, but I trust the gadgets more than my nose these days... except for spiders. No sensor’s ever caught one of those yet.
“I get the old-school approach, but honestly, I’d rather deal with a coffee spill false alarm than rip out drywall because I missed a hidden drip.”
I get where you’re coming from—tech’s definitely saved my butt a couple times, especially with those sneaky leaks that show up in the worst places. But I still think there’s something to be said for a solid walk-through, especially if you know what to look for. Here’s my two cents (or maybe three):
1. Start with the obvious: Check under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances. Sometimes you’ll spot a tiny puddle or a bit of corrosion before the sensor even chirps.
2. Look for clues: Water stains, warped baseboards, or even a musty smell can tip you off. I once found a leak because my cat kept hanging out by the water heater—turns out he liked the warm spot from the slow drip.
3. Don’t forget the meter: Turn off all the water in the house and see if the meter’s still spinning. If it is, you’ve got a leak somewhere, even if you can’t see it yet.
I’m not saying sensors aren’t useful—they’re like having an extra set of eyes (or ears?) in places you can’t reach. But I’ve seen a few too many false alarms from spilled drinks or someone mopping the floor. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of finding a problem before the gadgets do.
That said, I totally agree about spiders. If someone invents a leak sensor that also zaps spiders, I’ll be first in line.
Anyway, I guess my point is: tech’s great, but a little old-fashioned detective work still goes a long way. Maybe it’s just habit, but I like having both in my toolbox.
I get the appeal of a good walk-through, but honestly, I’ve seen way too many “hidden” leaks that even a sharp eye would miss until it’s too late. Sensors aren’t perfect, but neither are people—especially if you’re not crawling around in every crawlspace. Sometimes, a false alarm is just the price of catching the real thing before it wrecks your subfloor.
I get what you're saying, but those sensors can add up fast, especially if you’ve got a bigger place or older plumbing. I still do a quick check every month or two—caught a slow drip under the sink that way and saved myself a service call. Not perfect, but it works for my wallet.
I hear you on the cost of those sensors. I looked into them last year after a pipe burst in my basement—insurance covered most of it, but the hassle was unreal. Ended up just tightening up my own routine, like you. I keep a flashlight under the kitchen sink now and check the water heater every couple months. Not high-tech, but it’s saved me from a couple of small leaks turning into big headaches. Sometimes old-school habits work just fine, especially when you’re watching the budget.
