Couldn’t agree more about the moisture alarms—saved me a major headache in one of my units last year. The upfront cost is nothing compared to the mess and expense from even a small leak. PEX has made my life easier too, especially for quick fixes or tight spaces, though I still use copper for exposed runs if it makes sense. SharkBites are a lifesaver in emergencies, even if they’re not cheap. You’re making smart calls—peace of mind’s worth it, especially when you’re responsible for multiple properties.
I hear you on the moisture alarms—they’re a game changer, but I’ll admit, I hesitated at first because of the price. Still, after seeing what even a small leak can do (think warped floors and a musty smell that never leaves), I’m sold. PEX is great for tight spots, but I still get nervous about using SharkBites everywhere... maybe I’m just old school, but I trust soldered copper more for anything long-term. The peace of mind is worth a little extra up front, especially if you’re watching the budget like I am.
PEX is great for tight spots, but I still get nervous about using SharkBites everywhere... maybe I’m just old school, but I trust soldered copper more for anything long-term.
I get where you’re coming from. I’ve seen SharkBites hold up fine in a pinch, but I’m with you—if it’s behind a wall or somewhere you don’t want to open up again, I’d rather sweat copper and know it’s solid. Had a job last year where a SharkBite fitting let go in a ceiling crawlspace. The homeowner thought it was “just a little drip” until the drywall started sagging... ended up costing way more than if we’d just done it right the first time.
Here’s how I usually approach it:
1. Use PEX with crimp rings or expansion fittings for tricky runs, but only where I can check them later.
2. Solder copper for main lines and anything buried or hidden.
3. Moisture alarms under sinks and near water heaters—worth every penny, especially after seeing what a slow leak can do.
It’s tempting to cut corners to save a buck, but in my experience, it always costs more down the line. That musty smell you mentioned? Once it’s there, it’s tough to ever really get rid of it.
Had a job last year where a SharkBite fitting let go in a ceiling crawlspace.
That “just a little drip” line hits home. I had a tenant ignore a slow leak under a bathroom sink for months—by the time I found out, the vanity was toast and the subfloor was black with mold. Insurance barely covered half. Curious, do you folks trust those moisture alarms to actually catch stuff early, or do they just end up chirping over spilled shampoo?
do they just end up chirping over spilled shampoo?
Honestly, I’ve had those alarms go off for everything from a dropped ice cube to a leaky pipe—hard to say if they’re worth it. I’m more worried about the stuff you *can’t* see, like slow leaks behind walls. Ever tried the smart leak detectors that shut off the water automatically? Wondering if those are less hassle or just another thing to maintain...