Honestly, checking for water pressure changes isn’t paranoid at all—it’s actually pretty smart. If you notice a sudden drop, it can mean a leak or blockage somewhere, which is way better to catch early. I’ve learned the hard way that if a valve looks ancient or crusty, it’s probably not going to cooperate. Sometimes you can get away with a DIY fix, but if you’re fighting rusted parts or mystery leaks, it’s usually less hassle (and less water on the floor) to call in backup.
Honestly, I’m with you—if the valve looks like it survived the last century, I don’t even try to force it. Here’s how I usually decide:
- If it’s just a slow drip or loose fitting, I’ll grab a wrench and give it a go.
- If I see corrosion, stuck valves, or can’t trace the leak? That’s plumber territory for me.
- Water pressure drops are a big red flag—last time I ignored one, I ended up with a soaked cabinet and a weekend project I didn’t want.
Sometimes it’s worth paying for peace of mind, especially if you’re not sure what’s lurking behind the pipes.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ll admit I’m a bit more stubborn about tackling these things myself—at least at first. Here’s my usual process for kitchen sink issues:
1. Check for the obvious: loose connections, drips, or a leaky supply line. If it’s just tightening a nut or replacing a washer, that’s an easy fix and barely costs anything.
2. If I see greenish corrosion or rust, I’ll pause. Sometimes you can clean it off and see if there’s still a good seal, but if the valve feels brittle or it won’t budge, I’d rather not risk snapping something and making it worse.
3. Water pressure changes are tricky. Once, I ignored a slow drain and ended up with a backup that needed more than just elbow grease—snaking the line did nothing because the clog was way down.
Honestly, if you’re comfortable with basic tools and know where your main shutoff is, you can save a lot. But yeah, when in doubt, especially with old pipes or mystery leaks, calling in backup is probably cheaper than dealing with water damage later.
