Pressure gets all the attention, but I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve pulled out a sink cabinet and found black mold from a drip nobody noticed. One client swore their pipes were “perfect”—until their floorboards warped. Sometimes it’s the slow stuff that bites hardest.
Funny how folks always worry about the big, dramatic leaks, but it’s the sneaky drips that’ll ruin your day (or your kitchen floor). I’ve seen those “perfect” pipes too—until you poke around and find a mess that’s been brewing for who knows how long. Honestly, I almost expect to find a science experiment under every third sink.
One thing I started doing is running my hand along the pipes, especially the joints, just to see if there’s any moisture. Sometimes you can’t even see the drip, but you’ll feel it. And don’t get me started on those old plastic traps—they love to crack just enough to let water out, but not enough to actually leak in a way you’d notice right away.
Pressure tests are great, but I trust my nose and hands just as much. If it smells musty or feels damp, something’s up. It’s wild how much trouble a little unnoticed moisture can cause... makes you wonder what’s lurking behind the walls you can’t see.
Sometimes you can’t even see the drip, but you’ll feel it. And don’t get me started on those old plastic traps—they love to crack just enough to let water out, but not enough to actually le...
You nailed it with the “science experiment under every third sink.” I can’t count how many times I’ve pulled out a cabinet bottom and found black mold or a soggy mess from a drip nobody noticed. Pressure tests are fine, but honestly, I’ve seen them miss slow leaks plenty of times. I always tell folks—if you smell that musty funk, don’t ignore it. That’s your early warning system right there. And those old plastic traps? I swear they’re just waiting for the right moment to split. If you’ve got ‘em, swap ‘em out for PVC or metal before you regret it.
If you smell that musty funk, don’t ignore it. That’s your early warning system right there.
Couldn’t agree more—your nose knows. I’d add, check for even tiny mineral deposits or rust stains around joints and trap connections. Those are sneaky signs of a slow leak too. I’ve seen “tight” slip joints that were just hand snug, not actually sealed. And honestly, those old plastic traps? They get brittle over time, especially if someone’s used harsh drain cleaners. I always recommend snugging up all connections after any work, not just the new ones.
Those old plastic traps are trouble, no doubt. I had a tenant call about a “weird smell” under the kitchen sink once, and sure enough, the trap had a hairline crack. Thing is, it looked fine until I actually twisted it a bit—then it just crumbled in my hand. That was after someone dumped a bottle of drain opener down there, so you’re spot on about harsh chemicals making things worse.
I agree on checking for mineral deposits too. I’ve learned the hard way that a tiny white ring around a fitting usually means there’s a slow leak, even if you don’t see water outright. Drives me nuts when folks just hand-tighten everything and call it a day. I always give everything a quarter turn with a wrench, just to be sure. It’s the little stuff that saves you from the big headaches down the road.
You’re right—trust your nose, but don’t stop there. A quick inspection now and then really does make a difference.
