If it’s just a slow drip under the sink and the pipes look solid, I’ll give it a shot.
That’s usually where I see folks get tripped up. A “slow drip” can be hiding way more trouble than it looks like on the surface. Had a neighbor once who thought he could just tighten a compression fitting under his kitchen sink—seemed simple enough. Next thing, the old copper line split right at the ferrule. He ended up with water running down into the basement for hours before anyone noticed. He was not thrilled about that bill.
I get wanting to save some cash, but sometimes those old pipes are just waiting for an excuse to give out. Rust and “weird smells” are definitely red flags, but honestly, even if everything looks fine, age alone can be a problem. I’ve seen 40-year-old supply lines that look okay until you touch them, and then they crumble in your hand.
I’ll admit, there’s satisfaction in fixing stuff yourself—totally get it. But water doesn’t really forgive mistakes. Drywall or paint? Worst case, you redo it. Water gets loose and suddenly you’re dealing with mold or warped floors.
I do think there’s a middle ground though. Stuff like changing out a faucet or swapping a P-trap? Go for it if you’re comfortable and have the right tools. But if you’re staring at ancient galvanized or anything corroded, calling in help isn’t just about money—it’s about not having to mop up at 2am.
Funny how plumbing seems simple until you’re ankle-deep in water...
I get where you’re coming from, but sometimes I think folks overestimate how risky a simple drip fix is. If the pipes aren’t ancient and there’s no visible corrosion, tightening a fitting or swapping out a washer isn’t exactly rocket science. I’ve done it plenty of times—just keep an eye on it after, and don’t overtighten. Worst case, you shut off the water and regroup. Not saying everyone should dive in blind, but not every leak is a disaster waiting to happen either.