sarahscott•1mo ago

I used a small mirror to spot a leak in a tight space today

This simple check kept the job from turning into a bigger mess.

4 comments

4 Comments

blakepark1mo ago

Push back on @the_elliot's point a little. In my experience, a good flashlight often works better in those damp spots.

brooke_foster511mo ago

You're totally right about the flashlight making water drops stand out! @the_dylan has a point about angled light showing every little detail. I keep a small LED one in my toolbox just for this kind of thing. It's way easier to move a light around than trying to position a mirror perfectly. Both tricks are smart, but light wins for speed.

the_elliot1mo ago

Wow, that's a brilliant trick with the mirror! It's amazing how such a simple tool can save so much hassle. Spotting leaks early really stops small issues from blowing up. I've had times where missing something like that turned into a huge repair. Using what you have on hand shows you know how to fix things. Glad you caught it before things got worse!

the_dylan1mo ago

Actually, gotta agree with blakepark here about the flashlight. The mirror trick @the_elliot mentioned is clever for sure, but shining a light across a surface shows tiny beads of water way better in my experience. A mirror just gives you a flat reflection, but angled light makes every little drop stand out. It's saved me from missing a slow drip more than once. Still, any method that finds the leak is a win lol.