That’s a solid checklist—especially the bit about double-checking clamps. It’s easy to get overconfident and skip that step, but you’re right, one loose connection can turn a quick fix into a weekend project. I’ve seen folks forget to secure the hose and end up with water under the cabinets... not fun. Good call on the gloves too—there’s always something lurking in those filters you’d rather not touch.
one loose connection can turn a quick fix into a weekend project
That hits home. I’ve lost count of how many times I thought I was “almost done” only to find a tiny leak because I rushed the clamp check. It’s wild how something that takes two seconds can save hours of cleanup and frustration. People underestimate how much water can sneak out from a barely loose hose—by the time you notice, it’s already soaking into the cabinet base.
I’d even argue gloves are non-negotiable, not just for the gross factor but because some of those old hoses have sharp edges or bits of scale. You think you’re just pulling out a filter and suddenly your knuckles are bleeding... ask me how I know.
Honestly, your checklist is spot-on. It’s easy to get overconfident with “simple” jobs like this, but the devil’s always in the details. Taking that extra minute to double-check everything really does make all the difference.
Not sure I’d call gloves “non-negotiable” for everyone. I get the point about sharp edges, but honestly, half the time gloves just make it harder to get a grip on those tiny hose clamps or connectors. I’ve seen more folks fumble and drop screws into the abyss behind the dishwasher because they couldn’t feel what they were doing. Sometimes bare hands are just easier—just gotta be careful and know what you’re reaching for.
And about leaks, yeah, a loose clamp can be a nightmare, but sometimes people go overboard tightening stuff too. That’s how you end up with cracked plastic fittings or stripped threads. Seen it plenty—someone cranks down thinking tighter is better, then wonders why there’s a slow drip later on.
I’m all for double-checking connections, but there’s such a thing as being too cautious and making more work for yourself. Just my two cents...
Totally get where you’re coming from on the gloves. I’ve tried those “grippy” ones and still ended up dropping more stuff than usual—especially those tiny screws that seem to vanish into thin air. Bare hands just give you better feel, as long as you watch out for sharp edges. And yeah, overtightening is a classic rookie move. I’ve cracked a fitting or two myself thinking “just a little tighter.” Sometimes less is more, for sure. Good call on not overcomplicating things.
Funny thing, I actually had a dishwasher job last week where the homeowner insisted on using those thick rubber gloves—said it was for “safety.” Ended up dropping the hose clamp right into the sump. Took us longer fishing it out than the whole repair should’ve taken. I’ll admit, bare hands are riskier with sharp edges, but you just can’t beat the control. And yeah, overtightening… been there, cracked that. Sometimes you gotta trust “snug” is good enough, even if it feels weird not cranking down hard.
