Three wraps is usually my go-to, but it really depends on the threads and the tape itself. Some of the cheaper PTFE tapes are so thin you might need a few extra passes, but with decent tape, three’s about right. Overdoing it just makes things worse—seen plenty of cracked plastic fittings from folks thinking more is better.
Curious—when you swapped to a metal head, did you notice any difference in mineral buildup over time? I’ve found some metals seem to resist it better, but maybe that’s just luck with water chemistry.
- Gotta say, I’m not totally sold on the three-wrap rule. I’ve had a few leaks with just three, especially on older threads or if there’s any corrosion. Sometimes four or five is safer, as long as you’re not forcing it.
- On mineral buildup, I actually saw more gunk with a stainless head than with my old plastic one. Maybe it’s just my hard water, but I ended up soaking it in vinegar every couple months anyway...
- Always double-check for cracks after tightening—seen too many folks overtighten and end up with a split fitting mid-shower. Not fun.
Yeah, I hear you on the three-wrap thing. Older threads and a bit of corrosion can definitely make it tricky—sometimes you just need that extra wrap or two for peace of mind. Stainless heads seem to attract buildup in my place too, even though everyone says they're better. Vinegar’s been my go-to as well, but I’ve had to do it more often than I’d like. And yeah, overtightening is a classic mistake... seen plenty of cracked fittings from folks trying to muscle it. Sounds like you’re on the right track, though.
Vinegar’s been my go-to as well, but I’ve had to do it more often than I’d like.
- Been there—vinegar’s basically my cologne at this point. Stainless is supposed to be “maintenance-free,” but mine loves to collect gunk like it’s a hobby.
- Three wraps is my sweet spot too, but I’ve seen some gnarly old threads that needed a full-on mummy treatment.
- Overtightening... yeah, nothing like hearing that “crack” and realizing you just bought yourself a new fitting.
Curious—have you ever tried those little rubber washers with the mesh screen? Sometimes they help with the random sideways spray, but I’ve had mixed luck.
Curious—have you ever tried those little rubber washers with the mesh screen? Sometimes they help with the random sideways spray, but I’ve had mixed luck.
Honestly, I’m not sold on those mesh washers. They seem like a good idea, but in my experience, they just clog up faster and then you’re back to square one, scrubbing out mineral junk. I’ve actually had better luck just replacing the whole showerhead when it gets too bad—sometimes the time spent cleaning isn’t worth the few bucks saved. Anyone else feel like the “maintenance-free” label is just marketing?
