I’ve definitely been there with the Teflon—sometimes it feels like people think more tape equals more waterproof, but then you’re just peeling off a sticky mess. I’m curious, have you ever tried those silicone washers instead of the rubber ones? I swapped one in last month after the old rubber gasket basically disintegrated, and so far it’s holding up, even with our super hard water. Wonder if they actually last longer or if I just got lucky this time...
Silicone washers are a bit of a game changer, honestly. I’ve seen rubber ones crack and crumble after just a year or two, especially if the water’s got a lot of minerals in it. Silicone seems to hold up better, but I’ve also noticed sometimes they can squish out of shape if you overtighten. Did you notice any difference in how snug the fit was compared to rubber? Sometimes the tolerances are just a hair off and you get a slow drip anyway...
Silicone seems to hold up better, but I’ve also noticed sometimes they can squish out of shape if you overtighten.
Yeah, I’ve run into that too. Silicone’s like the superhero of washers until you Hulk out with the wrench and then it just sort of... gives up. I actually had one where I thought I’d fixed a leak, but a week later there was this slow drip mocking me every time I walked by. Turns out I’d mashed the washer just enough that it wasn’t sealing right anymore.
Rubber ones are a pain though, especially with hard water. They get all crusty and sad-looking way too fast. I do think silicone fits a bit snugger, but it’s almost too forgiving—like, it’ll squish to fit, but then you’re left wondering if it’s actually sealing or just pretending. I’ve started tightening by hand and then giving it just a nudge with the wrench, nothing wild. Seems to help, at least until my shower decides to redecorate the bathroom again...
That slow drip is the worst—like it’s taunting you for daring to think you’d fixed it. I’ve had similar luck with silicone, though I’ll admit I’m still a bit paranoid about overtightening. It’s weird, because sometimes it feels like you barely touch it and the washer just morphs out of shape. I’ve tried those “eco” washers too, but honestly, they didn’t last any longer for me. Hard water just eats everything eventually. Lately, I’ve been cleaning the threads and fittings before putting anything back together—seems to help the seal last a bit longer, or at least gives me peace of mind.
I’ve tried those “eco” washers too, but honestly, they didn’t last any longer for me. Hard water just eats everything eventually.
I get where you’re coming from with cleaning the threads—definitely helps, but I wouldn’t underestimate how much overtightening can mess things up, especially with plastic fittings. I’ve seen more leaks caused by crushed washers than worn-out ones, honestly. And about those “eco” washers, I’m not convinced either. Sometimes sticking with the standard rubber ones and just replacing them more often is less hassle in the long run. Hard water’s a pain, but maybe a little plumber’s grease on the threads could help too? Just my two cents.
