I get wanting to go the extra mile, but honestly, sometimes less really is more—at least with showerheads. I’ve seen folks wrap half a roll of plumber’s tape and end up with a connection so tight it cracks the fitting or warps the threads. A couple clean wraps, clear out the gunk, and hand-tighten usually does the trick for me. Overthinking it can make things messier... or pricier.
I get the “less is more” idea, but I’ve actually had a couple of those “just a few wraps” jobs start leaking after a week or two. Maybe my pipes are just extra stubborn, but I always go for 5-6 wraps—enough to feel snug but not like I’m arm-wrestling the thing. Quick tip: if you hear any creaking when tightening, back off. Cracked a fitting once and had to explain to my wallet why we were eating ramen for a week...
I hear you on the “just a few wraps” thing—sometimes that advice feels like it’s written for brand-new pipes, not the stuff we actually deal with. I’ve had fittings that needed a little extra persuasion too. Five or six wraps is my go-to as well, especially if the threads look worn or a bit rough. That creaking sound is the worst... learned that lesson the hard way with an old brass elbow once. Honestly, it’s all about finding that sweet spot—tight enough to seal, but not so tight you’re risking a split. You’re definitely not alone in the ramen club after a plumbing mishap.
Funny you mention the creaking—had a shower arm snap on me once because I got a little too ambitious with the wrench. That’s when I learned to trust my hands more than my tools. With older fittings, I’ll usually go for five wraps too, maybe six if the threads are really chewed up. Sometimes it’s less about the number and more about how the tape feels as you thread it in. If it starts to bunch or slip, that’s a sign to back off and try again. And yeah, ramen dinners after a plumbing fail... been there more times than I’d like to admit.
I hear you on the “feel” of the tape—sometimes it’s like Goldilocks, not too tight, not too loose. I’ve found that with older shower arms, if the threads are really chewed up, a little pipe dope over the tape can help seal things up when tape alone won’t cut it. Ever tried that combo? Also, curious—when you had the spray going everywhere, did you check for hairline cracks in the arm or was it just a loose fit? Sometimes those tiny splits are sneaky and hard to spot until water’s shooting sideways...