Sometimes you need to dry everything off and look at it in good light—the cracks can be nearly invisible until water pressure finds them.
That’s spot on. I’ve found a flashlight helps too—shine it along the collar and those hairline cracks pop right out. One thing I’d add: if you’re swapping out the washer, make sure the new one actually fits snugly. Some of those generic packs are just a hair too thin and don’t seal right, which can cause weird sprays even if everything else looks fine. Out of curiosity, has anyone tried using Teflon tape on the threads for extra insurance, or does that just make things worse with plastic fittings?
I’ve actually had mixed results with Teflon tape on plastic threads. Sometimes it helps, but I’ve also seen it make things worse—especially if you overdo it. Too much tape can cause the plastic to crack when you tighten it down, or it just won’t seat right and you end up chasing leaks around in circles. Honestly, with most plastic shower fittings, I’ve had better luck just making sure the threads are clean and dry, and then hand-tightening. If it’s still leaking, it’s usually a sign the washer or the fitting itself is shot.
One time I tried doubling up on washers thinking it’d help, but that just made the spray go sideways. Lesson learned: more isn’t always better. Anyone else notice some of those “universal” washers are anything but? I swear they’re always just a bit off.
One time I tried doubling up on washers thinking it’d help, but that just made the spray go sideways.
I’ve totally been there—thought I was being clever, but it just made things worse. I actually had the opposite experience with Teflon tape though. On my last project, a single wrap (not too thick) really helped seal up a stubborn plastic elbow. I think the trick is not going overboard, like you said. Those “universal” washers drive me nuts too. Half the time they’re either too loose or just won’t fit right. I’ve started bringing the old washer to the store to match it up, which saves a lot of headaches.
Bringing the old washer to the store is honestly a game-changer. I used to just eyeball it, but that’s how I ended up with a drawer full of “almost right” spares. As for Teflon tape, I’ve had mixed results—sometimes it works wonders, other times it just bunches up and makes things leaky. Have you ever tried using those rubber gaskets made from recycled materials? They seem to last a bit longer in my experience, plus they’re a bit kinder to the planet. Just curious if anyone else has had luck with them, or if I just got lucky with my batch...
I’ve actually had decent luck with those recycled rubber gaskets, though I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. The last set I used on my kitchen faucet lasted way longer than the standard ones—plus, less guilt about tossing the old ones out. As for Teflon tape, I hear you... sometimes it feels like more trouble than it’s worth, especially if you’re dealing with older, worn threads. Have you noticed any difference in water pressure or flow after swapping to the recycled gaskets? That’s the only thing I’m a little unsure about—seems like they might compress a bit more over time.