Honestly, I get where you’re coming from about just swapping the whole thing out, but I wouldn’t say patches are always a waste. Sometimes a quick fix with the right tape or sealant can buy you months—maybe even a year—if you do it right and it’s not a main drain that takes a beating every day. I’ve seen folks get spooked by a tiny drip and go straight to tearing everything apart, only to run into bigger headaches like stripped threads or cracked pipes that weren’t even the original problem.
Not saying you should ignore leaks or slap duct tape on everything, but there’s a difference between a temporary patch and just ignoring the issue. If you know what you’re looking at and it’s just a loose washer or a bit of corrosion, sometimes it’s worth trying the cheap fix first. Worst case, you’re out five bucks and an hour, but best case, you save yourself from crawling under the sink on your day off.
That being said, water damage is no joke—seen too many cabinets warped beyond repair because someone waited too long. But if you catch it early and keep an eye on it, those “half-measures” can be pretty effective as stopgaps. Not everyone wants to—or can—drop sixty bucks and half a Saturday on plumbing. Sometimes you just need the sink to make it through until payday. Just my two cents...
I’ve seen folks get spooked by a tiny drip and go straight to tearing everything apart, only to run into bigger headaches like stripped threads or cracked pipes that weren’t even the original p...
I hear you, but I’ve seen way too many “temporary” fixes turn into bigger messes down the line. Like you said, water damage is no joke—once it gets in, it spreads fast. Sometimes it’s worth biting the bullet and just replacing the part, especially if you’re already seeing corrosion. I get not wanting to spend the time or cash, but sometimes that quick patch just delays the inevitable and ends up costing more.
I’ve definitely been guilty of the “just tighten it a little more” approach, only to end up with a snapped fitting and a bigger bill. Sometimes you think you’re saving money, but you’re really just buying yourself a ticket to the hardware store—twice. I agree, once you spot corrosion or that greenish gunk, it’s probably time to swap it out. A little leak turns into a full-blown kitchen waterfall faster than you’d think... and trust me, tenants don’t appreciate indoor water features.
Yeah, over-tightening is a classic mistake—I’ve done it too, thinking I was being “thorough.” Ended up cracking a pipe once and had to replace the whole thing. I’ve found that using stainless steel or brass fittings costs a bit more upfront, but they last way longer and don’t corrode as fast. Less waste in the long run, too. Those cheap plastic ones just don’t hold up, especially if you’re trying to avoid constant replacements.
I hear you on the stainless and brass—definitely worth it in the long run. I tried to save a few bucks with plastic traps in one of my rentals, thinking it’d be fine for a while. Ended up with leaks and a tenant complaint within six months. Ever since, I just bite the bullet and go metal. Curious though, have you noticed any difference between brands? Some of the “premium” ones still seem to corrode faster than I’d expect...
