I get where you’re coming from—sometimes a torque wrench just feels like overthinking it, especially on older plumbing. I usually go for hand-tight, then a quarter turn with the wrench, but I’ve seen folks split a compression nut by going too far. The “old brass vs. new pot metal” thing is real… some of the new stuff just doesn’t hold up. Out of curiosity, when you’re reusing old parts, do you clean up the threads or just slap ‘em back in? I’ve run into leaks from leftover gunk more than once.
I always try to clean up the threads, especially if I’m reusing old brass. A little wire brush and some vinegar usually does the trick for me—otherwise, I’ve had leaks from old plumber’s tape or just random crud. Ever tried eco-friendly thread sealants? I’m curious if they actually work as well as the regular stuff.
I’ve wondered about the eco thread sealants too—like, do they actually hold up if you’ve got a stubborn leak? I tried one once and it seemed fine, but it was just on a bathroom sink. For kitchen stuff, I get nervous… Is there a brand you trust?
KITCHEN SINK DISASTER—DIY OR CALL A PLUMBER?
- Right there with you on the eco sealants. Tried a “green” one on a rental’s laundry hookup last year. It held up for about three months, then I got the dreaded “water in the basement” call. Not my favorite memory.
- For kitchen stuff, I’m a bit old-school. If it’s a high-pressure line or anything that gets jostled (like under a sink where folks cram cleaning supplies), I stick with the classic Teflon tape or the blue can pipe dope. The eco stuff is fine for low-stress jobs, but I don’t trust it for anything that could flood a cabinet.
- Brand-wise, RectorSeal No. 5 is my go-to. Not eco, but it’s never let me down. I tried Oatey’s “green” thread sealant once—smelled like a pine tree, which was weirdly pleasant—but it didn’t seem to set as well as the regular stuff.
- If you’re nervous about leaks, I’d rather overdo it than underdo it. I’ve seen tenants “fix” things with whatever was in the junk drawer (including, once, toothpaste). That did not end well.
- One tip: if you’re going to DIY, double-check the threads and make sure they’re clean. Even the best sealant won’t help if there’s old gunk or corrosion in there.
I get wanting to be eco-friendly, but sometimes I just want to sleep at night without worrying about a waterfall in the kitchen. Maybe one day the green stuff will catch up, but for now, I’m sticking with what works.
KITCHEN SINK DISASTER—DIY OR CALL A PLUMBER?
Yeah, I hear you on the “green” sealants. Tried one on a dishwasher hookup—looked fine for a bit, then slow leak city. I’m with you: if there’s any risk of pressure or movement, I stick to Teflon tape or pipe dope. One thing I’d add—if you’re dealing with old galvanized or corroded threads, even the best sealant can fail. Sometimes it’s not about what you use, but what you’re working with. Ever run into those weird plastic compression fittings under sinks? Those are a whole different headache...
