"Honestly, even brand new ones sometimes give you grief right outta the box."
Yeah, I've noticed that too—makes you wonder about quality control these days. I've been trying to stick with brands known for durability, but even then it's hit or miss. Last time I swapped out a valve under my sink, I ended up with a slow drip that drove me nuts for days. Eventually figured out the threading was slightly off, even though it looked perfect at first glance.
Have you considered using quarter-turn valves instead of the traditional multi-turn ones? I've heard they're less prone to leaks and easier to shut off quickly if something goes wrong. Might be worth looking into, especially if you're trying to avoid water waste and potential damage.
I've switched to quarter-turn valves myself after having a similar headache. Had one multi-turn valve that just wouldn't fully close—tiny trickle kept going no matter how tight I turned it. Quarter-turns have been solid so far, fingers crossed...
Totally agree, quarter-turn valves are a lifesaver. Had a similar issue myself—spent an entire weekend wrestling with a stubborn multi-turn valve that refused to fully shut off. Ended up flooding half the cabinet before I finally gave in and swapped it out. Quarter-turns are not only reliable but also easier on the wrists (and sanity). Plus, less wasted water means a happier planet...and fewer angry looks from the family when DIY goes sideways.
Glad I'm not the only one wary of those multi-turn valves. As a first-time homeowner, I swapped mine out right away—didn't want to risk flooding or worse. Quarter-turns just feel safer, especially if you're not super experienced with plumbing... peace of mind counts for a lot.
Quarter-turn valves definitely have their perks, especially for quick shut-offs in emergencies. But honestly, multi-turn valves aren't always a disaster waiting to happen—I've seen some older setups still going strong after decades. It usually comes down to maintenance and quality of installation. Curious though, did you notice any significant difference in water flow or pressure after switching to quarter-turns? Heard mixed things about that...