Okay, quick question—how do you even know if you're overtightening PVC fittings? Is there like a magic "just right" feeling I'm missing here? Because I've cracked two already and I'm starting to think plumbing is just an expensive way to test my patience... And yeah, photos are a lifesaver. Wish I'd read this thread BEFORE my kitchen turned into a water park.
PVC fittings can be sneaky like that... honestly, overtightening is super common. Instead of relying on feel alone, try hand-tightening first, then just a quarter-turn more with a wrench. Usually saves you from cracking another fitting or flooding the kitchen again.
"PVC fittings can be sneaky like that... honestly, overtightening is super common."
Couldn't agree more—seen plenty of cracked fittings from folks going Hulk-mode on PVC. A couple extra tips:
- Make sure threads are clean and free of debris; dirt or grit can cause leaks even if tightened properly.
- Consider using a quality thread sealant or plumber's tape sparingly—too much can actually increase the risk of overtightening.
- Check alignment carefully before tightening. Misaligned fittings often tempt people to overcompensate with force.
Little details like these usually make the difference between a smooth DIY fix and an emergency plumbing call.
"Consider using a quality thread sealant or plumber's tape sparingly—too much can actually increase the risk of overtightening."
Good points overall, but I'd actually caution against relying too heavily on plumber's tape for PVC fittings. I've seen more than a few DIYers wrap fittings like they're mummifying them, thinking it'll prevent leaks. Problem is, PVC threads are tapered and designed to seal with minimal assistance—too much tape can actually interfere with proper seating and sealing.
Had a call once where a homeowner proudly showed me his "extra-secure" taped fittings under the kitchen sink. Sure enough, water was dripping steadily. After peeling off what felt like half a roll of tape, I cleaned the threads and used just a thin layer of thread sealant instead. No leaks after that.
Not saying plumber's tape is always bad—just that it's easy to misuse, especially if you're new to plumbing repairs. Sometimes simpler really is better.
Wish I'd read this thread a week ago. I recently tackled my first plumbing repair under the kitchen sink, thinking plumber's tape was the magic fix-all. Wrapped it generously around every fitting, figuring more tape meant fewer leaks. Turns out, not so much...
After turning the water back on, I noticed a slow drip that quickly turned into a steady trickle. Ended up having to redo the whole thing, removing layers of tape and cleaning the threads carefully. Second time around, I used just a thin coat of thread sealant instead, and surprisingly, it worked perfectly.
Lesson learned—more tape definitely doesn't equal better sealing. Curious though, is there a general rule for when plumber's tape is preferable over sealant, or vice versa? Seems like everyone has their own preference.
