Good points on washers—I've had similar experiences. Couple things I'd add from my own sink disasters:
- Check the fittings themselves. Sometimes threads get stripped or damaged, and no amount of tape or washers will fix that.
- If you're tightening fittings and it still leaks, double-check alignment. Slightly off-angle fittings can cause persistent drips.
- And yeah, plumber's tape is handy, but it's not magic...seen plenty of DIYers wrap it like they're bandaging a mummy, lol. Less is usually more.
Interesting points, especially about alignment—I've definitely overlooked that before. But I'm curious, is plumber's tape really that limited? I've seen some pretty sketchy fittings saved by a generous wrap or two. Maybe it's not magic, but isn't it sometimes just about technique rather than quantity?
Also, regarding stripped threads...have you ever tried thread sealant paste instead of tape? I've had a couple fittings that seemed hopelessly damaged, but the paste actually sealed them up surprisingly well. Not saying it's foolproof or anything, but maybe worth considering before tossing out fittings altogether?
I guess my question is: at what point do you personally draw the line between DIY fixes and calling in a pro? For me, it's usually when frustration outweighs curiosity...but everyone's got their own threshold.
You're spot on about plumber's tape—it's not useless, but it's definitely not a cure-all. I've seen fittings wrapped so thick they looked like mummies, and still leaked like crazy. Technique matters more than quantity, for sure. Thread sealant paste can be a lifesaver too; I once had a customer who'd practically destroyed the threads trying to DIY it. Paste sealed it right up, no callbacks. Personally, I draw the line when the fix starts feeling like a gamble rather than a solution...but hey, everyone's got their own comfort zone.
True, plumber's tape isn't magic, but I wouldn't undersell it either. I've seen plenty of DIYers struggle with paste because it's messy and harder to control if you're not used to it. Tape can be cleaner and easier for beginners—if they actually take the time to learn proper wrapping technique. Honestly, most leaks I've fixed weren't about the product choice, but about patience and prep work. But yeah, once threads are trashed...paste is probably your best bet.
"Honestly, most leaks I've fixed weren't about the product choice, but about patience and prep work."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've learned the hard way that rushing through plumbing jobs usually ends up costing me double—once for my DIY attempt and again when I inevitably call in a pro to fix my mess. Tape is definitely beginner-friendly, but even then, it's all about taking your time and paying attention to detail.
I remember once trying to fix a leak under my kitchen sink on a tight budget. Thought I'd save money by skipping the plumber... ended up flooding half the cabinet and ruining some cleaning supplies (RIP paper towels). After that fiasco, I realized it's not just about tape vs paste, but knowing your limits. If threads are stripped or damaged, honestly, calling a plumber might save you more money (and sanity) in the long run. DIY is great, but sometimes it's worth paying a bit extra for peace of mind.
