Had a similar issue a while back, thought it was the gasket too, but turned out the threads on the fitting itself were slightly warped. Took forever to figure that one out... Sometimes it's not just cheap hoses or installation errors. Ever checked if the fittings themselves are in good shape?
"Sometimes it's not just cheap hoses or installation errors. Ever checked if the fittings themselves are in good shape?"
Good point about the fittings—seen plenty of cases where folks chase their tails replacing hoses and washers, only to find out it's the fitting itself causing trouble. But honestly, warped threads aren't as common as people think. Usually, it's corrosion or tiny hairline cracks that you barely notice until you're up close with a flashlight. Have you tried running your finger around the fitting to feel for rough spots or tiny imperfections? Sometimes that's all it takes to pinpoint the issue...
"Usually, it's corrosion or tiny hairline cracks that you barely notice until you're up close with a flashlight."
This right here. Had a similar issue last year—spent way too much time swapping hoses and washers, thinking it was something obvious. Turned out to be a tiny crack in the fitting itself. Couldn't even see it clearly without shining my phone flashlight at just the right angle. Felt like an idiot after spending half a Saturday under the sink, haha.
One thing I'd add: sometimes fittings look fine visually but still leak because the threads aren't sealing properly. A bit of plumber's tape can save you from replacing the whole fitting if you're lucky. Cheap and quick fix, worth trying before you head back to the hardware store for the third time in one day... ask me how I know.
"A bit of plumber's tape can save you from replacing the whole fitting if you're lucky. Cheap and quick fix, worth trying before you head back to the hardware store for the third time in one day... ask me how I know."
Haha, been there more times than I'd like to admit. Ever had one of those days where you swear the hardware store employees start recognizing you by your third trip? Yeah, that's me every time there's a plumbing issue.
Totally agree about the plumber's tape—it's saved me from a lot of unnecessary replacements. But have you ever run into fittings that just refuse to seal no matter how much tape you use? I've had a few stubborn ones that needed pipe dope instead. It's messy stuff, but sometimes it's the only thing that'll stop those tiny drips.
Also, speaking of hairline cracks, another sneaky culprit I've found is corrosion hidden behind the nut or washer. You think you've checked everything, but once you unscrew the fitting completely, there's this nasty buildup lurking behind it. Had one tenant call me about a "small drip" under the sink, and when I finally got around to checking it out, the fitting practically crumbled in my hand. Felt like Indiana Jones discovering some ancient artifact, except way less exciting and way more frustrating.
One more thing—anyone else notice how leaks always seem to happen at the worst possible times? Like right before a holiday weekend or when you've got guests coming over. Murphy's law, I guess...
Anyway, good luck with your leak. Hopefully, it's just a quick fix and not one of those "spend your whole weekend under the sink" situations.
"But have you ever run into fittings that just refuse to seal no matter how much tape you use?"
Yeah, I've definitely had a few of those stubborn fittings. Tape is great for quick fixes, but sometimes it's just not enough. Pipe dope usually does the trick, but I've also found that overtightening can actually make things worse—especially on older plumbing. Learned that one the hard way after cracking a fitting myself... talk about frustrating.
