Three wraps, clockwise, right on the threads... that’s the sweet spot. Any more and you’re just making future-you mad.
Couldn’t agree more on the three wraps—learned that the hard way after a leaky shower arm. I used to think more tape meant more seal, but all it did was make it impossible to screw the fitting in straight. Ended up having to cut it all off and start over.
For emergencies, I’ve actually had some luck with that self-fusing silicone tape, but only as a stopgap. It’ll hold for a day or two if you wrap it tight and overlap well, but like you said, water pressure will win eventually. If you’re dealing with a pinhole in copper, I’d add: sand the area first if you can, just to give the tape a fighting chance.
Duct tape on wet pipes is a total no-go. Tried it once on a laundry line—lasted about five minutes before it peeled off and made a bigger mess.
If you’re in a pinch, tape can buy you time, but shutting off the water and fixing it properly is always the endgame. No shortcuts there.
Three wraps seems to be the magic number, but does anyone else ever feel like it depends on the brand of tape? Some of that cheap stuff feels so thin that I end up going four or five just to get decent coverage. Maybe I’m just buying the wrong roll, who knows.
I’ve had tenants try to “fix” leaks with duct tape too—never works, always a mess to clean up after. The self-fusing silicone tape has bailed me out once or twice, but only as a band-aid until I can get in there with real parts. Has anyone had luck with those epoxy putty sticks for pinhole leaks? I’ve always wondered if they actually hold up under pressure or if it’s just another temporary fix that’ll haunt you later.
And does anybody actually trust those “no tools required” flex connectors for a permanent repair? I’m always a little skeptical, but maybe I’m just old-school...
Has anyone had luck with those epoxy putty sticks for pinhole leaks?
Tried one of those putty sticks on a copper line under my kitchen sink last winter—held up for maybe a week, then started weeping again. I don’t totally trust them for anything beyond a quick patch. As for the “no tools required” flex connectors, I get nervous about plastic threads over time... just feels like they’re asking to fail when you least expect it. Maybe I’m just too cautious after dealing with a few water disasters that got out of hand.
Pipe tape (Teflon tape) is decent for threaded joints, but it won’t do much for pinhole leaks or cracks in the pipe itself. I’ve had similar results with epoxy putty—fine as a stopgap, but I wouldn’t trust it long-term, especially on pressurized lines. Those flex connectors with plastic threads make me uneasy too... seen a couple fail after a few years. If it’s a critical spot, I’d rather sweat on a new section or use a proper compression fitting. Temporary fixes are just that—temporary.
Pipe tape’s definitely not a miracle worker, but I’ll admit I’ve had it bail me out in a pinch—especially with older galvanized threads that just won’t seal otherwise. I actually had a pinhole in a copper line behind my washing machine once and, out of desperation, wrapped it up with pipe tape and a zip tie. Not pretty, but it held until I got around to a real fix. I wouldn’t trust it forever, but for emergency “stop the flood” moments? Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Those flex connectors, though… agreed, I’ve seen too many fail at the worst times.