I’ve seen a lot of folks try to “save” stripped threads with pipe tape, but honestly, that’s just buying time. If the threads are shot, it’s usually time for a replacement. Push-fits are a game changer for sure—though I still give them a tug and a wipe-down to check for leaks, just in case. Ever tried pipe dope instead of tape on older fittings? Sometimes it works better, especially on brass.
Push-fits are a game changer for sure—though I still give them a tug and a wipe-down to check for leaks, just in case.
That’s smart—never fully trust a “no tools needed” fix until you’ve checked it yourself. I’ve had push-fits hold up for years, but once had one pop off behind the washing machine... what a mess. I’m with you on pipe tape being a band-aid for stripped threads. Pipe dope has worked for me on old brass, but I always wonder about the environmental impact of those sealants. Anyone found a more eco-friendly option that actually seals well?
I hear you on the eco side—pipe dope always makes me wonder what’s actually in it. I tried a hemp-based thread seal once (think it was called Loctite something?) and it worked okay, but honestly, nothing’s been as foolproof as the old stuff. Maybe there’s a trade-off between green and guaranteed dry floors...
Yeah, I get that tug-of-war between wanting to go greener and just wanting to avoid a soggy mess under the sink. I’ve had mixed luck with the eco-friendly thread sealants too—tried a flax-based one last year and it was... fine? But I still found myself checking for drips every few hours, just in case. The old-school stuff just seems to work, even if the ingredient list is a mystery.
I do think there’s progress happening, though. Some of the newer plant-based sealants are getting better, at least from what I’ve read. It’s just tough to trust them when you’ve got water threatening to ruin your floorboards. I guess for now, I’ll keep experimenting when it’s low-stakes, but if there’s a real leak, I’m reaching for the tried-and-true. Maybe not the greenest choice every time, but sometimes peace of mind wins out.
I guess for now, I’ll keep experimenting when it’s low-stakes, but if there’s a real leak, I’m reaching for the tried-and-true. Maybe not the greenest choice every time, but sometimes peace of mind wins out.
That’s pretty much where I land too. I want to do the right thing, but when water’s dripping onto my kitchen floor at 11pm, I’m not exactly in the mood to gamble on a new “green” product. I tried one of those hemp-based tapes last winter—supposed to be compostable and all that. It worked... sort of? But I kept waking up in the middle of the night thinking I heard water running. Ended up redoing it with the classic PTFE tape just so I could sleep.
I do wonder if some of these eco-friendly options are better suited for certain jobs than others. Like, maybe they’re fine for garden hoses or outdoor stuff where a little leak isn’t a disaster, but under the sink or behind a wall? That’s a different level of risk. The thing is, I’ve noticed some of the newer brands are starting to list actual pressure ratings and compatibility info, which helps a bit with trust. Still, it’s hard to shake that “old-school just works” mentality.
One thing I’ve started doing is keeping both types on hand—PTFE for emergencies and the plant-based stuff for small repairs or when I’m feeling optimistic. It’s not perfect, but it feels like a step in the right direction without risking my hardwood floors.
Funny enough, my neighbor swears by plumber’s putty for everything, even though it’s not really meant for threads. He says it’s “what his dad used,” which kind of sums up how a lot of us make these decisions. Habit and a little bit of superstition.
Anyway, I’m with you—progress is happening, but until there’s something that works as well as the old stuff (and doesn’t smell like linseed oil), I’ll probably keep hedging my bets too.
