Brake cleaner, huh? Never thought of using that on plumbing threads. Gotta admit, I'm a bit skeptical about spraying automotive stuff on my pipes...but hey, if it works, it works. I've usually stuck with a wire brush myself, but I might give your method a cautious try next time I'm wrestling with stubborn fittings. Gloves definitely sound like a good call though—my hands dry out just thinking about brake cleaner. Thanks for the heads-up!
Brake cleaner can definitely cut through grime fast, but personally I'd stick to the wire brush or even some good old-fashioned elbow grease for plumbing threads. Automotive chemicals sometimes have additives that might not play nice with certain pipe materials—especially plastic fittings or seals. Learned that the hard way once when a buddy melted a rubber gasket using something similar...not fun.
Speaking of stubborn fittings though, has anyone tried PTFE paste instead of tape? My mentor swears by the stuff, says it's way easier to apply and seals better. I've always been a tape guy myself, but curious if anyone else has experience with it.
"Speaking of stubborn fittings though, has anyone tried PTFE paste instead of tape? My mentor swears by the stuff, says it's way easier to apply and seals better."
Funny you mention PTFE paste—I was a die-hard tape guy myself until a tenant's bathroom sink gave me a headache last winter. Kept getting this tiny drip no matter how carefully I wrapped the threads. After the third try (and a lot of muttered curses), I finally grabbed some PTFE paste on a whim. Honestly, it was night and day. The paste filled the threads perfectly, no fussing around with wrapping it just right or worrying about overlaps.
I still keep tape handy for quick jobs or temporary fixes, but for anything tricky or permanent, I'm reaching for the paste first now. It just seems to seal better and stay put longer. Plus, it's way less frustrating when you're working in tight spaces under sinks or behind appliances...which is pretty much every plumbing job I've ever tackled.
I've had mixed results with PTFE paste myself. It's great for tight spots, but cleanup can be a pain if you ever have to redo the joint later. Anyone found an easy way to remove the stuff without making a mess?
I've found PTFE paste can be tricky too, especially if you're thinking about future maintenance. Honestly, instead of wrestling with cleanup later, I've started leaning more toward good-quality PTFE tape. It's easier to remove and redo joints without the sticky mess. Just wrap it carefully—clockwise around the threads—and make sure it's snug but not overly tight. Might save you some headaches down the line...
