Plumber's tape is handy, but honestly, I've found pipe dope to be more reliable in the long run. Tape sometimes bunches or tears, especially if you're new at it. And yeah...
"drywall dust...months later and I'm still finding it"
Welcome to DIY remodeling. It never truly leaves.
- Totally agree pipe dope is usually easier for beginners—less fussing around and fewer leaks.
- Tape has its place though, especially tight spaces or plastic fittings. Ever tried wrapping tape clockwise and still had it bunch up? Drives me nuts...
- And drywall dust...yeah, it's basically DIY glitter. You'll find it in places you didn't even know existed months later. Hang in there, you're doing fine.
"Ever tried wrapping tape clockwise and still had it bunch up? Drives me nuts..."
Haha, been there more times than I'd like to admit. Tape can be a lifesaver, but man, it can also test your patience. I remember one time I was fixing up a rental bathroom—tight spot behind the vanity, barely enough room to breathe, let alone maneuver. Thought I'd be clever and use tape because pipe dope seemed messy in that cramped space. Ended up with tape bunching up, unraveling, and sticking everywhere except where I needed it. After about 20 minutes of frustration, I finally gave in and grabbed the pipe dope. Messy fingers, sure, but at least the leak stopped.
Drywall dust is another beast entirely. DIY glitter is spot-on. I swear, I once found drywall dust inside a closed cabinet in a completely different room months after finishing a project. No idea how it got there—must've teleported or something. I've learned to seal off rooms with plastic sheeting and tape doorways shut, but even then, the stuff finds a way. Best advice I ever got was to keep a shop vac handy and vacuum as you go. Doesn't eliminate the dust entirely, but it helps keep the chaos manageable.
One thing I'd add about plumbing DIY: always double-check your fittings before sealing everything up. Nothing worse than finishing a job, turning the water back on, and hearing that dreaded drip-drip-drip sound. Trust me, I've had tenants call me at midnight because of a tiny leak I overlooked. Now I always run the water for a good 10-15 minutes after finishing any plumbing work, just to be sure.
Sounds like you're on the right track though—hang in there, plumbing gets easier with practice.
Haha, glad I'm not alone in the tape struggle... ever wonder if there's some secret plumber trick we're missing? Good call on the shop vac—do you think a regular vacuum would survive drywall dust or nah?
Regular vacuums and drywall dust... risky combo. I've seen drywall dust clog filters pretty quick, even ruin motors if you're unlucky. Maybe try a fine dust bag or filter attachment? Curious if anyone's tried those dust separator buckets—worth the investment or just another gimmick?
