"Thread sealant is my go-to rather than tape, especially on older fittings, since it fills in minor irregularities better."
I get why you'd prefer sealant, but honestly, I've had better luck with a combo approach—thin wrap of tape first, then a bit of sealant over it. Seems to give me fewer callbacks. Also, brass fittings are usually solid, but I've seen some cheaper ones crack under stress. Galvanized can hold up fine if they're quality-made and not exposed to constant moisture...but yeah, corrosion's always a gamble there.
I've gotta say, I'm with you on the tape-plus-sealant combo. I tried sealant alone once on some sketchy old fittings, and it ended up leaking after a week—lesson learned the soggy way, lol.
"Galvanized can hold up fine if they're quality-made and not exposed to constant moisture..."
True enough, but I've seen galvanized fittings that looked fine on the outside but were totally rusted through inside after just a few years. Brass is usually a safer bet if you ask me, just gotta avoid the cheapo brands.
Yeah, galvanized fittings can be sneaky like that. I've pulled apart pipes that looked totally solid from the outside, only to find them rusted and paper-thin inside—pretty scary when you think about it. Brass is definitely a safer choice overall, but even then, quality matters big-time. I've seen some cheap brass fittings crack or corrode way faster than you'd expect.
"Brass is usually a safer bet if you ask me, just gotta avoid the cheapo brands."
Exactly this. Spend a few extra bucks on reputable brands and you'll save yourself headaches down the road. Also, don't underestimate stainless steel fittings if you're dealing with moisture-heavy areas—they're pricier but practically bulletproof in my experience. Either way, tape-plus-sealant combo is always my go-to; learned that lesson myself after one too many midnight leak emergencies...
Yeah, galvanized pipes can really fool you. I remember tearing out some old plumbing in our basement bathroom, and from the outside everything looked totally fine. But once I got them open, it was like rust city inside—honestly surprised they hadn't burst yet. Brass is usually my go-to as well, but have you ever had issues with brass fittings getting stuck or seized after a few years? I've had a couple of those moments where I thought I'd never get the thing off again...
Stainless steel definitely sounds solid though. Haven't tried it myself because of the cost, but maybe it's worth the investment if you're doing something that'll be hidden behind walls or tile for years. Totally agree on the tape-plus-sealant combo too; learned that one the hard way after a frustrating leak that just wouldn't quit dripping no matter how tight I made things. Plumbing's tricky enough without cutting corners on fittings or sealants.
Galvanized pipes are sneaky like that, seen it myself a few times. Brass fittings can definitely seize up, especially if they're exposed to moisture or humidity long-term. Had one fitting stuck so bad I nearly stripped the threads getting it off. Stainless is pricey, but if you're burying it behind tile, might save you headaches later. Good call on the tape and sealant combo too—learned that lesson after chasing down leaks for way too long...
