I've always been a tape person too, mostly because it's cheap and easy to find. But honestly, after dealing with a leaky shower connection for the third time in a year, I finally switched to paste. Haven't had an issue since...might be worth the extra couple bucks.
I've been there with the tape vs paste debate myself. Tape was always my go-to because, yeah, it's cheap and everywhere. But after a few frustrating weekends spent under sinks and behind showers, I finally gave paste a shot too. Honestly, I was skeptical at first—seemed like just another gimmick to get me to spend more money—but it really does make a difference.
One thing I've noticed is that paste seems to fill in those tiny imperfections in threads better than tape does. With tape, if you don't wrap it just right or if the threads are slightly off, you're pretty much guaranteed a leak eventually. Paste is more forgiving, especially if you're working with older fixtures or connections that aren't perfectly smooth anymore.
Funny enough, I still keep tape around for quick fixes or temporary setups (old habits die hard), but for anything permanent or tricky, paste is my new best friend. It's saved me from having to redo connections multiple times, which honestly makes the extra couple bucks totally worth it.
Also, quick tip: If you're dealing with stubborn leaks even after switching to paste, double-check your fittings themselves. Sometimes the threads can be damaged or worn down enough that no amount of sealant will help. Learned that one the hard way after spending an entire afternoon chasing a leak only to realize the fitting itself was shot... rookie mistake on my part.
Anyway, glad you found something that's working better for you now. Plumbing can be such a headache sometimes...
Totally get where you're coming from with the paste vs tape thing. Tape's always been my default too, but paste really shines when you're dealing with older fixtures or questionable threads. And yeah, fittings can be sneaky—had a similar experience chasing down a leak only to find the threads were just toast. Plumbing's definitely one of those things that teaches patience the hard way... Glad you found something that's finally working!
Had a similar headache recently with an old farmhouse sink—threads were practically dust. Tape was useless, paste saved the day. Sometimes you just gotta roll with whatever works, even if it's not your usual go-to... plumbing keeps us humble, that's for sure.
- Totally agree, plumbing's one of those things that makes you toss the rulebook out the window sometimes...
- Just had my own battle with a bathroom fixture—brand new but threads wouldn't seal no matter how careful I was.
- Ended up ditching the tape and going with pipe dope too, worked like a charm after two frustrating hours.
- Lesson learned: having multiple sealing options on hand saves sanity. Plumbing definitely keeps my ego in check.
