Totally agree about overtightening causing leaks—sounds weird, but I've seen it happen. I think it compresses the washers or seals too much, making them warp slightly. Learned that the hard way after flooding my cabinet once... never again.
You're spot on about overtightening—it's counterintuitive, but I've seen it plenty of times myself. People think tighter equals better seal, but plumbing just doesn't work that way. The washers and seals are designed to compress just enough to form a watertight barrier. Once you go past that sweet spot, you're actually deforming the material, causing tiny gaps or warping that leads to leaks.
I learned this lesson when I replaced my bathroom faucet a couple years ago. Thought I was being thorough by cranking everything down nice and tight. Next morning, I found a puddle under the vanity and spent half my Saturday pulling everything apart again. Turns out I'd crushed the rubber washer so badly it was practically useless. Had to run back to the hardware store for replacements—lesson learned the hard way.
One thing I've found helpful since then is to hand-tighten fittings first, then give them just a quarter-turn or so with a wrench. If you feel resistance, stop there. It's tempting to keep going, but trust me, you'll regret it later. Also, investing in quality washers and seals makes a huge difference. Cheap ones deform easily and don't bounce back into shape, which means leaks down the road.
Anyway, don't beat yourself up over it—plumbing is one of those things that seems simple until you're knee-deep in water and frustration. We've all been there at some point. Sounds like you've got it figured out now, though... good luck with the rest of your kitchen project!
Totally agree on the overtightening issue—been there myself more times than I'd like to admit. Curious though, have you tried silicone grease on your washers and seals? I started doing that a few years back after a plumber friend recommended it, and it's been a game changer. It helps the rubber stay flexible and prevents it from binding or deforming when tightening fittings. Plus, it makes future adjustments or replacements way easier.
Also, you're right about quality parts making a difference. Learned that lesson after buying some cheap washers online... ended up replacing them within months because they cracked and leaked. Now I stick to reputable brands from local hardware stores—costs a bit more upfront but saves headaches down the line.
Anyway, sounds like you've got a good handle on things now. Plumbing always seems straightforward until you're under the sink at midnight with water dripping down your sleeve... we've all been there at some point.
Wish I'd known about silicone grease sooner—would've saved me some grief. I remember installing a farmhouse sink for a client a couple years back, and everything seemed perfect until the fittings started leaking two days later. Turned out I'd overtightened the seals and crushed the washers... lesson learned the hard way. Now I'm picky about parts quality, too; cheap stuff always bites you eventually. Nothing like plumbing to keep you humble, right?
"Nothing like plumbing to keep you humble, right?"
You nailed it with that one... plumbing has a special way of reminding you who's boss. Had a similar experience myself—thought I'd save a few bucks with budget fittings. After replacing them twice, I learned my lesson. Now it's quality parts only and silicone grease every time. At least these hard-earned lessons stick with us, right?
