TIL that most plumbing leaks happen at the connections, not the pipes themselves

3 comments

3 Comments

Honestly saw a plumber on TikTok saying the same thing. He said most leaks happen because people overtighten connections or use the wrong tape. It makes sense when you think about it, pipes are solid metal or plastic, but those fittings and joints take all the stress. Ngl, I've had a few drips under sinks and it was always where the hose connects to the valve. Tbh this is one of those facts that actually helps when you're trying to fix something yourself.

rose_cooper14d ago

Used to think that overtightening was always the way to go, honestly. Figured if it was tight, it couldn't leak, but that TikTok plumber thing really changed my mind. It makes total sense now though, all that stress goes straight to the threads and fittings, not the pipe itself. I've been guilty of cranking down on those hose connections under the sink until they squeaked, then wondering why it dripped a week later. So you're saying just hand tight plus a little nudge is the real trick?

kelly_nelson9520d agoMost Upvoted

Laughing because I'm pretty sure I've caused more leaks than I've fixed, honestly. My first attempt at changing a faucet washer ended with me flooding the bathroom cabinet and having to call my dad to bail me out. I had the pipe wrench cranked so tight I think I actually dented the metal. Took me three trips to the hardware store before I figured out I was using the wrong tape and wrapping it backwards. By the time I was done, I'd created a drip system that rivaled a garden sprinkler. Now I just leave it alone and let the pros handle it.