Honestly, I don’t trust those “quick fix” tapes or putties for anything but a stopgap. If you’ve got copper or old galvanized, PEX is a game changer—no torch, no sweating, just cut and crimp. Ever tried swapping out a section yourself, or do you stick to calling the pros?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had some luck with those “quick fix” tapes in a pinch. Had a pinhole leak under a rental kitchen sink at 9pm—tape held up for weeks till I could swap the line. PEX is awesome, but sometimes you just need a bandaid till you’ve got time for the real fix.
Honestly, I’ve done the tape thing too—duct tape, plumber’s tape, whatever I had in the drawer. Sometimes you just need to keep the water off the floor until you can figure out what’s actually going on. Ever tried wrapping a rag around a pipe and securing it with zip ties? Not pretty, but it got me through a weekend once. Do you ever wonder if all these “temporary” fixes end up lasting way longer than we mean them to?
I swear, some of my “temporary” fixes have turned into semi-permanent features around here. I once used a chunk of an old bike inner tube and a couple hose clamps to stop a slow drip under the kitchen sink. Meant to be a one-night fix, but it held for almost six months before I finally got around to replacing the pipe. Honestly, as long as it’s not gushing or causing water damage, I’ll patch it up and keep an eye on it until I can budget for a proper repair.
Clogged drains are another story. I’ve tried everything from baking soda and vinegar to those cheap plastic snakes. Sometimes you just have to take the trap apart and fish out whatever’s causing the mess. Not glamorous, but it saves a plumber’s bill. I do think there’s a fine line between “resourceful” and “procrastinating,” though... I’ve definitely crossed it a few times.
I totally relate to the “temporary” fixes that stick around way longer than intended. I once used a plastic spoon handle as a makeshift lever for a broken faucet—looked ridiculous, but it worked for months. Sometimes those on-the-fly solutions end up doing the job just fine, especially when life gets busy or budgets are tight.
About the clogged drains, I’m with you—baking soda and vinegar only get you so far. I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring a slow drain can lead to way bigger headaches later. Once, I waited too long and ended up with a mini flood under my bathroom sink that ruined the vanity (not fun replacing that). Now, I try to tackle slow drains right away, even if it means getting my hands dirty with the trap.
I do think there’s something kind of creative about these quick fixes, though. They’re not always pretty, but they keep things running until you can do it right. And honestly, who hasn’t crossed that line between resourceful and procrastinating?
