Totally feel your pain on that basin wrench battle—been there myself, cramped under a vanity, flashlight clenched in my teeth. Thread sealant paste has saved me more than once too... quicker cleanup and fewer headaches overall. Still, DIY can be satisfying once it's done.
"flashlight clenched in my teeth"
Haha, that image hits home. Been there myself—awkward angles, sore neck, and all. I've always debated the DIY vs pro thing too, especially when money's tight. Thread sealant paste sounds handy though; never tried it myself. Is it really that much easier to clean up than tape? Might have to give it a shot next time... Either way, you're right, nothing beats that little victory dance once it's finally done.
Thread sealant paste is def worth trying—less fumbling, fewer twisted tape messes. Still, it's not magic... cleanup's easier, but you can still end up wearing it if you're not careful. And yeah, that flashlight-in-mouth yoga pose never gets old, haha.
Totally agree on the paste—way less hassle than tape, especially in tight spots. But honestly, DIY plumbing checks can miss subtle stuff like slow leaks or corrosion buildup. Seen plenty of homeowners confident until they're ankle-deep in water... sometimes a pro saves headaches down the line.
Yeah, paste is definitely the way to go—tape always ends up sticking everywhere except where you need it. But you're spot-on about subtle leaks. Had a client once who proudly showed me his DIY plumbing job... looked great until we opened the cabinet below and found a mini swamp forming. DIY is awesome for quick fixes, but for peace of mind (and dry socks), sometimes it's worth calling in someone who's seen every plumbing disaster imaginable.
