Had a similar experience last year—thought I'd breeze through replacing a newer faucet, but the fittings were a nightmare. Meanwhile, my 40-year-old basement pipes practically unscrewed themselves. It's all about how things were installed and maintained...age isn't everything.
Totally agree—installation quality matters a lot. But I'd also add that sometimes newer fittings use cheaper materials or proprietary connectors, making DIY repairs trickier. Older plumbing might be heavier-duty, simpler designs... ironically easier to handle for beginners. Learned that the hard way myself.
Ran into exactly that issue renovating an old duplex last year—thought newer fittings would simplify things, but ended up chasing down obscure adapters all weekend. Makes me wonder, at what point does "user-friendly" plumbing actually become a headache in disguise?
"Makes me wonder, at what point does 'user-friendly' plumbing actually become a headache in disguise?"
Been there myself—sometimes simpler really is better. I've found sticking to standard fittings and brands saves headaches later. DIY is great, but knowing when to call in backup can be a lifesaver...
I get your point about standard fittings, but sometimes those "user-friendly" plumbing options can actually be quite handy if chosen carefully. I've seen clients successfully use quick-connect fittings or flexible hoses in tight spaces—especially under sinks or behind appliances—to simplify maintenance later on. The trick is knowing their limits; they're great for minor fixes, but for anything structural or hidden in walls, sticking to traditional methods or calling a pro is usually wiser...
