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Changed my mind: Duct tape isn't always the enemy in HVAC work
I used to scoff at any tech who carried duct tape, thinking it was amateur hour (you know, like those who rely on shortcuts). But when a flex duct ripped during a late-night emergency call, a temporary patch held long enough for me to return with proper materials. Now I see its value for quick, temporary fixes in a pinch.
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the_piper8mo ago
And @elliot_bailey isn't wrong, duct tape can mask bigger problems.
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karen_sanchez498mo ago
Wait, but if moisture gets trapped, how fast does microbial growth become a risk? I mean, in those emergency patches...
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flores.patricia8mo ago
From a job last summer, visible mold appeared within 36 hours on a taped pipe... you need to address the source, not just cover it up.
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elliot_bailey8mo ago
Are you serious? You're basically endorsing a crutch that fails under real conditions. That adhesive breaks down in heat and cold cycles, plus it's permeable so moisture gets trapped in the insulation. It's a band-aid that often causes bigger problems down the line, like microbial growth.
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