I have a handheld shower massager with a leak between the hose and the handheld unit. The washer does not look like it's worn, and tightening the hose does not seem to help (I'll try loosening it as soon as I send this).

Does it pay to buy and try teflon tape, or just replace the washer? Could the problem be somewhere else?

Does it pay to buy and try teflon tape, or just replace the washer? Could the problem be somewhere else? The threads don't hoold water so Teflon Tape would be a waste. It sounds more like you have crossed threads that's not allowing the threads to tighten down enough to compress the washer. Check to be sure the threads are started correctly . Good luck, Tom