teflon tape and pipe dope are not to seal threads....they are merely
lubricants which facilitate tightening and later loosening the joint.

You need pipe dope or teflon tape...but not for their sealing
properties.

Washers, those little plastic compression rings....they are your seals.
If they dont seal then something is wrong.

Even on pipe threads....the pipe dope or tape doesnt seal...it
lubricates the tapered threads so they will tighten up and ground into
one another making the seal.

Use new washers and compression rings.....

If you need to call a plumber dont be ashamed or feel emasculated by
it...he does this for a living.