I have an inground pool with lots of grey (PVC??) plastic pipe going to and from the pumps / filters. I have some slow minor leaks at the connections (not the glued connections, the twist type )and have tightened them using strap wrenches. I’ll watch them today to see if they seal, but if not, is there any reason NOT to use teflon tape on the threads? It’s gonna be 75 degrees today! Pool season starts soon!!
Dick from Omaha
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Replies
Although plastic threads are supposed to seal without tape or dope, that's been kind of hit or miss for me, especially the larger diameters. No reason not to use tape -- I have and it works OK. They also make thread dope for plastic pipes -- I think this works better than tape.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
When plastic type pipe was first on the market many years ago the manufactors did not reccomend sealants but the people that work with it all the time soon realized that it didn't work. What I use on 1 1/2 or under is Rector Seal#5, on the bigger fittings I may use tape and the sealer. Lots of luck.
"If all else fails, read the directions"
I just finished my irrigation system; the valves require the threaded grey plastic stuff. Normally I have no problems - this time every one of the valves leaked. I found - after much painful experimentation - that 2 wraps of teflon tape (no more than that - ask me how I know!) and cinching the bejoobies out of the pipe does the job. Some people have success with the Rector; I didn't. I'm sure there's a trick to that too :-)
Gray PVC is usually sch80 or conduit, but it's still PVC.
As someone mentioned about not using too much tape is a credible answer when the female fitting is PVC too, female PVC fittings are prone to split.
Rector #5 works well, but do not get it onto your clothes unless you want that there forever.
Megaloc by Hercules will do the same as #5 but won't stain your clothes.
Now I have to be carefull with this statement ( or I will catch hell) the purpose of teflon tape & dopes is to prevent seizing of the threads so you can screw the fittings together without binding. The seal is made by the taper of the threads mating to each sandwiching the tape , dope or both between the surfaces.
I fear no man & only one GOD. Me
I won't give you any Hell. My father (Engineer) always said that pipe dope was a lubricant.
That question has been on the forum many times, most pipe dope is a lubricant AND a sealer. The easy way to find out is to read what the manufactor says on the can.....................................
"If all else fails, read the directions"
Oh yeah I know, I'm pretty sure I was involved in a fairly long drawn out thread about that very thing.I fear no man & only one GOD. Me
Thats why my beer budget is thru the roof!!
LOL
Hey, like big copper? I'll be posting some pics next week of some 6", 4", 3", 2.5", 2", &1.5" all in one tight area.I fear no man & only one GOD. Me
I use teflon tape and have never had a problem. It also allows me to tighten the connection easier because of the tape.