can the threaded fittings on pvc be just screwed in without glue or tape?

[beaniebeagle]

trying to finish this 120g project...it seems like it is taking all of my time

with the threaded pvc fittings...are they made so that screwing them together is enough??? home depot employees gave me different answers

 

[ccloveraz]

yes they can be screwed togrther without sealant but if you apply any kind of pressure they will leak.

I would recommend either pink teflon tape or aquarium silicone to seal the threads.

 

[Konadog]

They will leak, maybe not at first, but when you don't want them too! I would use Teflon tape so that you can take them apart later if needed. Just be sure to wrap the correct way (same way as threads) so it works correctly.

 

[MDG3]

Hi,

I didn't and now have salt creeps down the plumbing. Use teflon tape if I was you.IMHO

 

[XtrmCHoPZ]

NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS AT HOME DEPOT.....whenever you screw to PVC together ALWAYS use teflon tape.....ALWAYS!!!!!!!! Theres really no reason not to! A roll of teflon tape costs what.....$1!!!! It will help you avoid leaks and headaches down the road. Whenever you use any PVC pipe always either use glue or tape, bottom line! I guarantee that down the road you will have problems with your plumbing, do it the right way first!

 

[XtrmCHoPZ]

If you do use glue.......aquarium silicone will not work! Silicone for aquariums is designed to adhere glass to glass and WILL NOT WORK on PVC. The best PVC glue is the blue stuff....I think the stuff I use is called Red Hot Blue Goo. in general the blue PVC glue is the stuff to use, NOT THE CLEAR OR BLACK KIND!

 

[doin' fin]

Better to use than not to use... Why take the risk? You can also use a primer before the actual pvc glue. This somehow melts the pvc and allows the glue to adhear better. Good luck.

 

[Shagsbeard]

Three layers of teflon on your wrappings is what I recommend.