Do you use Teflon tape for threaded PVC?
- Thread starter LennyD4
- Start date
theplatypus
New member
Yes
I prefer Teflon paste.
Outdoorfishes
New member
Nothing but tape. That is my vote. Less expensive too
This is simply not true. If used properly a Teflon-free paste is actually the preferred method. Most leaks in threaded PVC connections are caused by overtightening or using too much tape. Whether you use paste or tape dry fit the connection. Count the number of turns required to make it finger tight. If using teflon tape dont wrap the threads more than twice. Screw the connection the number of turns for the dry fit plus 1/4-1/2 turn more. That's it.
FWIW I like Blue Monster paste from Lowe's. I used it to plumb my system and none of the 30+ threaded connections leaked.
psteeleb
Team RC
I use tape but will use the heavier duty stuff when I have it
I've bought Teflon tape in at least three different thickness's. Then normal white tape is pretty thin and takes 2-3 wraps and sometimes more to get a decent seal. There is a yellow tape that must be 2-3 times thicker then the white. The yellow tape is required by code for gas lines due to its ability to create a more consistent seal then the white tape. The yellow tape works better initially and it will last longer as it won't break apart as easily while making a threaded connection.
There is also a pink tape that is for water plumbing but is about twice as thick as the white and like the yellow has a better chance of both the initial seal and longer lasting seal due to it's durability.
White = normal water pipe but requires several wraps and may still be an issue
Pink = cost a bit more but is far superior to the white tape for creating a seal and lasting - but I don't see it very often
Yellow = is required by code on gas pipe threaded connections for its superior abilities to make and hold a seal.
I've bought Teflon tape in at least three different thickness's. Then normal white tape is pretty thin and takes 2-3 wraps and sometimes more to get a decent seal. There is a yellow tape that must be 2-3 times thicker then the white. The yellow tape is required by code for gas lines due to its ability to create a more consistent seal then the white tape. The yellow tape works better initially and it will last longer as it won't break apart as easily while making a threaded connection.
There is also a pink tape that is for water plumbing but is about twice as thick as the white and like the yellow has a better chance of both the initial seal and longer lasting seal due to it's durability.
White = normal water pipe but requires several wraps and may still be an issue
Pink = cost a bit more but is far superior to the white tape for creating a seal and lasting - but I don't see it very often
Yellow = is required by code on gas pipe threaded connections for its superior abilities to make and hold a seal.
kcress
New member
I use anything BUT tape with PVC. It often fails to help with sealing on the junk threads provided with PVC these days. I use Rectorseal 5 and THAT works nicely and reliably.
http://www.rectorseal.com/product-data/rectorseal-no-5/dsno5.htm
It should be noted that tape and teflon paste are not sealents, whereas RectorSeal is a sealant.
When I assembled my tank with tape I had about 4 aggravating drips with tape. I had to laboriously remove lots of piping. I reassembled it exactly the same way with Rectorseal and had zero leaks.
http://www.rectorseal.com/product-data/rectorseal-no-5/dsno5.htm
It should be noted that tape and teflon paste are not sealents, whereas RectorSeal is a sealant.
When I assembled my tank with tape I had about 4 aggravating drips with tape. I had to laboriously remove lots of piping. I reassembled it exactly the same way with Rectorseal and had zero leaks.
ECFENCING
New member
I use anything BUT tape with PVC. It often fails to help with sealing on the junk threads provided with PVC these days. I use Rectorseal 5 and THAT works nicely and reliably.
http://www.rectorseal.com/product-data/rectorseal-no-5/dsno5.htm
It should be noted that tape and teflon paste are not sealents, whereas RectorSeal is a sealant.
When I assembled my tank with tape I had about 4 aggravating drips with tape. I had to laboriously remove lots of piping. I reassembled it exactly the same way with Rectorseal and had zero leaks.
Resurrecting an old thread butI just wanted to add to the list of those that use pipe dope. I also used Rector Seal No. 5. It smells awful. If I had to do it again I would use Rector Seal T plus 2. At least rector seal No. 5 is soft setting so it will not harden and you can undo the connection. Seems like others have used Rector Seal No. 5 with no ill effects. I'll use pipe dope for sure on my future builds.
