Paste or tape?

[fernalfer]

I have a PVC fitting which is thread into the bulkhead and slip to the sump. Is it better to use Teflon Tape or is it better to use a paste for leaks? And if paste any recommended brands?

 

[homer1475]

Oateys paste is best.

This right here.... HD or lowes both have it in stock.

http://www.oatey.com/products/threa...nts/great-white-pipe-joint-compound-with-ptfe

 

[username in use]

Ive always plumbed with tape. It's habit and I know I can do it repeatably and reliably after taping thousands of fittings. If you aren't familiar with it, the paste has a higher chance of success on your first try.

 

[homer1475]

My only issue with tape, is when you have to remove a fitting and peel it off the threads. If you don't get every little piece, it leaks. In my home I use tape, in the aquarium I use paste as its just easier to use.

 

[fernalfer]

I have dual overflows so 2- 3/4 inch bulkheads and 2- 1 inch bulkheads. They are thread on bulkhead side and slip out to the sump. I'm using 4 of these fitting to screw into the bulkhead. Not this brand but same fitting: http://www.amazon.com/Genova-Products-30407CP-4-Inch-Adapter/dp/B000BQNEI8

Now the 2 3/4 inch fitting screw all the way into the bulkhead dry but the 2 1 inch fittings do not. Do you think after adding the thread sealant to the threads it may act as a lubricant and the PVC fitting will then screw all the way in? Or should i be concerned if it doesn't? Right now i can screw it in about 3/4 of the way.

 

[homer1475]

After adding the paste, they will more then likely thread all the way together. It acts as a lubricant and a sealer. If they don't thread all the way together, just wash the paste off and return it for another so they do.

 

[fernalfer]

After adding the paste, they will more then likely thread all the way together. It acts as a lubricant and a sealer.

Thanks this was probably my biggest concern before tackling this plumbing job.

 

[WWIII]

Those fittings can be a pain sometimes for sure! I used a bunch on my mixing station. I personally used tape, but the paste works just as well. There's really no way to say for sure if 3/4 of the way screwed on will leak or not. The paste or tape will definitely help. But if it's on the overflow side (wet side) of the bulkhead I wouldnt be concerned at all. I probably wouldn't use tape or paste on the wet side as a tiny leak there will never be noticed. Up to you though, whatever you use may not help it actually thread further, but will prevent leaks, I'm just not sure how you would ever know the difference.

 

[fernalfer]

Those fittings can be a pain sometimes for sure! I used a bunch on my mixing station. I personally used tape, but the paste works just as well. There's really no way to say for sure if 3/4 of the way screwed on will leak or not. The paste or tape will definitely help. But if it's on the overflow side (wet side) of the bulkhead I wouldnt be concerned at all. I probably wouldn't use tape or paste on the wet side as a tiny leak there will never be noticed. Up to you though, whatever you use may not help it actually thread further, but will prevent leaks, I'm just not sure how you would ever know the difference.

Well its on the side that goes into my sump. So my concern would be it leaking into my stand.

 

[Bent]

I use tape. The putty is too messy for me.

 

[RayAllen3422]

I used paste for the first time with my most recent build. It was easier on my opinion.

 

[fernalfer]

I ended up buying this. Found it at lowes http://www.oatey.com/products/threa...nts/great-white-pipe-joint-compound-with-ptfe

 

[Member No. 1]

For your reading pleasure...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2556592

And why NOT to use tape...

http://www.expert4pvc.com/Documents/AvoidThreads.pdf

 

[kmbyrnes]

I used paste for the first time with my most recent build. It was easier on my opinion.

+1 on that!

 

[jgraz]

I skip both and go with a touch of silicone rubbed into the threads. You only need a tiny bit. And though one would think after cured it would be hard to get off but its not the case. I have done this with just about every threaded fitting in my system over the years and never had a fail yet.

 

[username in use]

I skip both and go with a touch of silicone rubbed into the threads. You only need a tiny bit. And though one would think after cured it would be hard to get off but its not the case. I have done this with just about every threaded fitting in my system over the years and never had a fail yet.

Good luck ever getting it to reseal when you need to take it apart for something and put it back together.

 

[jgraz]

Good luck ever getting it to reseal when you need to take it apart for something and put it back together.

UMMMMM just add a new smear of silicone. DONE

I have been doing this for years. My calcium reactor is done this way and its come completely apart every 6 months for a cleanout. Goes back together w/o issue as does my RODI. and every bulkhead I've ever used.