Plumbing questions

[Btompkin]

On a threaded pvc pipe, areu just supposed to use Teflon tape to seal?

On a ball valve,are they all true union valves? Does this cause and issue or are they more likely to leak vs non union connections that are glued?

About to start putting my system together and just want to be sure.

Lastly is clear PVC primer as good as the purple?

Many thanks in advance

 

[redfishblewfish]

On a threaded pvc pipe, areu just supposed to use Teflon tape to seal?

I prefer Teflon tape. However, you could also use pipe dope.

On a ball valve,are they all true union valves? Does this cause and issue or are they more likely to leak vs non union connections that are glued?

No, ball valves are not all true union valves. Actually the ones I buy at Home Depot are not true union….they are direct slip, solid valves. Here's your typical ball valve from HD

Lastly is clear PVC primer as good as the purple?

Purple primer is only purple to keep the code inspector happy. Clear is just as good, as long as you’re not getting the work inspected. If that’s the case, a small artist’s brush painting all the joints will fool the inspector….I know, I’ve done it before.

 

[jasimek]

Gate valves would be better....ball valves will fail over time

 

[kaipo13]

Gate valves would be better....ball valves will fail over time

Out of curiosity, how have you had ball valves fail? I've never had a pvc ball valve fail.

 

[dakineacct]

Gate valves would be better....ball valves will fail over time

How will ball valves fail over time? In my experience ball valves are simple and reliable, I have had a number of gate valves fail on me. Although I do find gate valvsaid easier to adjust.

To the OP-I use Teflon for threaded fittings, I use whatever primer is available (clear or purple) and I use glued fittings over threaded unless I can foresee a reason that I may want to disassemble the fitting.

 

[nlgill13]

the one issue with threaded fittings is they have a smaller inside diameter then a regular pipe so you will lose a little flow rate....But on the other hand you can take them apart for easy cleaning and just reapply teflon when your done.

 

[Danzig]

I always use teflon tape, and i especially try to stay away from pipe dope. Im not sure whats in it, but i avoid it.

 

[Btompkin]

Thanks