Plumbing threaded connects: Teflon Tape or Pipe Sealant?

[Newreeflady]

I have never thread sealant before, but teflon tape has always worked well for me.

Application 1:

Non-pressure application where i'm installing a TUBV below my overflow so that I can stop drainage from the tank when I need to.

Application 2:

Installing OM Squirt. All connects are threaded, and they don't go in very far at all. This is also a pressure application since it follows a pump.

So, i'm thinking I could get away with tt on app #1, but not sure on app #2. Also, I will certainly need to remove the connections and clean the OM squirt one day, will I be able to get them out if I use thread sealant?

Thanks!
Angela

 

[Vincerama2]

I used teflon tape on my OM squirt. No leaks. Originally I used nothing and water leaked and shorted out a power strip (not good!)

I've used pipe joint compound before as well. I much MUCH prefer the tape, due to the mess of pipe joint compound.

Now for use on black pipe (gas) or galvy water pipes, I might be more inclined to use the pipe joint compound because it would be a messy environment anyway.


... Or are you talking about using "Loctite" thread locker stuff?

V

 

[Vincerama2]

Oh yeah, the pipe joint compound (seems like teflon paste with some kind of really oily stuff) stays pasty, it doesn't harden (Well, I guess if it's really old it will be hardened) so you can undo the connections if you need to, but it sticks to all the threads (like it's supposed to).

V

 

[Newreeflady]

Well, if you used it on your squirt, it should work fine for mine (crossing fingers)... the tape is so easy to use!

THanks,
Angela.

 

[dantodd]

Tape is the way to go. Use 3-5 wraps too much will cause binding and or leaking.

 

[Vincerama2]

... and don't forget to test and WATCH it to make sure you don't have any slow drips!

V

 

[Newreeflady]

Thanks guys. 3-5 wraps it it. I will definitely watch for leaks. I am really hoping to have this done this weekend. I have started gluing

I should wait for each joint to set for 24 hours before wrestling it around if I need to do so, right?

Thanks!
Angela

 

[dantodd]

I wouldn't wait that long. 5 minutes should be fine.

 

[fishnfst]

If you are talking about pipe dope like rectorseal they are not really sealants... They act more as a lubricant to prevent galling when tightening pipe.... If you do opt to use rectorseal you don't have to wait at all.. Just tighten it up and go...

 

[Newreeflady]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8006554#post8006554 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dantodd
I wouldn't wait that long. 5 minutes should be fine.

Man, where is my head. I swear, I have too many thoughts at once.

I meant to ask about wrestling around the glued pvc joints... 24 hours?

Sorry for the confusion. But, heck, I didn't realize you should wait 5 mins for thread tape, that's good to know, too.

Thanks,
Angela

 

[dantodd]

Don't think you need to really wait at all for the threaded but since you were saying 24hours I didn't think "none" would have made you happy.

Cure times from Christy's website:
http://www.tchristy.com/Redhot.asp

CURE TIME CURE TIME
PIPE SIZES ½" - 1¼" PIPE SIZES 1½"- 3"
upto 180psi 1 hr 2 hrs
over 180psi 6hrs 12 hrs

 

[Vincerama2]

If you've never used PVC cement or primer then I urge you to work on it outside, or in an incredibly well ventilated place. The primer (which you should use) is brutal. It makes your lungs burn! Also, the reason it's purple is so that plumbing inspectors can visually check that you've used primer. It's quite runny and makes a mess.... though some people use it it "paint" their PVC purple so that it LOOKS like coralline growth in their tank! LOL!

V

 

[Newreeflady]

Thanks, Dan. So, I read the website and see there is a 'set' and 'cure' time. After the 'set' time, does that mean I can go ahead and move it around and such to glue another fitting, or do I have to wait for full cure to do that?

Vincerama, of course I did this outdoors. I'm a chemist, I know better

Thanks!
Angela

 

[dantodd]

You certainly don't have to wait the full cure time before completing assembly. I never even wait the cure time, once it 'catches' so that it won't turn easily in my hand (less than a minute) I go ahead and move to the next joint.

 

[Newreeflady]

YAY!!

 

[Vincerama2]

Angela, I think you need to post some pics so we can see the whole process!

(Just cuz I see you are recently active on a lot of threads!)

Oh, in school we non-chem eng students called the chemical engineers "plumbers"! Yes, I know chemists and chem engs are completely different animals, but you're getting closer ...

V

 

[Newreeflady]

Vincerama,

Actually I started as Chem Eng Just decided I liked chem better in the long run. I'll work on plumbing projects for myself only. If you could see my messy work, you'd agree I made the right choice

I'll post pics tomorrow. I will have the shelf up and I should be able to get the remainder of the gluing done once I have the shelf in place

Thanks to all for tolerating my many threads and long procrastination of this project. It really is almost done. I'm even ordering sand...



Angela