Stubborn Leaky fitting

[DrBoxedWine]

So I've got my plumbing all going, and everything is great, except for one Leaky fitting on the top of the return ball valve. It's the threaded part that screws into the ball valve (and has the hose barb on the other end). I wrapped it twice in Teflon, and have continually screwed it tighter and tighter. while it's leaking less and less as I tighten it, it's still leaking and i'm worried if I keep going I'm going to break the fitting or something. I'm using 2 large vice grip pliers and it's getting more and more difficult even with those massive things.

It's the 2nd fitting that's leaked on me (I replaced the other leaking one and now it's OK). Now the other one is leaking. Anyone have any suggestions? Is this normal? Am I doing something wrong? Going to PVC tubing isn't really an option.

 

[Dr. Reef]

In my experience twist/treaded fitting leak more often thank slip on. If u can find slip ones try them instead. If u keep putting tyflon and keep twisting something will break.

 

[Green Chromis]

:fish1: Check to see if there are any cracks in the ball valve or the threaded fitting, if not wrap the threaded fitting in 5 or so layers of Teflon tape. One or two wraps will not always seal a threaded fitting. :fish1:

 

[RocketEngineer]

STOP. Teflon tape is not recommended for plastic fittings because the threads aren't machined, they are molded and can have misalignments. You need to be using Teflon PASTE which will fill in the threads to create the seal.

 

[PanicBuyer]

When I ran into that problem I ended up coating the threads in marine safe silicone. As others have said, the threads don't always line up so tape won't seal it. Marine silicone worked for me.

 

[Flippers4pups]

STOP. Teflon tape is not recommended for plastic fittings because the threads aren't machined, they are molded and can have misalignments. You need to be using Teflon PASTE which will fill in the threads to create the seal.

+1 yes your are correct sir!

 

[DrBoxedWine]

Alright, that would explain my problems then. I'll pick up a new fitting and some paste tonight, hopefully I haven't damaged the part on the valve.

 

[DrBoxedWine]

So is the Marine silicone (which i have) the best way to make it fully leak proof? The part I'm trying to seal really doesn't need to be adjustable, i'll likely never take it apart unless I'm totally redoing the plumbing. Is there a permanent sealer?

 

[DrBoxedWine]

When I ran into that problem I ended up coating the threads in marine safe silicone. As others have said, the threads don't always line up so tape won't seal it. Marine silicone worked for me.

Did you use paste or tape as well? Did you just let it cure for a couple days after siliconing it?

 

[RocketEngineer]

Do it right and use the Teflon paste. Silicone is not the fix, it is a band-aid. If you do it correctly, you only have to do it ONCE.

 

[mcgyvr]

Just to be specific.. You want a "thread sealant" that specifically calls out PVC on its label and may have some teflon in it.
Not all "teflon paste" is intended for PVC..
Read the label..

But yes teflon tape is a no-no.. as is over tightening the joint..