Threaded Gate Valve

[billdogg]

Yup. If it's not reef safe my systems are well over 25 years past due for a crash.

 

[RayAllen3422]

Knock on wood.

 

[CStrickland]

I've read a lot of posts saying that PVC connects "shouldn't need" tape or sealant, that it's better to smooth out any burrs in the threads, and set your (whatchamacallit, the rubber seal thingee) properly. That matches what I remember my grandpa saying: that they make the threads in a way that they get wider as you screw it on, to tighten the seal, and if you lubricate the fitting it will slip off easier. Like once you've screwed on the union or valve, the friction keeps it in place. His logic was that Teflon made it easier to screw a faulty valve way up the neck of the fitting, sometimes even too far and cracking it. As well as temporarily cancelling out any leaks that'd arise from a burr by cushioning around the fault. So he never used it on PVC.

Maybe he was more careful since it's real hard to dig up the line from a well, or trace a slow leak inside the wall. That'd be a good reason to get it right the first time, whereas in our tanks we can always screw down a joint that wiggles loose from the pump vibration.
Thoughts?

 

[RayAllen3422]

+1 to threaded fittings, especially the costlier ones like unions and gate valves.



A big -1 to teflon tape. PTFE (teflon) paste is simple to use, and I have never had a leak using it.

Just to verify this is the PTFE paste you are talking about? Plumbing tonight and want to make sure that I got the right stuff.

 

[biecacka]

Your grandpa was probably right. I have a few threaded fittings that are not using anything other than the thread. My drains are one of them. Heck, the salt acts as a sealant in most cases! :lol:
I do occasionally use the paste or the tape but not always. I won't look for it, if it's nearby then maybe. But a few good turns barehanded And I'm okay.

Corey