Union Ball Valve
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- Start date
joubentwin
New member
Yeah, I would use the tape, when I first put my overflow together I didnt do it and there was always a ton of salt creep. I had to go back and fix it... since then its been fine...
Codeman00
Premium Member
A trick I learned on a website (I think it was wetwebmedia.com)...but anyway, I put the gel type silicone on every plumbing thread that I had. I had a myriad of plumbing without any leaks...closed loop, drain, return, calcium reactor, the works. I'm sure thread tape will work but silicone will work well too if not better. Just apply a small bead and it will ooze itself in the threads as you tighten.
just dave
11th in '11
For the best results use tape ( I like the thicker pink tape) and aquarium silicone. Wrap the thread in tape. One wrap is enough and if you are holding the fitting with the MPT with the threads facing you ,wrap clockwise.
After you wrap the tape run a small bead of aquarium silicone around the end of the MPT fitting . Run it around the front ( the end that would make contact first as you threaded it) like an o-ring. The silicone will act as lubricant so be careful not to over tighten the fittings. The silicone will also fill in and prevent any leaks that you may have with just the tape due to improper use of the tape. Silicone by itself will work but once it dries if you break the fitting free ,even slightly, it may start to leak. Using each you kinda get the best of both worlds. You can also use teflon paste implace of each. I don't like it because it's kinda messy. A plumber told me about using the tape and silicone some time ago.
After you wrap the tape run a small bead of aquarium silicone around the end of the MPT fitting . Run it around the front ( the end that would make contact first as you threaded it) like an o-ring. The silicone will act as lubricant so be careful not to over tighten the fittings. The silicone will also fill in and prevent any leaks that you may have with just the tape due to improper use of the tape. Silicone by itself will work but once it dries if you break the fitting free ,even slightly, it may start to leak. Using each you kinda get the best of both worlds. You can also use teflon paste implace of each. I don't like it because it's kinda messy. A plumber told me about using the tape and silicone some time ago.
