"John Rumm" wrote in message
o.uk...
John wrote:
"Usenet Nutter" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:24:54 +0000, Dave Osborne
wrote:

Er, I think you'll find that in a tap connector, the fibre washer stops
water leaking down the thread.
Or UP the thread :-)

I suspect that some people use PTFE tape on threads - when the thread is
not designed to do any sealing. In applications like tap connectors the
washer

Sometimes it is handy for lubrication if nothing else - can make
tightening easier and less squeaky.

on the shoulder provides the seal - on a compression fitting - the olive
provides the seal. Clean faces and threads are a good starting point for
getting a seal - also well aligned pipes.


For the first time the other day, I encountered a metal to metal cone
fitting (radiator tap to tail) joint that would not stop leaking however
much it was tightened. The surfaces were new, and looked and felt fine,
but still no joy. In the end I had to resort to winding some PTFE round
the thread on the tail such that it flopped over the mating surface when
the joint was assembled.


--
Cheers,

John.


£1.11 for 10 in Wickes. I woke up this morning to find my combi had lost
it's pressure. The return pipe had a split it's nylon washer.

I could not find my washers and called at Wickes for some new ones. I did
find my old washers when I put the new ones away. They were in the drawer I
searched this morning whilst looking for them!

Adam