Home Repair (alt.home.repair) For all homeowners and DIYers with many experienced tradesmen. Solve your toughest home fix-it problems.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1   Report Post  
Steve
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

Putting a pool filter together. When done with the teflon tape, about 8-10
windings, I get slight leaks where the PVC fitting threads into the valve
housing also where the PVC threads into the pump. A hose came off and the
pool drained to the skimmer level so I'm going to disasemble and redo the
fittings.
I bought plumbers putty thinking it may work better???
The guy at the store said to roll it into a snake and wrap around the
threads. I didnt like that method so I worked it into the threads all around
both the male and female threads. I assembled one fitting and pulled out the
putty that was forced out while threading the peices together.

I have a couple of joints to go but was hoping for some expert advice on the
proper/best way to make a water tight connection. I wont know if it leaks
untill I fill the pool to the proper level and turn on the pump. Then its to
late (or at least a pain) to fix.


Thanks for any advice!!!

Steve


  #2   Report Post  
Art
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

There is special white stuff for PVC. Normal putty will make joint stuck
forever and pieces can get into pump.


"Steve" wrote in message
...
Putting a pool filter together. When done with the teflon tape, about 8-10
windings, I get slight leaks where the PVC fitting threads into the valve
housing also where the PVC threads into the pump. A hose came off and the
pool drained to the skimmer level so I'm going to disasemble and redo the
fittings.
I bought plumbers putty thinking it may work better???
The guy at the store said to roll it into a snake and wrap around the
threads. I didnt like that method so I worked it into the threads all

around
both the male and female threads. I assembled one fitting and pulled out

the
putty that was forced out while threading the peices together.

I have a couple of joints to go but was hoping for some expert advice on

the
proper/best way to make a water tight connection. I wont know if it leaks
untill I fill the pool to the proper level and turn on the pump. Then its

to
late (or at least a pain) to fix.


Thanks for any advice!!!

Steve




  #3   Report Post  
Steve
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???



There is special white stuff for PVC. Normal putty will make joint stuck
forever and pieces can get into pump.



white stuff as in putty? or as in teflon tape? ( tape is white)

steve


  #4   Report Post  
zxcvbob
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

Rectorseal #5. Do not substitute a different brand cuz it may harden
(even if it says nonhardening on the label) and you will never get it
apart again.

Bob


  #5   Report Post  
SQLit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???


"Steve" wrote in message
...
Putting a pool filter together. When done with the teflon tape, about 8-10
windings, I get slight leaks where the PVC fitting threads into the valve
housing also where the PVC threads into the pump. A hose came off and the
pool drained to the skimmer level so I'm going to disasemble and redo the
fittings.
I bought plumbers putty thinking it may work better???
The guy at the store said to roll it into a snake and wrap around the
threads. I didnt like that method so I worked it into the threads all

around
both the male and female threads. I assembled one fitting and pulled out

the
putty that was forced out while threading the peices together.

I have a couple of joints to go but was hoping for some expert advice on

the
proper/best way to make a water tight connection. I wont know if it leaks
untill I fill the pool to the proper level and turn on the pump. Then its

to
late (or at least a pain) to fix.


Thanks for any advice!!!

Steve


I always used Teflon tape and plumbers dope. A whitish paste that is used
for sealing gas lines. My way not necessarily the only or best way




  #6   Report Post  
Lawrence Wasserman
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

Plumber's putty is not a thread sealant. 8 or 10 wraps of teflon tape
is way too much. Try just 2 or 3 or use a thread sealant, commonly
called "pipe dope"


--

Larry Wasserman Baltimore, Maryland


  #7   Report Post  
Joe Bobst
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

Plumber's putty is not a thread sealant

Neither is Teflon tape. The tape is a thread lubricant. Teflon pipe dope gives
you the best of both worlds. For PVC threaded fittings there may be specialized
products. Do a Google search for info. HTH

Joe

  #8   Report Post  
Art
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

Home Depot and lowes will have the white brush on stuuff for PVC threads.
Teflon tape may be ok too but I've never thought plastic plus teflon worked
that well.


"Steve" wrote in message
...


There is special white stuff for PVC. Normal putty will make joint

stuck
forever and pieces can get into pump.



white stuff as in putty? or as in teflon tape? ( tape is white)

steve




  #9   Report Post  
davefr
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

Use Rectomseal. I personally hate Teflon tape.

"Steve" wrote in message ...
Putting a pool filter together. When done with the teflon tape, about 8-10
windings, I get slight leaks where the PVC fitting threads into the valve
housing also where the PVC threads into the pump. A hose came off and the
pool drained to the skimmer level so I'm going to disasemble and redo the
fittings.
I bought plumbers putty thinking it may work better???
The guy at the store said to roll it into a snake and wrap around the
threads. I didnt like that method so I worked it into the threads all around
both the male and female threads. I assembled one fitting and pulled out the
putty that was forced out while threading the peices together.

I have a couple of joints to go but was hoping for some expert advice on the
proper/best way to make a water tight connection. I wont know if it leaks
untill I fill the pool to the proper level and turn on the pump. Then its to
late (or at least a pain) to fix.


Thanks for any advice!!!

Steve

  #10   Report Post  
rj
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

Just went through that, no matter how much teflon tape I used, the joints
leaked. Pipe dope worked fine, especially if there's a plastic to metal
connection.
RJ
"Steve" wrote in message
...
Putting a pool filter together. When done with the teflon tape, about 8-10
windings, I get slight leaks where the PVC fitting threads into the valve
housing also where the PVC threads into the pump. A hose came off and the
pool drained to the skimmer level so I'm going to disasemble and redo the
fittings.
I bought plumbers putty thinking it may work better???
The guy at the store said to roll it into a snake and wrap around the
threads. I didnt like that method so I worked it into the threads all

around
both the male and female threads. I assembled one fitting and pulled out

the
putty that was forced out while threading the peices together.

I have a couple of joints to go but was hoping for some expert advice on

the
proper/best way to make a water tight connection. I wont know if it leaks
untill I fill the pool to the proper level and turn on the pump. Then its

to
late (or at least a pain) to fix.


Thanks for any advice!!!

Steve






  #11   Report Post  
RB
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

Plumber's putty isn't intended to be used on pipe threads.

Be careful when using pipe dope on PVC that the solvents in the pipe
dope don't soften the PVC pipe over time. Most pipe dopes are intended
to be used on copper, brass, or steel. They don't dissolve in organic
solvents, PVC does.

RB

Steve wrote:
Putting a pool filter together. When done with the teflon tape, about 8-10
windings, I get slight leaks where the PVC fitting threads into the valve
housing also where the PVC threads into the pump. A hose came off and the
pool drained to the skimmer level so I'm going to disasemble and redo the
fittings.
I bought plumbers putty thinking it may work better???
The guy at the store said to roll it into a snake and wrap around the
threads. I didnt like that method so I worked it into the threads all around
both the male and female threads. I assembled one fitting and pulled out the
putty that was forced out while threading the peices together.

I have a couple of joints to go but was hoping for some expert advice on the
proper/best way to make a water tight connection. I wont know if it leaks
untill I fill the pool to the proper level and turn on the pump. Then its to
late (or at least a pain) to fix.


Thanks for any advice!!!

Steve



  #12   Report Post  
Steve
 
Posts: n/a
Default Found the right stuff

I found a paste in a tube, Thread sealer for PVC pipe. I took apart the one
connection I had made with plumbers putty and cleaned it all out. Now I'll
try the new stuff.

Thanks for the info.

Steve


"RB" wrote in message
...
Plumber's putty isn't intended to be used on pipe threads.

Be careful when using pipe dope on PVC that the solvents in the pipe
dope don't soften the PVC pipe over time. Most pipe dopes are intended
to be used on copper, brass, or steel. They don't dissolve in organic
solvents, PVC does.

RB

Steve wrote:
Putting a pool filter together. When done with the teflon tape, about

8-10
windings, I get slight leaks where the PVC fitting threads into the

valve
housing also where the PVC threads into the pump. A hose came off and

the
pool drained to the skimmer level so I'm going to disasemble and redo

the
fittings.
I bought plumbers putty thinking it may work better???
The guy at the store said to roll it into a snake and wrap around the
threads. I didnt like that method so I worked it into the threads all

around
both the male and female threads. I assembled one fitting and pulled out

the
putty that was forced out while threading the peices together.

I have a couple of joints to go but was hoping for some expert advice on

the
proper/best way to make a water tight connection. I wont know if it

leaks
untill I fill the pool to the proper level and turn on the pump. Then

its to
late (or at least a pain) to fix.


Thanks for any advice!!!

Steve





  #13   Report Post  
DickC
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

Teflon tape will seal, the Teflon cold flows easily under pressure. BUT, too
many layers can cause PVC female fitting to crack as the pipe threads
(tapered not straight !) tighten down.

PVC "dope" probably the best bet. Or, Use 2 or 3 wraps of tape and you can
get good results, snug down carefully and don't back the joint up after
tightening.


"RB" wrote in message
...
Plumber's putty isn't intended to be used on pipe threads.

Be careful when using pipe dope on PVC that the solvents in the pipe
dope don't soften the PVC pipe over time. Most pipe dopes are intended
to be used on copper, brass, or steel. They don't dissolve in organic
solvents, PVC does.

RB

Steve wrote:
Putting a pool filter together. When done with the teflon tape, about

8-10
windings, I get slight leaks where the PVC fitting threads into the

valve
housing also where the PVC threads into the pump. A hose came off and

the
pool drained to the skimmer level so I'm going to disasemble and redo

the
fittings.
I bought plumbers putty thinking it may work better???
The guy at the store said to roll it into a snake and wrap around the
threads. I didnt like that method so I worked it into the threads all

around
both the male and female threads. I assembled one fitting and pulled out

the
putty that was forced out while threading the peices together.

I have a couple of joints to go but was hoping for some expert advice on

the
proper/best way to make a water tight connection. I wont know if it

leaks
untill I fill the pool to the proper level and turn on the pump. Then

its to
late (or at least a pain) to fix.


Thanks for any advice!!!

Steve





  #14   Report Post  
The Masked Marvel
 
Posts: n/a
Default Whats better, plumbers putty or teflon tape???

2-3 turns of Teflon tape starting 1-2 threads from the end, should be
plenty, plumbers putty is for sealing around sink rim/counter joints etc.,
pipe thread dope (e.g. Rector Seal #5), may be the best for the PVC
fittings. If you do not EVER need to be able to unscrew them again then use
PVC primer (a PVC solvent) and a little PVC cement, but you will need to
thread quickly an dcarefilly to get tight enough but not too tight before
the cement grabs and/or softens and distorts the the threads too much. I
expect you will find pipe thread dope th easiest -- just don't overtighten.

"DickC" wrote in message
...
Teflon tape will seal, the Teflon cold flows easily under pressure. BUT,

too
many layers can cause PVC female fitting to crack as the pipe threads
(tapered not straight !) tighten down.

PVC "dope" probably the best bet. Or, Use 2 or 3 wraps of tape and you

can
get good results, snug down carefully and don't back the joint up after
tightening.


"RB" wrote in message
...
Plumber's putty isn't intended to be used on pipe threads.

Be careful when using pipe dope on PVC that the solvents in the pipe
dope don't soften the PVC pipe over time. Most pipe dopes are intended
to be used on copper, brass, or steel. They don't dissolve in organic
solvents, PVC does.

RB

Steve wrote:
Putting a pool filter together. When done with the teflon tape, about

8-10
windings, I get slight leaks where the PVC fitting threads into the

valve
housing also where the PVC threads into the pump. A hose came off and

the
pool drained to the skimmer level so I'm going to disasemble and redo

the
fittings.
I bought plumbers putty thinking it may work better???
The guy at the store said to roll it into a snake and wrap around the
threads. I didnt like that method so I worked it into the threads all

around
both the male and female threads. I assembled one fitting and pulled

out
the
putty that was forced out while threading the peices together.

I have a couple of joints to go but was hoping for some expert advice

on
the
proper/best way to make a water tight connection. I wont know if it

leaks
untill I fill the pool to the proper level and turn on the pump. Then

its to
late (or at least a pain) to fix.


Thanks for any advice!!!

Steve







Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules

Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Teflon tape/ Hydraulics larsen-tools Metalworking 17 June 2nd 04 01:40 AM
How to Adjust the Tape Path Alignment on Newer VCRs Jim Electronics Repair 24 March 15th 04 09:30 PM
Fisher cassette heads bg Electronics Repair 5 July 30th 03 05:04 AM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:46 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 DIYbanter.
The comments are property of their posters.
 

About Us

"It's about DIY & home improvement"