SMR
Well-known member
I have a new Anderson valve to install. The valve is brass and the pex fittings are plastic. Should I use teflon tape with the new brass valve?
Thanks
Thanks
When to use teflon tape
- Thread starter SMR
- Start date
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Domo
Well-known member
No. Plastic fittings deform if tape is used since people tend to overtighten rather than rely on the design of the piece. Same for ABS and PVC - no tape.
Of course, we'll also hear from folks that had leaks and used lots of tape and swear it solved their problems - the industry will disagree.
Of course, we'll also hear from folks that had leaks and used lots of tape and swear it solved their problems - the industry will disagree.
Ex-Calif
Well-known member
I personally only use tape on brass to brass pipe fittings.
Plastic deforms. If the instructions for the plastic or general use dictates a recommended sealing enhancer I would use whatever is called out for the plastic.
If I suspected a brass to plastic joint might leak I would consider a non-hardening sealant designed for plastic.
That's my practice but I would consider no-harm, no-foul for using one to two wraps of teflon tape. Don't overtighten which is a very "common" handiman mistake. Low pressure water systems should seal hand tight + 1/2 or 3/4 turn.
Plastic deforms. If the instructions for the plastic or general use dictates a recommended sealing enhancer I would use whatever is called out for the plastic.
If I suspected a brass to plastic joint might leak I would consider a non-hardening sealant designed for plastic.
That's my practice but I would consider no-harm, no-foul for using one to two wraps of teflon tape. Don't overtighten which is a very "common" handiman mistake. Low pressure water systems should seal hand tight + 1/2 or 3/4 turn.
OP
OP
SMR
Well-known member
Thanks, I will only use the teflon tape for the brass to brass connection, if there is an issue I will wrap as necessary.
That's tomorrow's project. Today I run sewer pipe to my out door sink, last summer I ran the hot and cold water to it.
That's tomorrow's project. Today I run sewer pipe to my out door sink, last summer I ran the hot and cold water to it.
Gizmo
Well-known member
I only use on metal, whether brass or otherwise. Plastic fittings do not require teflon tape and as mentioned, could possibly deform the threads.
House Husband
Well-known member
For all tapered pipe fittings, I use teflon impregnated pipe dope.
Teflon tape and pipe dope are intended to be lubricants to allow you to tighten the tapered fittings, not sealants.
Richard
Teflon tape and pipe dope are intended to be lubricants to allow you to tighten the tapered fittings, not sealants.
Richard
I use tape on everything that doesn't compress; like flares, compression or rubber gasketed fittings.
I use 3-5 wraps of tape depending on the brand of tape I use on all brass or plastic fittings; cheaper stuff is thinner and 3 wraps usually isn't enough, so I bump it to 5. Good tape only needs 3; sometimes 2.
If you overtighten fittings with a rubber seal, you will likely crush the gasket and deform it, so you may not be able to reuse the fitting.
I use 3-5 wraps of tape depending on the brand of tape I use on all brass or plastic fittings; cheaper stuff is thinner and 3 wraps usually isn't enough, so I bump it to 5. Good tape only needs 3; sometimes 2.
If you overtighten fittings with a rubber seal, you will likely crush the gasket and deform it, so you may not be able to reuse the fitting.
