Threads won't seal

Shirahjoy · #1 Feb 16, 2006, 05:16 AM

I've replaced the faucet (whole kit and caboodle - valve body, faucets, everything) in the tub/shower of one of my bathrooms. The only things that aren't new are the pipe running to the showerhead and the water lines running to the faucet body.

I'm having a ****ens of a time getting the water line connections to seal. I've used the teflon tape (yes, I made triple sure I was putting it on in the correct direction) and two different kinds of plumber's putty - cleaning the fittings between applications of course to make sure the application was "pure". But I can't get it to be a leakproof seal. I finally got the hot side to seal with this last application of putty but the cold side just won't seal. The teflon tape worked better than the putty on that side but still had a couple of small leaks.

I'm not against pros but I kinda live out in the middle of no where and getting a plumber or any service professional to come out here is challenging at best and usually very expensive so I try to do the DIY route whenever possible.

Suggestions?

PalmMP3 · Feb 16, 2006, 03:46 PM

How many times did you wrap the teflon tape around the threads before tearing it off the rest of the roll: one or two, or a whole bunch?

Awaiting your answer,
Moishe

Shirahjoy · Feb 16, 2006, 04:28 PM

Right at twice. I guess sometimes it could be considered 2 1/2 once I got the excess after tear off down.

skiberger · Feb 16, 2006, 04:57 PM

wrap the teflon around 5-6 times then add some putty on the teflon then turn it in. Usually I wrap the fittings 5-6 times and use a small dab of Blue Block pipe sealant. Make sure you stretch the tape tight when putting it on the fitting.

PalmMP3 · Feb 17, 2006, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shirahjoy

Right at twice. I guess sometimes it could be considered 2 1/2 once I got the excess after tear off down.

Bingo! That seems to be your problem - follow skiberger's advice and wrap the teflon tape at least 5-6 times. If it still leaks, post back here.

BTW, contrary to popular belief, teflon tape does not "take up too much space" between the threads of the two fittings (unless, obviously, you wrap it WAY too many times) - in fact, the teflon tape actually "lubricates" the threads somewhat, making it easier to screw the fittings together.

Good luck,
Moishe
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