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View Full Version : Teflon tape or caulk/sealant?


Jersey
Feb 17, 2006, 04:55 AM
I am replacing the broken top section of a threaded Jones Stephens shower drain. The old section had plumbers putty used as a thread sealant on the PVC threads. The putty manufacturer says not to use it on plastic. Should I use teflon tape or a caulk/sealant (DAP KwidSeal for showers)?

fredg
Feb 17, 2006, 06:17 AM
Hi,
I am sure you will get other answers besides mine.
I would go with the Teflon Tape, wrapping it in the same direction as the "screwing on" direction will be.
Best of luck.

speedball1
Feb 17, 2006, 06:46 AM
I am replacing the broken top section of a threaded Jones Stephens shower drain. The old section had plumbers putty used as a thread sealant on the PVC threads. The putty manufacturer says not to use it on plastic. Should I use teflon tape or a caulk/sealant (DAP KwidSeal for showers)?

If what you're replacing is; http://www.hardwarestore.com/brands/290-jones-stephens-corporation.aspx
Then Fred's correct. Teflon tape is what you should use on the threads.
But since there's no pressure involved and no standing water in the drain pipe we don't tape the threads when we install the threaded drain and strainer on a flange type shower drain meant for tile showers. However, taping the threads isn't a bad thing. It's just something we don't nominally do at installation. Taping the threads wouldn't be much of advantage since the threads are in the mortar and even if they leaked like a sieve, (which they don't) the weep holes located in the flange type shower drain allow any excess liquid that filters on through the tile and mortar to drain back into the trap. So taping the threads would be a "dealers choice". We just don't do it.
Regards, tom