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View Full Version : Cross thread leak


tommccullough
Dec 2, 2011, 09:54 AM
I had a "would be" plumber change the entire faucet mechanism in my bathtub (including the pipes behind the wall--i.e. reached through the closet in the next room.) Though it took him a long time he finally finished even though I saw he was cross threading the connection in the pipe that goes to the shower head. He said since it wasn't under constant pressure he didn't think it would leak but that if it did I should call him back. Well it leaks when we take a shower. Not a lot but still... I've tried to cover it up with 'gorilla glue' and silicone caulk but the leak keeps finding a way out. I've called him for three days now and he doesn't answer his phone (he could be out of town I guess). So, is there a way to stop a leak from a cross-threaded connection without redoing the connection completely? There really isn't a lot of room to recut and put another connection in. Thanks.

ace1984
Dec 2, 2011, 09:58 AM
You could try disconnecting the connection and apply Teflon tape and a joint compound to the male threads. This has worked sometimes with metal coonections in the past. Good luck!

tommccullough
Dec 2, 2011, 10:07 AM
Dear ace,
It already had a good does of joint compound. No tape, though.

speedball1
Dec 2, 2011, 10:11 AM
is there a way to stop a leak from a cross-threaded connection without redoing the connection completely? No! Take the connection apart and do it right. The only repair to a crossthreaded fitting is to unscrew it and start it correctly, Now you can use the Teflon Tape. Good luck, Tom