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-   -   Cleanout caps (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=237685)

  • Jul 15, 2008, 08:22 AM
    johnwi3
    Cleanout caps
    Testing the plumbing drain system and cleanout caps are weeping a little bit, filled the roof stack with water. I used teflon paste type sealant to seal all the caps but they are still weeping. Any suggestions? Also, I have a fitting leaking a bit... maybe 20-30 drips a minute. Do you have to cut out the bad area and remake new connections or can you apply some glue to the outside to seal it up? Thanks
  • Jul 15, 2008, 08:38 AM
    KISS
    Post pictures of the fitting using "Go advanced"
  • Jul 15, 2008, 11:11 AM
    ballengerb1
    If you were able to fill your vent to the roof you have more issues than you think. Is this what you did? The clean outs should be water tight but it is not as important as a supply pipe that drips. The clean out normally never has any really standing water sitting on it to cause any pressure. Clean the clean out cap and try some of this Plumbing Glues - "Amazing Goop"
  • Jul 15, 2008, 02:45 PM
    massplumber2008
    Hi John:

    I used to run into the leaking caps quite abit when testing until I finally figured out that I needed to wrap about 10 wraps of teflon around the threads of each cap and then really FILL the threads with big glop of pipe dope and then screw them in tight... that finally fixed it.

    I've been doing it like that ever since and have no issues anymore. Try that... see what happens.

    The leaking drain pipe should probably be cut out and replaced although there are some plastic epoxies that you may be able to use to seal the joint. If the joint will be hidden behind wall or in ceiling then I would definitely recommend cutting it out and replacing bad section entirely!

    I've never used the plumber's goop Bob mentioned above...wondering how that stuff works?? Bob..what do you use this for?? Can he use it as a sealant to seal the bad joint?

    Let us know what you think... MARK
  • Jul 15, 2008, 04:15 PM
    Milo Dolezal
    Clean out plugs leak. Put lots of teflon tape on threads and screw in as far as it goes. Use wrench. It that doesn't help, use nipple, screw it in, and cap it.

    Applying more glue on leaking joint will not seal the leak. Either cut it pipe and replace the leaking fitting joint - or cut the pipe at the joing, and slip FlexSeal coupling over it, and tighten the s.s. clamps.
  • Jul 16, 2008, 06:29 PM
    johnwi3
    To one of the replies... I was able to overflow the vent on the roof with water to test. My problem seems to be the caps and on connection that is fighting me all the way. I ended up cutting it out to replace it and I'm in the process of doing that. I also tested it with 5psi air pressure, it would leak down. I still think the caps are the big issue. I'm going to find out how long the air pressure test needs to be held.
  • Jul 16, 2008, 07:23 PM
    ballengerb1
    You should not be able to overflow the vent to the roof unless you have plugged the drain line leaving the house. Is that what you did as part of your test? I see that the plumbers recommend teflon tape and that does work but for something like a clean out cap I'd take my silly cheap shortcut of usung plumbers goop.
  • Jul 17, 2008, 01:16 PM
    johnwi3
    Yes when I tried the water I did have the stack plugged. Ended up finding 2 leaks... sealed them up and ended up doing the next test with 5psi of air. Dropped 1 psi over an hour... acceptable to pass you guys think?
  • Jul 17, 2008, 06:41 PM
    Milo Dolezal
    20% drop is not acceptable. Find the leak . Fix the leak. Retest. Drop should be zero (0).

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