Hi, my questions relate to a new faucet install.
1. I put teflon tape on the faucet stems where the 1/2 in braided hose connects. The other end 3/8 inch of the hose at the shut off valve already had some. I did not remove that end when I took off the old faucet. Is this okay?
2. How tight does the pivot nut for the drain stopper need to be? If I tighten too much the action actually bends the plastic adjuster barr that attaches to the pivot arm and the pull arm on the faucet. I backed it off until the motion was smooth but I am concerned that it may leak over time.


My first question is actually whether I should have used the teflon tape between the braided hose and the faucet stem. I have already made the connectionsa and would rather not take it apart to remove the tape unless it will cause problems. The hose has a metal end - not plastic. The manual from the faucet vendor did not say to use tape but some sites for faucet installs say to wrap the faucet stem before connecting the supply hose.

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1. I put teflon tape on the faucet stems where the 1/2 in braided hose connects. The other end 3/8 inch of the hose at the shut off valve already had some. I did not remove that end when I took off the old faucet. Is this okay?

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Taping the threads is OK. If it doesn't leak under pressure you did good!

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2. How tight does the pivot nut for the drain stopper need to be? If I tighten too much the action actually bends the plastic adjuster barr that attaches to the pivot arm and the pull arm on the faucet. I backed it off until the motion was smooth but I am concerned that it may leak over time

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If you're asking how tight the retaining nut,(see image) has to be, hand tighten it until the pivot arm holds the stopper up. You may adjust it for a firmer or lighter pull but the stopper MUST remain up when you release the stopper rod. Good luck, Tom

Tom nailed down on top of his instruction, open the link below will give you more info, good luck.

John

How to Fix a Bath Sink Stopper | Video | Plumbing | This Old House