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    rrekih's Avatar
    rrekih Posts: 19, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 29, 2009, 10:53 PM
    How tight to tighten a 1in union
    How tight should a 1in copper union be tightened?
    I have 2 that I have tried to tighten to no avail.
    Still very small leak under air pressure test of 40psi.
    I did sweat a threaded adapter to the union.
    The seal looks clean but dis-colored.
    Is there a way to lap the two matting surface's together?
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 29, 2009, 11:30 PM

    Where exactly is it leaking from ? From the threaded connection of where the two parts of the union come together (the large nut ) ?
    rrekih's Avatar
    rrekih Posts: 19, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 30, 2009, 08:11 AM

    It is leaking from the top of the threads where the nut fastens to.
    But it would be shown there it the 2 mating surfaces are leaking.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Nov 30, 2009, 08:15 AM

    Well, you have to remove the union, re-apply thread sealant ( pipe dope, teflon tape, etc. ) and re-tighten it. No way around it. I would not suggest you try to solder the thread to union.
    rrekih's Avatar
    rrekih Posts: 19, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Nov 30, 2009, 09:35 AM

    There seems to be some controversy in using pipe dope.
    I didn't use it here and that is probably why it is leaking.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #6

    Nov 30, 2009, 09:43 AM

    Controversay, not from us. We use pipe dope all the time, especially if you know you already have a leak.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #7

    Nov 30, 2009, 12:21 PM
    Yeah...

    I usually put pipe dope on the threads only of a union, but if it leaks, I'm pipe doping where the union ground joint mates up to to each other and tightening all up.

    Hope you're all set!

    MARK
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