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Author:
bjw66 (CA)
Hello,
I'm installing a 1/4-turn angle stop on 1/2" copper. Originally I installed a valve with a compression fitting but found it to have a very slow leak regardless of how well I seated the compression fitting (yes, I did use a pipe cutter on the copper and I de-burred it, so I believe it was a clean surface interfacing with the 1/2" compression fitting on the angle stop). Nonetheless, I decided to by-pass the compression fitting and I sweated a threaded fitting on the copper and purchased another angle stop with a female threaded connection for the new 1/2" threaded male copper fitting. After wrapping the male threads six times with teflon and tightening the angle stop on to the male fitting, I still have a slow leak. I realize now that the angle stop I purchased is intended to interface with "iron" threads. I couldn't find an angle stop with 1/2" female threads intended for a threaded copper fitting. Do they exist? I am assuming that the joint leaks because the OD of iron threads is slightly larger than the OD of copper threads. Thanks for your help.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
The threading is identical. I suspect that you wrapped the tape the wrong way and it started unrolling and bunched up in the threads leaving a gap, or you simply didn't tighten it enough. Try removing the stop and the tape, then rewrap the threads clockwise as you face the threads for at least 3 thicknesses for the length of the threading.. compression stops seldom leak unless they are under or over tightened. Also, make sure that your leak isn't coming from the supply line. If it was seeping out there and running to the bottom of the stop you may have changed it out twice unnecessarily.
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Author:
bjw66 (CA)
Thanks for your quick reply. I did wrap the teflon in the clockwise direction. The leak is not coming from the supply line. It is possible that I under- or overtightened the original compression fitting, yet I am stumped as to why the threaded fitting leaks... I am glad to know that the threads are exactly the same. I will remove it and re-install for the third time--that's why Sundays were invented!
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
bjw66 (CA)
So, I changed out the threaded angle stop for the original compression-style stop, but cleaned up the copper pipe again and replaced the bushing with a new one. It looked good for about half an hour, then I went away for over an hour to come back and find the fitting has a slow leak. I cranked down the compression nut another quarter turn, which feels very tight now. I will see if that works...
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
also why plumbers stay in business
not in spite of the DIYers, but, because of them
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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Busiest day of the week for residential jobs was always sunday. Husband had his chance Saturday, and called in a pro on Sunday. Usually the husband sat staring at the tv, never raising his eyes to acknowledge the guy that fixed both the original problem and the one he created. Most of the wives had that "I told him not to touch it but he didn't listen to me" look on their faces.. That smug satisfied look that let you know that he was going to feel that knife get twisted for years to come.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
... twisted juuuuuust enough to 'smart' but not enough to impede the ability to provide ...
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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
hj (AZ)
One customer called late Saturday night and said her husband "fixed" the tub/shower valve, but "now it won't turn off". Seems he inserted the stems in the "off" position and punched the web with the seats out. When I told her I would have to cut a hole in the shower behind it, she said, "That does it. I am taking his tool box away from him".
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Author:
sum (FL)
May be that stubout piece of1 1/2" is out of round or over strangled?
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Author:
bjw66 (CA)
You guys are great. I'm glad to have provided an opportunity for everyone to laugh and tell jokes. Unlike the hubby on the couch watching the game while the pro fixes his plumbing, I pounded nails all week and then worked all weekend doing property maintenance in order to cover the exorbitant rent my lady and I pay in the lovely Bay Area of California. The literal definition of a professional is "someone who gets paid to do something." In that sense, I'm a hack pro because I'm doing work trade toward my rent...
At any rate, keep on laughing, but it appears the issue was an undertightened compression fitting. I cranked it down some more with two equally large wrenches and got it to seal up (I hope). Having stripped too many automotive fittings and hardware, I am admittedly tentative about cranking down on something this small with too much leverage. Tomorrow morning I'll check to see if the fix is holding.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
"Having stripped too many automotive fittings and hardware, I am admittedly tentative about cranking down on something this small with too much leverage"
Then you understand that when we laugh and joke it is because it is a common theme, not that we have anything against anyone personally. You have obviously been the one to cause this sort of issue in the past in some endeavor, but you were cautious this time and asked for advice. In the future you won't make the same mistake because you are learning from them. The trouble with DIY home repairs is that they are seldom just a simple fix. Most Diyers don't truly understand a problem and attempt a repair that is above their expertise; if they did some research before tearing into a project, they would find that they are in over their heads and need help. A prime example of this is the person that fixes a water stain on a ceiling with some kilz and paint. They are oblivious to the fact that the water came from somewhere else first, and may need a plumber or a roofer to fix the actual problem before addressing the cosmetic issues. The next time the spot appears the drywall may be sagging, soaked insulation, water damaged roof trusses, or maybe the ceiling just collapses. A Diy fix can cause a seriously expensive chain of events.
Most people that work in any branch of a building trade have enough crossover knowledge to be familiar with other branches, but not the experience or training to be competent. In time they may pick up the basics, but won't ever be masters of the craft. I could build a deck, but I wouldn't presume to know how to design a house. Likewise, I wouldn't expect an experienced general contractor to know how to properly size water systems; but I would expect that he could set a toilet just as fast as I could.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Or the guy who wants to fix his faucet, or some other repair, and tears into it without knowing what actually has to be done to fix it, and causes a major repair job.
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Author:
greekguy7 (IL)
Are you are renter?? If so, I sure hope you are not doing plumbing on anything that doesn't belong to you. If you cause any damage, you may be liable for anything and everything
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Some people are determined to learn the hard way.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
at least it keeps them out of mischief.
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Author:
bjw66 (CA)
All points well taken, brethren. Hopefully I have earned your respect because of my tenacity. The compression fitting is now holding strong. Cheers!
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