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Author:
gmum (IL)
Heres a real elementary question....
My son made up a threaded connection. He said he accidently wrapped the tape in the wrong direction (maybe). The joint doesn't appear to leak. The tape is not bunched out of the bottom really. He said it was wrapped 4 times and it was easy to "twist" the connection.
Is this a leak waiting to happen? What likely occurs when tape is applied in the wrong direction?
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Author:
hj (AZ)
It gets "left behind" as the thread is tightened.
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Author:
gmum (IL)
If it was tightly wrapped 4 times in the WRONG direction, would you see it all bunched up on the bottom?
Does that guarantee a leaker.... down the road?
If he wasn't sure, should he remake the joint even though its not leaking?
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Author:
packy (MA)
what is the pipe material ? brass, galvanized, black, plastic ???
what is the application? gas, water ?
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Author:
gmum (IL)
it was on a T&P valve of a water heater...
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Author:
packy (MA)
since it is such an easy fix, I would redo rather than risk a future leak.
wrap the tape so when your tightening the pipe, the tape does not unravel.
or. holding the pipe in your left hand, hold the end of the tape on the top of the pipe with your left thumb and start the wrap going away from you.
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Author:
gmum (IL)
ok,
but curious is the joint harder to tighten with the tape in the wrong direction?
Wouldn't it all be bunched up at the fitting?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
It doesn't usually make anything any harder to turn, but it may leave a void between the threads that water can seep through with time. It may do nothing at all, but it is better to just redo it while it is on your mind and the tools are out.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
That has nothing to do with the direction the tape is applied.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
If it is NOT leaking now, there is no reasom to assume it will leak in the future.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Only if it is all rolled out of the joint and the threads gall.
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Author:
mr leak (CA)
on a TPR I would not give it a second thought
Leave it as is open a beer and watch TV
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
Quote: holding the pipe in your left hand, hold the end of the tape on the top of the pipe with your left thumb and start the wrap going away from you.
Around here, we wrap it over the top around toward the beauty shop, and away from the liquor store. !
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Our liquor store and beauty shop are on the opposite sides from yours. But, it is immaterial because since there is NO "Teflon tape" he can't be using it anyway.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
Quote
Author: mr leak (CA)
on a TPR I would not give it a second thought
Leave it as is open a beer and watch TV
DITTO
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
Caduceus (PA)
crap....what happened to all of the teflon tape then? I need some tomorrow for a big job. Guess Ill just have to start using that PTFE stuff even though I like the teflon better.
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Author:
packy (MA)
why not use both? one in one direction and the other in the opposite direction.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; I like the teflon better.
How COULD you? The Teflon manufacturer states that they have NEVER approved Teflon for a pipe joint sealant, nor have they EVER approved the word "Teflon" to be associated with it and anyone who uses the two terms together is being negilgent or dishonest.
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Author:
Caduceus (PA)
DuPont says "No Teflon for you!" (Teflon Nazi)
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Author:
hj (AZ)
GE also says that you Insinkerator garbage disposer is NOT a "Disposal".
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Author:
Caduceus (PA)
Correct. They call it a Food Waste Disposer.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
"THEY" call it a food waste disposer, but the average person calls it a Disposal, as do many plumbers who should know better.
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Author:
ravi102769 (VA)
How many people use the term "Hot Water Heater"? Why do you need to heat hot water?
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