Say for example, your threading on a ball valve ( or elbow or what have you ) on to a pipe. Is there a certain way to do this so that you have it seated in the position you want. By this I mean...if you want the handle on top and not the side or bottom. Is there a certain way of doing this?

Not a pro just a DIYer, but as far as I know there isn't a way other then fine tuning the tightening process.

In many cases you can do the threading ahead of time, on to both sides of a ball valve with threaded connections, then solder that to the pipe afterward to get it to turn exactly how you want it.

In other cases, like threading a shower arm onto a drop ear 90, or a tub spout onto a nipple, you have to tighten it to where you feel it's good, then crank it further to get it to the desired position. If you are at 7'O'clock position, then cranking almost a full revolution can be difficult. Some would apply more tape to compensate.

It is called tightening it until you have it where you want it.

I recently did some threaded faucet connections where orientation was critical. I found that using the more expensive blue teflon tape made it easier than using the white stuff. Probably could have gotten to the same point by using more layers of white stuff.

Remember in the case of tapered threads that there is a range of "tight" which varies depending on whether the material is brass, steel, stainless, plastic. That is, the threads deform somewhat as the threads interlock and torque increases. Temperature can also be a factor.

You will have to experiment with all of these factors to find a combination that is tight enough to not leak, but does not break the fitting.

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Links to the State of Wisconsin Plumbing Code:
[docs.legis.wisconsin.gov]
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I am not a plumber.
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