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Author:
syakoban (NJ)
Hi,
Building out a new bathroom with copper supplies. The shower control has threaded connectors on the hot and cold. After having mold from water leaks in the wall in a previous bathroom, we're paranoid about leaks in this one in the future. What is the best way to be sure the threaded connections don't leak over time? I bought some Hercules Block Gasket and Pipe Thread Sealant, but I'm seeing mixed reviews and just don't know if I can trust it.
Thoughts? Anything better?
Thanks guys!
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
packy (MA)
aren't the threaded ends also made for copper tubing to fit inside and solder?
if you have to screw fittings, the best way is 4-5 wraps teflon tape with blue monster pipe dope ontop.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
The best dope imo is permatex pipe joint compoud - formerly named permatex #12.
Very very VERY messy if handled carelessly.
BUT
as Packy stated: you should be able to solder DIRECTLY to the valve body
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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
hj (AZ)
If the connections do not have copper sweat internally then I solder the adapters into the threads.
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Author:
syakoban (NJ)
Thanks guys.
I believe it is designed to alternatively solder to the brass body, but the instructions make a big deal about overheating the valve so I was hesitant.
Does it make sense to disassemble the guts, solder, and then reassemble or will I get myself into more trouble?
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Author:
steve (CA)
Yes, disassemble before soldering.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
also, you may consider 'cheating' and using 50/50 solder JUST for the actual body joints
unless you regularly drink the bath water
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
packy (MA)
thats not cheating.
code says no-lead brass is not required on a tub/shower valve.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
In 65 years, I never took the valves apart first.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
packy,
i bow to your infinite pit of knowledge
personally, i use 95/5 for almost everything
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
hj (AZ)
there are some times when the higher temperature required is not desirable.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
personally, i use 95/5 for almost everything
agree
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
95-5 has a liquidus of 400 + or -
silva brite is 600 +
silva brite has a much 'wider' pasty range making it 'appear' easier
i will stick with 95-5 or 50-50
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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