Do you use Teflon tape for threaded PVC?

[LennyD4]

So when you guys plumbed your systems did you use Teflon tape if you had threaded pieces or did you just screw it in as much as you could ?

[10reefman]

I always use it , that way you dont have to wory about leaks.

[theplatypus]

Yes

[billdogg]

I use it for pvc up to 1". Largber than that, and on pieces that would be a total pia to take apart and redo, I use teflon paste. A small amount around the male piece and then just thread them together. The paste spreads evenly around ensuring a leak proof seal.

[Jsin]

Yes I use it and sometimes I use a plumbers silicone on threads and o-rings, this is different than the silicone used to hold a glass tank together.

[Breadman03]

I prefer Teflon paste.

[Playa-1]

I use teflon tape.

[Oppee]

Tape can split the plastic if its built up to high, paste is the way to go. Megaloc paste is a great product.

[markaren]

Is the paste sold at local home improvement stores?

[LennyD4]

Sweet thanks for the responses.

[KRavEN]

tape it or it will leak, forget the paste.

[Outdoorfishes]

Nothing but tape. That is my vote. Less expensive too

[jerpa]

Originally Posted by KRavEN

tape it or it will leak, forget the paste.

This is simply not true. If used properly a Teflon-free paste is actually the preferred method. Most leaks in threaded PVC connections are caused by overtightening or using too much tape. Whether you use paste or tape dry fit the connection. Count the number of turns required to make it finger tight. If using teflon tape dont wrap the threads more than twice. Screw the connection the number of turns for the dry fit plus 1/4-1/2 turn more. That's it.

FWIW I like Blue Monster paste from Lowe's. I used it to plumb my system and none of the 30+ threaded connections leaked.

[LennyD4]

What is the paste called exactly? I couldn't find it on the Home Depot site. Askinge about HD because I still have some money on a giftcard for them.

[LOMBO]

Tape

[Playa-1]

There are different kinds of paste and it's messy. Stick with two or three wraps of Teflon tape and be done with it. If you touch the fitting in the future you will be glad you didn't use paste.

[psteeleb]

I use tape but will use the heavier duty stuff when I have it

I've bought Teflon tape in at least three different thickness’s. Then normal white tape is pretty thin and takes 2-3 wraps and sometimes more to get a decent seal. There is a yellow tape that must be 2-3 times thicker then the white. The yellow tape is required by code for gas lines due to its ability to create a more consistent seal then the white tape. The yellow tape works better initially and it will last longer as it won’t break apart as easily while making a threaded connection.

There is also a pink tape that is for water plumbing but is about twice as thick as the white and like the yellow has a better chance of both the initial seal and longer lasting seal due to it’s durability.

White = normal water pipe but requires several wraps and may still be an issue

Pink = cost a bit more but is far superior to the white tape for creating a seal and lasting - but I don't see it very often

Yellow = is required by code on gas pipe threaded connections for its superior abilities to make and hold a seal.

[LennyD4]

Great. Thanks for that info psteeleb.

[kcress]

I use anything BUT tape with PVC. It often fails to help with sealing on the junk threads provided with PVC these days. I use Rectorseal 5 and THAT works nicely and reliably.

http://www.rectorseal.com/product-da...no-5/dsno5.htm

It should be noted that tape and teflon paste are not sealents, whereas RectorSeal is a sealant.

When I assembled my tank with tape I had about 4 aggravating drips with tape. I had to laboriously remove lots of piping. I reassembled it exactly the same way with Rectorseal and had zero leaks.

[ECFENCING]

Originally Posted by kcress

I use anything BUT tape with PVC. It often fails to help with sealing on the junk threads provided with PVC these days. I use Rectorseal 5 and THAT works nicely and reliably.

http://www.rectorseal.com/product-da...no-5/dsno5.htm

It should be noted that tape and teflon paste are not sealents, whereas RectorSeal is a sealant.

When I assembled my tank with tape I had about 4 aggravating drips with tape. I had to laboriously remove lots of piping. I reassembled it exactly the same way with Rectorseal and had zero leaks.

Resurrecting an old thread butI just wanted to add to the list of those that use pipe dope. I also used Rector Seal No. 5. It smells awful. If I had to do it again I would use Rector Seal T plus 2. At least rector seal No. 5 is soft setting so it will not harden and you can undo the connection. Seems like others have used Rector Seal No. 5 with no ill effects. I'll use pipe dope for sure on my future builds.

[SC Reefaholic]

Used tape for years. Then tried the paste. Will NEVER go back to tape.

[dmh8801]

Originally Posted by LennyD4

What is the paste called exactly? I couldn't find it on the Home Depot site. Askinge about HD because I still have some money on a giftcard for them.

Liquid Teflon, auto parts stores will carry it. Not sure about HD.

[billdogg]

It is called plumbers paste, PTFE paste, or a couple other names that escape me right now. You will find it right there with the PVC glue/teflon tapeat any big box hardware store. It is 100% reef safe and very esay to use. It can be a bit messy at first, but a little goes a long way.

[dinwiddie90]

+1 on the tape

[jimlin]

i use tape.