Thread compound and teflon tape

[diveguy]

I'm replacing a moen tub spout/diverter since the diverter works so poorly. More hot water down the drin than up to the shower! I've tried to locate a similar filler spout with limited success. The old spout is brass with a polished gold finish. Most supply houses wanted to sell me the entire shower set (Valve, escutions, drain strainer, spout/diverter, etc) One location DID have just the spout/diverter however its a plastic unit that has a polished gold finish. I'm a little concerned as to what to use threads for installation ... I usually use a small amount of rectorseal on the brass to brass NPT fittings, my question is what, if anything, should I use on the brass nipple to the plastic pipe threads of the new spout/diverter?

Thanks,

Bob

[hj]

In most cases anything but Rectorseal, since some versions will "melt" the plastic threads.

[diveguy]

HJ,

>> anything but rectorseal since some versions may melt the plastic fittings <<

Interesting. I "did" look at the rectorseal (T plus 2) directions since I've only used on brass fittings before. It did say it could be used on CPVC and ABS. The filler/diverter has an adapter for 1/2" threads, when removed it could be used for 3/4" threads. I have 1/2" so I used the adapter

I tried a few experiments last evening just for grins:

- No tape or compound
- Just tape
- Just rectorseal
- tape and rectorseal

Well no tape/rectorseal = Lots'O-leaks
Next tried just tape = Leaked again .... (I removed the adapter and taped both the nipple threads and adapter ... voila no leaks! )
Next tried just rectorsel ... again it leaked ... once again used the rectorseal on both the nipple and adapter ... success again no leaks!

Last but not least I tried using both tape and rectorseal (and here I took a short-cut to my "experiments") and applied to both the nipple and adapter the first time ... No leaks. :)

Note: The filler/diverter is "hand-tightened" ONLY per directions, I could imagine cranking the unit down on the nipple would definetly yield poor results.

YMMV...

I will still look on the web for replacement filler/diverter with brass threads as I would rest easier...

Thanks,

Bob

[hj]

ABS and CPVC , but your spout may be PVC so you would have to check the can for that material.

[Plumber2000]

Use Teflon tape on plastic threads, pipe dope can make thread too slick and may cause you to over tighten, cracking the thread.

[jimbo]

Rectorseal #5 should not be used on plastics. The T+2 is safe for all plastic pipes.