Posted by hj on January 27, 19100 at 01:17:34:
In Reply to: How much teflon tape to use? posted by Andy on January 26, 19100 at 13:22:20:
When a study was conducted on PVC joints that failed, it was found that it was because too much tape had been used and it cracked the fittings. Obviously that will not happen with metal pipe and fittings, but, normally no more than two layers are needed. However the important thing to remember is that the tape, or any other thread compound's, prime purpose is to reduce friction, so that the mating threads will make full contact. Filling any voids is a secondary function, so if the threads are old and rusty, there may be nothing that will prevent them from leaking.
:
: For a typical 1/2" international pipe standard coarse thread, how many wraps
: of teflon tape are necessary to get a good seal? Does it matter if I'm dealing with
: old rusty galvanized steel threads or crisp clean brass threads? Also, does it make a
: difference which kind of tape I use? I just have the regular white stuff, but I have seen
: other colors like blue and pink, are they of a different thickness or designed for different
: types of joints?
: Thanks in advance for any advice.