How to Connect Threaded Plumbing Pipes

You can connect your plumbing pipes with the help of a special adhesive that prevents leaks and seals the connections. Replacing plumbing pipes is a straightforward process that beginning do-it-yourselfers can handle.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wire brush
• Teflon tape

1. Look at the sections of plumbing pipe you want to connect. Each will be threaded, and one pipe will go inside the other. The pipe that goes inside is called a male fitting, while the other is the female fitting.

2. Clean both ends of the plumbing pipes with a wire brush. Scrub the insides and the threads until they shine, removing any dust or dirt particles that may inhibit the pipes from creating a tight seal.

3. Use some sort of sealant, such as Teflon tape. Wrap the tape directly around one section of threaded pipe before you twist the two sections together. The tape helps create a watertight seal by filling any gaps.

4. Screw the threaded plumping pipes together. Depending upon the type of plumbing pipes, you may need to add a locking nut over the top of the connection. Check with your local plumber or hardware expert to determine if this is the case.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the same procedure to add an elbow or t-connector to your threaded pipe. Use Teflon tape on both ends to create a watertight seal.
• As you screw the pipes together, avoid touching the cleaned ends.