How to Seal Threaded Plumbing Pipes
There are two ways to seal plumbing pipes. The first way is to use Teflon tape. It is easy to install and does not create a mess, but in high-pressure areas, it may leak. Pipe thread compound is the second type of seal that plumbers use. The compound is durable, but it does get messy. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Teflon Tape
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1
Dry the pipes with a towel. Dry the threads on the pipe and dry the inside of the pipe you want to thread the pipe into. The pipes must be completely dry for the tape to stick.
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2
Wrap the Teflon tape around the threads of the pipe three to five times. The tape must be as tight and flat as possible.
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3
Run your thumb around the thread and tape to press the tape into the threads. Push out any air bubbles that collect under the tape.
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4
Screw the pipes together as tight as they will go. You can install the pipes or turn the water on immediately after the pipes are connected.
Pipe Thread Compound
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5
Dry the pipes with a towel. Dry the threads on the pipe, and dry the inside of the pipe you want to thread the pipe into. The pipes must be completely dry for the compound to adhere.
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6
Place four drops of pipe thread compound on the pipe. Put one drop on the threads at the same spot on all sides of the pipe.
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7
Screw the pipes together. Run the towel around the pipes to remove any excess compound.
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8
Let the pipe compound dry before you let water run through the pipes. This usually take 10 to 12 hours. The compound must be dry to seal properly.
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