Help! Leaks around threads of pump and heater

[orleejoelle]

Hi, I am setting up all this pool equipment myself for a small aboveground pool and have a problem with steady dripping leaks around the threads from the pump and from the heater. I have wrapped some teflon tape on the plastic connectors that screw into the pump and heater and I've tightened them as much as I can with a wrench and there are still slow steady drips coming out. There don't seem to be any leaks coming from the hoses, which are clamped on tight. Is there a certain method or technique I'm missing that will help me seal up these leaks? Am I supposed to wrap a lot more teflon tape around the threads or add some kind of rubber seal?
I would greatly appreciate help or advice with this!
Thanks,
Orlee

 

[dmanb2b]

forget the tape...try some great white ptfe pipe dope

 

[reebok]

is this stuff what you're talking about?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p ... 138-31230D

 

[orleejoelle]

Ok, I just hope I can find that or something similar here in Israel!
I'll post an update. Any other ideas in case it's not available here?

Orlee

 

[dmanb2b]

that;s it...oops didn't realize you were in israel...good luck

 

[reebok]

so the leak I have at the pvc threads that screw into my pump (that then goes to the filter) can be fixed with this stuff? (not trying to hijack, I think the op is having the same issue)

 

[duraleigh]

Yeah, typically teflon tape doesn't seem to work as well on the larger (say over 1") fittings. Properly applied the tape can work on much larger fittings but the thread sealant seems a little more foolproof.

I really like the neatness of teflon tape but I personally don't use it over 1".

 

[reebok]

so is this something you apply over the existing connection or is it a replumbing deal?

 

[duraleigh]

Replumb.

Take apart the joint and clean any old teflon from it thoroughly, then apply the sealant evenly to the threads.

Reattach.

 

[reebok]

oh, dang. thanks for the info.

 

[DBfan187]

We don't use pipe dope. We use an RTV around the threads in conjunction with thread tape. Always go hand tight only.

 

[orleejoelle]

What is an RTV? Thread tape is teflon tape??
Thanks!

 

[Gooserider]

RTV is silicone sealant / gasketing type stuff...

One of the things that I tend to use is "Rector-Seal" pipe dope, same stuff my plumber uses on potable water lines, and black-iron gas and hydronic heating lines. What he does, and says is a very good technique (and I haven't had any leaks on stuff I've done this way) is to put down a layer of dope a couple wraps of teflon tape(make sure you wrap it in the correct direction!) and another layer of dope over the teflon - brush the dope on in the same direction you wrapped the tape...

The standard directions on the Rector-seal can say 3 turns past hand tight for black iron, I try to get at least two turns and bring the fittings into alignment on the third... It's messy but it works good.

Gooserider