??? Teflon tape or paste

[TiminNJ]

Howdy-

I recently installed a new filter and followed all instructions regarding teflon tape and 1 to 1-1/4 turn past hand tight. Tape is approx 6-7 wraps and approx. midway point on threads. Still dripping. This is at all threaded couplings and unions. I siliconed the unions at the o-ring as well.

What's better?? I picked up some NGas teflon tape as it seems thicker? Any ideas?

Thanks to all.

PS. I am signing up to be a TFP supporter tonite as this site saved me alot of $$$$ and is worth it!

 

[JasonLion]

1" or larger threaded couplings are best done with a teflon based thread compound/paste.

 

[TiminNJ]

Thanks. Now for the stupid question of the day! Is it best to apply halfway up thread to keep it from entering filter as it gets tight? Or does it matter?

 

[dmanb2b]

I use it liberally, any excess will get caught by the filter or vacumed up in the pool. I've had good luck with Oatley's Great White Paste with teflon

 

[jml]

The thicker (and pricier) silicon thread tape from Home Depot works nicely when a liberal application of many wraps of teflon tape is insufficient to stop dripping connectors.

 

[duraleigh]

Use the paste on the larger pipes and apply it so it evenly covers the entire length of the threads, wipe off the excess after you have tightened the joint.

 

[tmyers]

Always use paste on larger schedule 40 and PVC. The threads are form molded and not cut with a die. Use tape on small metal fittings. Just a side note... Old school plumbers use to use rope in the threads of cast iron to keep them from leaking because the threads were so sloppy.

 

[DBfan187]

gator tape? I think that's what it's called. I also like to put on some RTV with Teflon tape.

 

[erock14]

you know, i thought that only happened to me, all my thread in adapters leaked to. i asked a guy at lowes once where the teflon tape was, and he said for what, and i told him, and his reply was, YOU DONT NEED TAPE FOR PVC, ONLY METAL. and so it turns out not only do you need tape, it doesnt even work w/ tape. i threaded them in all the way and still leaked, so yeah paste is the only way to go, but nobdy tells you that. i just had to chime in on this thread cause i found it amusing, cause it happened to me to. and im so glad i found this site, for the abundance of information thats here