Air in Pump

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I find that the pour over method does not always work. You have to be very patient as the bubbles may not go away immediately. Also if the gap is at the bottom of the fitting, it can be difficult to keep it wet.

An alternative I have used in the past quite successfully is to use pool lube on any suspected joint. The suction in the pump will suck in the pool lube and it may seal for a short period. Just enough to figure out where the leak is. Without removing any fittings, I would apply some pool lube on the nipple fitting threads going into the pump threads and see if that reduces the bubbles at all.
 
So I ran the water test again and found the leak is at the 2” to 1-1/2” reducer fitting in the front of the pump. I tried tightening it as far as I could go without forcing it further. I was afraid to crack something. Should I remove and retape the fitting or do you recommend getting a new reducer fitting? Also, I’m guessing I wrapped the tape about 4 or 5 wraps. Should I have done more? Should I use a sealant and instead of or with the tape.

Thanks
 
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Teflon tape should not be used on PVC threads:

Assembling Threaded Plastic Fittings | LASCO Fittings

www.lascofittings.com www.lascofittings.com

They recommend a non-hardening sealant make specifically for PVC threads. Like this:

Oatey® Great White® Pipe Joint Compound With PTFE | Oatey

Oatey® Great White® Pipe Joint Compound With PTFE is a non-hardening, non-separating, non-toxic paste that lubricates and seals all threaded joints. This compound permits a tighter assembly with lower torque for secure permanent sealing of all threaded connections. Allows for easy disassembly...
www.oatey.com www.oatey.com
 
My preference is pipe dope (joint compound). For me, it's faster, easier and looks better.

That said, thousands of of threads are made up every day using teflon tape. I won't argue with a manufacturer but many, many many many connections are successfully made using 2-3 wraps of teflon tape

I would take the joint apart and put it back together with pipe dope but if you decide to use teflon, 3-4 wraps is plenty of tape.
 
Thanks. What pipe dope do you recommend? should you leave the pump off for a while after installing with pipe dope? ... even though I know it doesn't harden. Lastly, how much pipe dope should be applied. I've seen it in grey and I've seen it in black?
 
This is made specifically for PVC pipe threads:

Oatey® Great White® Pipe Joint Compound With PTFE | Oatey

Oatey® Great White® Pipe Joint Compound With PTFE is a non-hardening, non-separating, non-toxic paste that lubricates and seals all threaded joints. This compound permits a tighter assembly with lower torque for secure permanent sealing of all threaded connections. Allows for easy disassembly...
www.oatey.com www.oatey.com

Oatey® Great Blue® Pipe Joint Compound | Oatey

Oatey® Great Blue Pipe Joint Compound is a non-separating thread sealant formulated to seal threaded connections on metal and plastic pipe up to and including 2" diameter.
www.oatey.com www.oatey.com

I would not use anything else.
 
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+1 what mas985 said (unless Oatey can't be found - then use another brand

You can pressurize it immediately

Wipe the joint with a rag.......makes for a nice, clean appearance......you chose the color you like.
 

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Be careful with pipe joint compounds that contain teflon. It makes it real easy to over tighten a fitting and crack something.

Plumbers typically prefer Rectorseal products. Most use a few wraps of teflon tape, followed with #5.
 
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