Recommend wrench and lube for the union and rings

[joseywales]

We had a Raypak heater installed. The return leaked a bit, so the guy came back. He used a metal oil filter wrench on the unions. Scraped them up a bit, which I HATE. Some folks here have suggested strap wrenches and other large channel locks. I have a large set of channel locks, which will work for thelines to the heater, but the unions I will need a second wrench to hold one side. Then I read that hand tight should just about do it, so I don't want to crank on it. I think he cranked more than I would have, Should be fun in October...

What about lube for the rings?

Thanks

 

[jgofnj]

For Lube, I use Magic lube:
Magic Lube

or this

https://www.amazon.com/Hayward-SPX0327-1-Ounce-Jacks-Multilube/dp/B00CG4GMTG

 

[griffths]

We had a Raypak heater installed. The return leaked a bit, so the guy came back. He used a metal oil filter wrench on the unions. ...Then I read that hand tight should just about do it...

What about lube for the rings?

Thanks

I like the Magic Lube II

You definitely don't want/need a wrench to tighten the unions on the heater unless a pipe is really out of line, in which case, I would suggest redoing the pipe rather than cranking on the fitting.

I have a Raypak heater and my fittings are just hand tight and have never leaked a drop.

 

[joseywales]

I like the Magic Lube II

You definitely don't want/need a wrench to tighten the unions on the heater unless a pipe is really out of line, in which case, I would suggest redoing the pipe rather than cranking on the fitting.

I have a Raypak heater and my fittings are just hand tight and have never leaked a drop.

I hear you and I won't be using a wrench on those. What about the union on the pipe? My one union rests on the ground, so I don't see hand tightening cutting it there. I'd have to get on that, easy, but still I think I'll have to use a wrench on that.

 

[scooperhsd]

The big channel lock pliers, then if you HAVE to go bigger - a pipe wrench (be careful with this). Strap wrenches are OK, but the channellocks and the pipe wrench are my goto tools for stuck PVC fittings (or making them tighter).

And yes - Magic Lube / silicon lube.

 

[griffths]

I hear you and I won't be using a wrench on those. What about the union on the pipe? My one union rests on the ground, so I don't see hand tightening cutting it there. I'd have to get on that, easy, but still I think I'll have to use a wrench on that.

Sorry, I didn't read your original question close enough and thought you were asking about the unions on your heater but my advice/recommendations don't change in any event.

Unions seal with the O-ring NOT by how tight the clamping ring is. If there is a leak then something is either: not aligned correctly, the O-ring is damaged, there is some sort of debris caught between the o-ring and sealing surface or the clamping ring is cracked from over tightening it.. You should be able to get any union in your pool plumbing to be leak free by hand tightening. Without seeing a pic of your particular situation it is hard to say for sure that you don't need a wrench to tighten/loosen your union near the ground but if it is really that close/buried, then it also greatly increases the chances that some dirt got in between the o-ring and sealing surface and by cranking on the clamping ring, you are smashing the o-ring down over the debris stuck in between.

I wouldn't think you would need a second wrench to loosen the union since the 1-1/2 or 2" PVC pipe should easily resist enough torque to get the clamping ring loose otherwise it is WAY too tight.. If you are trying to TIGHTEN it more to stop a leak, I would suggest taking a closer look at what I have mentioned above before trying to tighten it more. You may crack the clamping ring and then have a larger problem to deal with.

All of the above said, IF you need/want to use a wrench on a union nut, I would suggest a large Channel lock pliers. I have a pair that my dad calls the "big blues" that work perfectly for that sort of situation. I needed them when I was redoing the plumbing on my pool after the pool "professionals" had their way with it and I needed to start over.

Regards,

 

[Zrock]

Agree with above you should never need a tool to get a union to stop leaking. All that is doing is deforming the ring that can run you into other issues. Lube everything up good and hand tight even use a towel or something to give you some extra grip

 

[RDN]

For lubricant/sealing of rubber o-rings I have been using silicone grease; the local hardware store should have it. Silicone Grease

Doesn't eat up the rubber, seals well.

Probably the same stuff as in the Magic Lube II, but I can't say for sure...

Ron

 

[joseywales]

...I have a pair that my dad calls the "big blues" that work perfectly for that sort of situation. I needed them when I was redoing the plumbing on my pool after the pool "professionals" had their way with it and I needed to start over.

Regards,

I have the big blues as well and after the pool professionals cranked down on that union, I feel I'll have bigger blues come winterizing time