So I'm putting together a DIY rooftop solar system with Fafco Solar Bear panels.
The panels come with 2-3/8" Fafco barbs, with 1.5" threaded on the inside. I've already plumbed to use those threaded connections.
On Fafco's traditional products there are no threaded connectors, all connections and end caps are made with rubber couplings, and I see why now. The materials and manufacturing of the headers cannot product a quality threaded connection. My first attempt to apply white teflon tape liberally and evenly which normally works for me 80% of the time on regular threaded PVC resulted in copious leaks at all three threaded connections.
My fall back plan is to use traditional rubber connectors but I do want to give the threaded connections another shot.
So anyway, story aside, first I found that some people swear by pipe dope. I've only ever used the yellow Rectorseal on gas connections, apparently there's thicker white stuff that comes in a brush can too. Then I found some testimonials that when even that has failed, this Plasto Joint Stick is apparently the ultimate solution.
It's not approved for potable water which sounds good and bad, I can imagine not being restricted to drinking water safety standards would allow for more effective compounds. The SDS lists polyisobutylene.
My main concerns are 1. Is this gonna fail and leave me with gunked up connectors that are impossible to clean and 2. Is this gonna set and make a permanent connection.
The panels come with 2-3/8" Fafco barbs, with 1.5" threaded on the inside. I've already plumbed to use those threaded connections.
On Fafco's traditional products there are no threaded connectors, all connections and end caps are made with rubber couplings, and I see why now. The materials and manufacturing of the headers cannot product a quality threaded connection. My first attempt to apply white teflon tape liberally and evenly which normally works for me 80% of the time on regular threaded PVC resulted in copious leaks at all three threaded connections.
My fall back plan is to use traditional rubber connectors but I do want to give the threaded connections another shot.
So anyway, story aside, first I found that some people swear by pipe dope. I've only ever used the yellow Rectorseal on gas connections, apparently there's thicker white stuff that comes in a brush can too. Then I found some testimonials that when even that has failed, this Plasto Joint Stick is apparently the ultimate solution.
It's not approved for potable water which sounds good and bad, I can imagine not being restricted to drinking water safety standards would allow for more effective compounds. The SDS lists polyisobutylene.
My main concerns are 1. Is this gonna fail and leave me with gunked up connectors that are impossible to clean and 2. Is this gonna set and make a permanent connection.
