Good Afternoon –
I just finished installing a new DW. All seemed to going well during the test cycle. Then I discovered the drip at the 90 degree – 3/8 elbow. I tried to tighten it on the fly to no avail.
I have 2 questions; since its brass on brass do I need the thread seal tape? How do I get it both tight and pointing in the right direction?
Thanks,Richard
Replies
Yes, you should have used teflon tape. Try about 3 turns of tape and make sure you aren't covering part of the hole with the tape. Stretch the tape tightly around the threads in the right direction.
You should have at least a half turn on the elbow to play with as far as getting it to face in the right direction. The teflon will make it tighten easier, so make sure you don't over tighten the elbow and split the dishwasher fitting.
Thanks for the info. I did use teflon tape, obviously not enough. I'll take it apart and try again with a couple of more wraps. The right direction is the opposite direction of the threads, right?
looking at insert end, clockwise.
Lately, been using pipe dope instead of the tape. The last few I used T-tape on leaked.
MSA1
Ditto.
But which direction do I use to "wrap" the pipe dope? LOL
I like Harvey's pipe thread stick. Like a big crayon. In the tool box all the time, not very messy on the joint and always available.
Rich
Never tried the "stick". I try to do as little plumbing as possible, but sometimes it cant be avoided.
I'm with msa1.
I stopped using teflon tape on most stuff and went back to thread joint compound.
I only had 3 leaks but 2 of them were on Dishwashers.
I also switched over to the braided stainless flex supply lines for the DW for that reason.
Dont know why they leaked, but I cant stand a leak.
I have sworn off teflon tape. I use the pipe dope with the teflon additive. I think it is called TFE pase. White in color. Never had a leak with it yet......
"It is what it is."
Jeff has the plan...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Forgot about the lines. Braided are all we use too. I dont think i've ever gone to a house where a braided line blew out. I've seen failed gray and the white braided ones but not the S.S. lines.
Re. Braided lines vs white and grey.
I only saw 1 grey line come apart.
Problem was they estimate it came apart on the 1st day of the family vacation. (no one home)
A week later when they opened the door, most of the drywall that needed to be removed was already on the floor.
I do use the grey some but am very cautious about it.
Jeff
All we have around here are braided SS with 3/8 comp on both ends or 3/8 comp one end and 1/2" comp the other. I try to use the 6' if I can get it. The 4' doesn't allow enough room to pull it out.
I thought the OP had a leak were the 3/8" pipe thread elbow screwed into the DW.
Rich
Thanks to all who responded.
In about an hour I will re-attach the 90 degree elbow to the DW with an application of Rectorseal No. 5.
BTW, my water line is a 72" S.S. with 3/8 c.
Thanks again, Richard
Yep You are correct.
I was adding info based on what I do.
The important part for me is the pipe dope instead of Teflon tape.
Dont know why, but teflon tape sometimes doesnt do the trick.