I heard from a questionable source that some manufacturers of bath related products are suggesting teflon tape and not, specifically, pipe dope aka pipe thread sealant due to possible adverse reactions with seals, gaskets, etc. I have been a proponent of the latter, particularly RectorSeal’s products, and believe they are a better engineered and more effective product. Can anyone shed additional light on this subject, such as if what I heard has any truth and / or merit and if so in which cases it’s applicable?
Thanks,
David
Edited 1/22/2008 10:17 pm ET by peedee
Replies
Just droppin' in to lend you a period, or two..
Hope my bump helps grab the attention of someone with knowledge on the subject..
Best of luck..
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Rinnai Water heaters require no pipe dope on the intake side because gobs of it can come loose and gum up the flow valve so tape only there and in re-circulating systems that incorporate Rinnai water heaters.
I can imagine that something similar might create a problem with a pressure balancing shower valve. Tape works, stays put and is clean if used correctly (not run out past the end of the threads, clean tape off disassembled fittings and go back with new when re-assembling.)
I like dope too, just not when I'm plumbing...
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"You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."
I don't see how pipe dope can effect seals and gaskets unless it's allowed to get inside the pipe. I like to use both tape and dope. I just do it neatly, making sure neither the tape nor the dope run past the end of the pipe and I don't use too much of either. Before assembly I run my finger around the end of the pipe to clean off the edge and maybe the first thread.
That's how I was taught, and it works for me.
Since properly applied dope or tape stays outside the the area of the pipe that carries anything how can it cause a problem?
Seems this is a case of the singer not the song being the problem.