Have to perform a presure test for my plumbing inspection. Have to hold 5 psi for 24 hrs. Threaded 3 inch cleanout plug leaks like a sieve. How to seal threads? Have some ideas, but none of them excite me. Figure real plumbers must have some simple way to do it. Will teflon tape do it? Tolerances between plug & hole seem too great for that. Also, threads seem too sharp to seal, but would just cut through the tape.
Don
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Replies
What about vasoline....
Plumber's putty.Bear
I'm pretty sure my plumber uses the liquid teflon goop. He runs a ring around the male threads, then threads the plug into place. Gives a good seal yet allows future removal.
Something makes me think that this was his "cheater method," and it's not supposed to be done like that, though. Hmmm. Can't recall why...code? I can't think of any material issues...not sure.
dope.
pipe dope.no turn left unstoned
Goop.
Goop goop goop goop goop.<g>
Around here, goop is waterless hand cleaner. Can that possibly be what you mean?
Mongo, there is also a product called Plumbers Goop that is a darn good adhesive (glue). DW uses it all the time when glueing layers of stained glass together.
One guys goop could be another guys bad poop!
Dave, Uncl Dunc, Panama...and whomever else...
I was joking with the "goop goop" post.
I'd agree that it's more commonly referred to as "dope".
I checked the plumbing bucket Saturday, and what I've got is officially referred to by the manufacturer as "teflon paste." Still, I think dope is a more appropriate name.For me, and for the goop.<g>
Hoping all of you had a nice weekend!
Mongo
Silicone the threads, let it sit a day and do your test. The threads are so slopppy on these cleanouts that the plug will unthread after the test with a small wrench.
Like red said,pipe dope, the teflon type should work.
I agree teflon pipe dope is the way to go. But clean it off (with towel then a wire brush) after the test and replace with teflon tape. The dope hardens up over the years. When it comes time to access it, you'll be turning a small square plastic knob on a large diameter, old plastic plug that is bonded a bit all around the edges. Teflon tape remains slippery longer.
David Thomas Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
I agree about cleaning it off after the test. We generally use an anti seeze joint dope on things we know will need to come apart later.
My C/O plugs never leak since I wrap them with teflon tape, THEN put teflon paste on. I eliminate the freeze up problems you mentioned David. I also found the magic pipe dope. I've used them all and this stuff rocks! For 5 bucks I'll tell you... or if you ask nicely I may tell you too! LOL