Using threaded PVC fittings

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    • #272989
      Avatar photoMasterPlumbers
      Keymaster

        I’ve solvent welded tons of PVC, but now need to use lots of threaded PVC and other plastic irrigation fittings. What’s the best way to know how much to tighten threaded PVC/plastic for a watertight join?

      • #286682
        Avatar photoTheLocalPlumber
        Participant

          Experience, tighten them up using teflon tape. As you crack a few you will know when to stop.
          Good Luck.
          Bill
          The Local Plumber
          Tustin, California
          http://www.TheLocalPlumber.com

        • #286683
          Avatar photohj
          Participant

            A large golf course system with many leaks was analyzed years ago, and the most common reason for leaks and broken fittings was too much teflon tape around the threads. They found that two wraps, maximum, gave adequate sealing without creating excessive outward pressure on the joint.

          • #286684
            Avatar photoSylvanLMP
            Participant

              Use Teflon PASTE not tape for starters inside the fitting and on the male threads. Hopefully your using schedule 80 fittings or greater.

              Use a strap wrench to make up these fittings not a pipe wrench.

              Hydrostatic sections of piping and not try to test every joint at once.

              Buy a few RATED unions and this way if you do have a leak you can cut out the leaking fitting and install a union Or have extra couplings ( schedule 80) regular solweld cups and then if you should have a leak you can glue these one or two defects.

            • #286685
              Avatar photoTheLocalPlumber
              Participant

                Thats the problem with being an over qualified master plumber from the Bronx.
                Every question is his to answer, and only his. Anyone else that has an opinion never really meets the expectations.
                The answer was more humorous then not, Tell me Sylvan, will you give advice to everyone? Do you think all these questions come from people with a tool bag like yours?
                What kind of advice can you give a guy that has NEVER screwed a fitting on to a pipe? Use a strap wrench.LOL
                Bill
                The Local Plumber
                Tustin, California
                http://www.TheLocalPlumber.com

              • #286686
                Avatar photodaveroconn
                Participant

                  Use some food grade silicone on the threads with the teflon this will lubricate the threads as you tighten it and also fill any voids in the threads not filled with the teflon tape. This is a trick for screwing togeather 80 PVC into a brass fitting but works well with all threaded fittings brass/plastic plastic/plastic.

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