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PeterVincent
Junior Member
Joined: 19 Jun 2008
Posts: 45
Location: Ireland
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 Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:00 am Post subject: Best way to use plumbers tape for compression fittings |
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Hi, I wish to find the most appropriate way to use plumbers tape on 15mm compression fittings. Searching the internet I find the following conflicting guidelines:
1. None required
2. On threads (male) only
3. On front and back of olive only
4. On olive and threads
I would love some advice from experienced people.
Thank you,
Peter |
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Hoovie
Devon DIYer
Joined: 27 Jul 2007
Posts: 8036
Location: East Devon
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| Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:06 am Post subject: |
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Hi Peter,
The options generally put forward on this forum and that I have personally adopted and have proved successful is:
1) Use GAS PTFE Tape rather then standard PFTE Tape (I presume by Plumbers tape, you mean PTFE tape?)
2) NEVER on threads, and wrap on Olive only
Many plumbers would also say No Tape required.
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PeterVincent
Junior Member
Joined: 19 Jun 2008
Posts: 45
Location: Ireland
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| Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:09 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Hoovie,
How would you suggest that I tape the olive?
Peter |
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Hoovie
Devon DIYer
Joined: 27 Jul 2007
Posts: 8036
Location: East Devon
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| Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:20 am Post subject: |
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I can tell you how I do it - I don't claim it is the only or the best way ......
I use GAS PTFE tape, as it is thicker and doesn't disintegrate when you just look at it  I slide the olive on the pipe, just put on one wrap on it so it covers the olive and that is it. Slide the olive into place with the tape on it and fit.
I will own up and say I did used to use tape on the threads, but the guys here sorted me out  - Using the way I described, I have not had (touching lots of wood) any problems with my fittings.
I think the tape maybe a bit of a "comfort blanket" compared to nothing in the hands of an experienced pro plumber, but it works for me, so I will carry on using it - and I much prefer it to the 'Boss White' type compound you smear over the olive (and/or thread looking at some old fittings I have removed?) - never got on with that and it is very messy to clean off if you have to dismantle the fitting and want to reuse again.
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I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?"
She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. |
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mehera
Junior Member
Joined: 22 May 2008
Posts: 20
Location: brighton
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| Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:05 am Post subject: |
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I hate it when people put ptfe on compression joints - it can stop the olive being compressed ya nana head!
Ptfe is not needed on compression joints with an olive as the olive does the job. Ptfe is used on joints WITHOUT an olive, like rad taps and threaded steel joints.
Some people go ptfe crazy, and i have sorted many leaks caused by excessive use of ptfe! |
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Jaeger_S2k
Senior Member
Joined: 19 Nov 2006
Posts: 2786
Location: North West, England, United Kingdom
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| Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:44 am Post subject: |
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| mehera wrote: |
I hate it when people put ptfe on compression joints - it can stop the olive being compressed ya nana head!
Ptfe is not needed on compression joints with an olive as the olive does the job. Ptfe is used on joints WITHOUT an olive, like rad taps and threaded steel joints.
Some people go ptfe crazy, and i have sorted many leaks caused by excessive use of ptfe! |
Not far wrong, I also add tape to an existing compression joint I have opened for maintenance.
I think the problem is people don't believe ....
1. The olive could possibly work.
2. The PTFE tape is so thin, it couldn't possibly work.
3. The thicker the tape the better.
I'd change your ways a little hoovie, gas PTFE is good for radiator threads and of course gas but normal ptfe will do just fine on compression. BUT remember PTFE is a compression component and needs compressing then so does the olive!
If you are inclined (for your own peace of mind) to put PTFE on a compression joint olive then just a 2 wrap with 50% overlap will be more than sufficient and allow you to compress the olive.
Wrapping wads of tape on will stop the olive compressing and that will/could result in the pipe slipping out of the fitting, under pressure. as it's not been nipped by the olive.
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Stoday
Electricity economics consultant
Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 3227
Location: Sitting on the Bog
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| Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 3:18 pm Post subject: |
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Don't use ptfe on compression joints. Manufacturers advise against it.
It's a good idea to use it on threads of larger components, especially immersion heaters, not to obtain a water tight seal but to facilitate unscrewing it in the future. You obtain a water tight seal with a washer which acts as a gasket.
Gas is different.
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