[LReefer]

I did a search first and didn't find anything on this.

How many times should you wrap your threaded connections with the Teflon tape?

How does the tape work exactly? What purpose does it serve?

I think that it just kind of gets crushed to fill the thread gap but when I undo the connection it doesn't appear to have done much. Do I add more or less, which is better?

[LReefer]

How many wraps of Teflon do others here do for their threaded plumbing fittings?

[richhershey]

I usually do 3 wraps going the same way that you will screw the female end on so it doesn't "bunch up". It should look a little chewed up when you unscrew the connection, but then you should clean it off and wrap it again.

[LReefer]

Thanks Rich looks like you are doing it right, I did a search on Google and dug up the following:

searched: teflon tape wrapping instructions

Start wrapping the male threads at end of the pipe but do not lap over the end.

Start with a couple loops around at the end, then wrap all the threads, overlapping half the width of the tape on each wind.

Wrap in the direction of the threads starting from the end and proceeding toward the length of the pipe. Wrapping the wrong way may result in the tape coming unwound as the fittings are tightened.

As you wrap, keep tension on the tape so that it is pulled into the threads.

If you loosen or disconnect a fitting, remove the old tape and rewrap with a fresh piece.

I received a new pump yesterday which I have to use "Teflon Dope" on, so I have to go and figure out what that is now.

Never ends does it.

[LReefer]

My mistake, it's not Teflon Dope, it's "Pipe Dope".

Anyone use this? I just received a Reeflo Barracuda pump and the instructions say to use Pipe Dope. Don't even know which type to use, how much to put on or whether teflon tape will do instead.

Anybody have any experience with plumbing this pump?

[jimw369]

Pipe dope. Been around for 40 years. Much better than Teflon tape IMO. Just fill the threads with the dope and screw on your fitting. Done. Very easy.

[LReefer]

Thanks Jim. What type do you use for pvc threads? does it matter? I read about Pipe Dope on Wikipedia and other places online and it seems that the Pipe Dope can deteriorate the pipe if you use the wrong kind.

I'll head over to Home Depot and see what they have. I'll probably find something on the instructions, if they carry it there that is.

[LReefer]

It's all leaking except where I used the Pipe Dope!

I'm redoing all the threaded connections with Teflon Tape and Pipe Dope.

[pogodzib]

If you look at the tubing or container that the pipe dope and/or tape comes in, it will say what types of materials it can be used with and on. Some are to be used with gas and water and others are just for water. Also, some types should only be used with metal pipe, and others can be used on plastic pipe.

When I use the tape, I like to wrap the fitting about 4-5 times, if the pipe is a larger size, the threads are deep, or the piping seems strong. With thin walled piping or some of the cheaper fittings, if you wrap too many layers of pipe tape around them, the fitting will crack when they get screwed together.

As for what type is better, the tape is less messy, but the dope is probably easier to make sure you get a good connection. Either one will work and make a leak free connection if care is taken.

[spanko]

Agree with all of the above. I use Teflon tape. To me it is easier, less messy and has worked flawlessly for me in the past.