AboutDana Bostick Expertise Pretty much any residential plumbing questions. Note: I live and work in Southern California. We do not as a rule use boilers, hot water or steam heating systems or wells so my knowledge in those areas is limited. There are others here that can probably answer those questions better.
"We all is city folk" out here! What is a "well" LOL
Experience Licensed General Contractor with Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical sub-licenses
Question I have recently installed some copper fittings and due to the ancient plumbing in my house, I had to use a threaded insert into a copper "T" to connect a female fitting to the female side of the "T". Prior to putting the insert in to the "T", I wrapped the threads in teflon tape and then put it all together. It seems to work pretty well, but I have noticed a small drip that comews out of that junction at the rate of one drip every minute or so. Was there something I missed? I tightened it as tight as humanly possible. Was there some sort of fitting compound I was supposed to put on first, and is there something that I can put on afterwards to keep this from happeneing. Normally I would lag it and let it evaporate, but the area of this drip is usually quite damp and I'm worried that it won't evaporate in time.
Answer Hi Matthew,
I'm not a fan of Teflon tape although I have used it occasionally. Pipe threads are tapered and I think think over tightening just squooshes the tape out of the joint. Also, one or two wraps is the recommended amount and most people I've seen use many more. The exacerbates the problem. I prefer a paste with Teflon in it to the tape.
There is not a lot you can do about it now, after the fact other than re-do the joint. As long as it's wet, you will not find much that will stick to it. I have used a two-part "marine epoxy" putty with some success.
Good Luck,
Dana
