Newbie plumbing question

[jgvergo]

Dumb question...How do I tighten a schedule 80 plumbing union while maintaining the orientation of the pipe on the non-threaded side of the union? I need two hands to hold the wrentches for the two threaded pieces.

 

[143MPCo]

I get one of my kids to hold the pipe in the correct orientation, leaving me free to do the rest of the job.

 

[jgvergo]

My wife suggested she could do it I thought there might be a trick of the trade.

 

[ReeferBob]

Union's only need to be hand tight. Should be an easy matter to do this yourself. Use a good food grade silicone lubricant on the oring.

 

[jgvergo]

Union's only need to be hand tight. Should be an easy matter to do this yourself. Use a good food grade silicone lubricant on the oring.

Thanks Bob. I was not aware that I should be using silicone lubricant, but it makes a lot of sense. I also plan to go a quarter turn beyond "hand tight" just so I can sleep at night!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Agree with the lubricant, but just make sure it's not petroleum based. Petroleum based lubricants cause rubber to swell and eventually fail. They do sell a Plumber's Grease specifically made for rubber, but it's something like $12 for a two ounce tube. I've been using Leslie's Pool Lube for over 20 years, and with that you get a real big tube (a life-time supply) for about $7.

 

[jgvergo]

I just picked up some of this. It is designed to prolong the life of the o-rings and seals in your draft beer equipment. If it's good for beer, it's good for me

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'll drink to that!


EDIT TO ADD: I just looked this stuff up and the suggested use is on metal parts in the food industry. When checking out the MSDS, it is petroleum based....I wouldn't use it on rubber. HERE is the MSDS.

 

[ReeferBob]

I just got this - looks good for SW use.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XBH9HI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01

 

[redfishbluefish]

You really need to get a lube specifically made for rubber. This Super Lube Synthetic is compatible with some forms of rubber, but not natural and SBR rubber (and some others). If you had gotten the Super Lube Silicone Grease you would have been better off. HERE is the rubber compatibility chart for Super Lube.

 

[jgvergo]

RFBF and Bob, THANKS!!! Although it is advertised as "food grade" it is petroleum based. I cancelled my order and I ordered the Super Lube.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Go to any restaurant or homebrewing supply store and ask for keg lube. It's a NSF approved edible silicone grease used specifically for o rings and gaskets. Very inexpensive and a little goes a long way, you just lightly coat the o ring by running it between your fingers.