Teflon tape not sealing. What else will work?

[AZDesertRat]

Never use Teflon tape on PVC, all PVC manufacturers recommend something like LA-CO Plasto Joint sticks. I have used it exclusively since 1983 and will not consider anything else. The 2" PVC joints on my in ground swimming pool pumps and valves are still pliable and drip free outside in Phoenix after 23 years. My 100g reef was plumbed with the same 13 years ago and still drip free. You can find more info on it in my Bulkhead Tips sticky post here on R2R and others forums.

 

[eschulist]

Yep always use a paste that's remains pliable. I originally used Teflon tape for my bulkhead fittings when I first set up my tank. In less than a year almost all of them started dripping. I switched to a never harden paste and I haven't had a drip in almost 5 years on those same fittings.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Not even paste in a can with a brush. Use the sticks that you rub on the threads. Read my sticky.

 

[Joey waid]

Silicone.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

 

[Joey waid]

Silicone.

I have used silicone many times, rtv too. It will lubricate the threads and seal. And you can undo if needed. He ask what else, this is what else and it works.

 

[Joey waid]

I have used silicone many times, rtv too. It will lubricate the threads and seal. And you can undo if needed. He ask what else, this is what else and it works.

If your going to put a X, at least explain why I'm a dumb a, others have said it too.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I'm not saying you're dumb at all.

Silicone can work it's not the best remedy to this situation. The properties of all plastics may prevent it from properly adhering and curing.

The plasto- joint stik is specifically for threaded plastic. it's used in the swimming pool industry a lot.

Remember, there are many ways to skin a cat but some are better than others.

 

[Joey waid]

I'm not saying you're dumb at all.

Silicone can work it's not the best remedy to this situation. The properties of all plastics may prevent it from properly adhering and curing.

The plasto- joint stik is specifically for threaded plastic. it's used in the swimming pool industry a lot.

Remember, there are many ways to skin a cat but some are better than others.

Agreed, after all it a trash can. Teflon tape was never designed for plastic thread to begin with. If it was not for fish I would use rector seal or the stuff you have shown us. He really needs rubber gaskets and such.

 

[hawkinsrgk]

Are you sure it is leaking from the threads and not the bulkhead? The reason that I am asking is because the bulkheads are put in backwards. I think if you turn your bulkheads around and use retroseal or some other thread sealant you will be good

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Plasto- joint stik is reef safe.

Agreed, after all it a trash can. Teflon tape was never designed for plastic thread to begin with. If it was not for fish I would use rector seal or the stuff you have shown us. He really needs rubber gaskets and such.

 

[acer]

Found this at Lowes -using it on my new build.

 

[Jimbo662]

I have used silicone many times, rtv too. It will lubricate the threads and seal. And you can undo if needed. He ask what else, this is what else and it works.

+1...I got tired of trying to get teflon tape to work. Now I always put a small bead of silicon around whatever it is I'm sealing and screw it in...no more leaks!

 

[Ontheway]

Couldn't read all the messages may be same offered. Teflon tape is not a sealant its a lubricant.
You should use RectorSeal No 5, if its threads.

 

[SR Aquaristik]

I normally use pink or yellow Teflon tape, I believe it is made for gas connections but it seems to work very well in an aquarium application. Low tensile strength silicone is also excellent. Aquascape makes a really good one specifically made for threaded connections. I hope this helps!

 

[projectx]

Lowes sells teflon paste. you can put it on as thick or as thin as needed. it can be a bit messy though

 

[AZDesertRat]

Have any of you read my Bulkhead Tips sticky thread? In the thread there are linkd to the PVC manufacturers recommendations and cautions about using Teflon tape.
LaCo Plasto Joint is designed specifically for threaded PVC joints, Rector seal and others are not.
Bulkheads have no right or wrong direction . As long as the gasket is on the flange side it does not matter if it is inside or outside the tank or trashcan. Read my tips on preparation of the threads and sealing surfaces, install the gasket on the flange side, completely dry with no silicone or pastes so the rubber vulcanizes or sticks to the flat surfaces and do not over tighten and you will not have leaks. Really though for curved surfaces like a trash can, a Uniseals is a better choice since it conforms to the curvature and uses a friction fit seal.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/installing-bulkhead-tips.34973/

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

@AZDesertRat knows his stuff. learned about the plastco-joint stik from him many years ago. I use nothing else on the setups I do.

 

[projectx]

Lowes sells teflon paste. you can put it on as thick or as thin as needed. it can be a bit messy though

 

[AZDesertRat]

Again Teflon paste is not designed or intended for PVC. Read the PVC manufacturers recommendations.