Tip for fixing leaky plastic plumbing fittings

[gus]

I agree with gumpy about metal pipe threads, especially on air lines, they leak if some kind of sealer isn't used. They also need something to make them possible to uncouple a few years down the road.

My favorite is the new(to me) liquid teflon, great stuff.

Plastic may be a different story but I still use it anyway. Plastic is easy to crack with too much muscle, sealer or no sealer.

[Dreamscape]

I also only use pipe dope on threads. Threadlocker from Loctite. I stopped using teflon tape because of advice from others in our hydraulic equipment fittings and valves. So I totally agree with others who have posted. It is more difficult to apply, takes a little more time, but is much better than a leak and doing it over again.
If you use teflon on water pipes, only wrap it one to one and a half times, no more.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

[gumpy]

I had some problems with teflon tape on my water system. My pump developed a small leakback, which would cause it to cycle when not being used. I finally took it apart, and found pieces of teflon tape in the diaphrams. Removed the debris, added a screen to the inlet, and have not had any more problems. I'm more careful when applying tape or paste to threads now, and try to avoid getting right down to the first thread.