18
My plumber neighbor in Denver said using Teflon tape on plastic threads is a waste of time
He argued the sealant paste is better because it lubricates and fills gaps, which changed my mind after a stubborn leak on my sprinkler system. Anyone have a go-to brand for that paste?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
jessica_dixon28d ago
@adam_young31 that split elbow sounds like a nightmare to deal with (I've been there with cracked fittings too). The pink tape is a game changer for plastic threads since it lets you get a tight seal without overtightening. Just a heads up - if you do go the paste route, make sure it's rated for potable water if there's any chance it touches drinking lines. Oatey makes a decent white paste that works well on plastic (but it's a little messy to apply compared to tape).
8
perry.skyler2mo ago
Your neighbor's right about paste being better for plastic... but Teflon tape isn't a total waste. You just have to use the right kind. The white tape can stress plastic threads and cause cracks. The pink or blue tape labeled for water lines is a softer PTFE and works fine as a lubricant.
4
adam_young312mo ago
That bit about the pink tape being softer is interesting. I used the white stuff on a garden hose spigot last year and it split the plastic elbow after one winter. Had to replace the whole bib, what a pain.
8