Stubborn drip!

sobro

Hi

I recently replaced a water heater and put a 1/2" male -> pex transition into a Tee that supplies my water heater. The problem is this: no matter what I do, the transition keeps leaking! I have tried cleaning it out with a wire brush, using pipe thread tape, using heavier pipe thread tape, and using a combination of pipe thread tape smeared with teflon infused thread sealant.

It continues to leak, though it's so slow, I can't even really see it happen. The fitting is tight and I'm running out of options. Has anyone ever dealt with something like this? Any help you might provide is appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

joecaption

Without a picture how would we know what you trying to use for fittings?
Also the in line and the main run should have been 3/4 not 1/2.
Using to small a line is as sure way to have low and pressure to the whole house.
A 3/4 line has almost twice the flow of a 1/2"

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TheEplumber

You have possibly over tightened the pex adapter and expanded the female fitting. Consider replacing both fittings.
I like to use pipe dope and tape on the male threads- other people consider that an overkill

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sobro

My apologies. Here is a pic of the transition:

Unfortunately I cannot take a picture of the old stuff since I"m not there right now. I am just replacing what was there - nothing has changed and the water pressure is fine.

sobro

Ok - thanks. I really didn't tighten it too much at first, but it is probably original piping (80-90 y/o). I would like to avoid taking it apart since that means I would have to do a huge section of the main run.

And I'm with you - I would rather experience overkill than have to take it apart again (which has already happened too many times

ben's plumbing

redue the other part that is 80-90 yrs old ..should fix your problem...

747

Pipe dope is short money for added protection. You can buy a little thing at any home improvement center. You don't need the big can like ben buys