[everyman]

Hi,

I'm installing a new tub set, pressure balance valve and separate transfer valve. One has male IPS and the other female IPS. It all seems good but I'm feeling that last sense of paranoia before I close up the walls and start tiling. I've had my share of threaded hose bibs that start leaking even though I used teflon tape and made them good and tight. Unline sweat joints which I feel confident will last forever if they last for 5 seconds, threaded joints always make me nervous.

I'm wondering now whether something like putty would be a better, safer more permanent sealant for threaded joints rather than tape?

Thanks
Eric

 

[Mike Swearingen]

Use pipe compound or teflon tape, not putty.
Mike

 

[kenmac]

Use pipe compound or teflon tape, not putty.
Mike

Agreed,,,,, I don't use tape at all never had much luck with it

 

[majakdragon]

You could use a pipe joint compound (not putty) for these joints. I like Rectorseal and always use it for gas services. People think that thread products are for "sealing" the joint. Pipe threads are tapered. If you lay a pipe nipple on a flat surface, you can see the taper. Thread "sealants" are actually thread "lubricants". They assist in getting the joint tight.