[Zeigh]

Hello,

Are there any rules of thumb for how tight or loose a (brass or other metal) fitting can be without leaking to keep a certain orientation of the immediate plumbing? Sorry for such a basic newbie question, but I am interested what professionals do in such situations. Here is the rest of the story...

I have an elaborate plumbing design for my home water system on a well and all the related treatment equipment. It is a mix of copper pipe and PEX that I want to make user friendly for maintenance. Now, I could install unions everywhere, but that would be expensive. Equally, I don't have enough space to go all PEX. If I knew how much leeway that I had in threaded fittings, that would help me choose where to sweat a connection without the trial and error first.


Peace,
Dr. Z.

 

[joed]

The copper can soldered. So tighten the fittings then solder them in position.

 

[Zeigh]

The copper can be soldered. So tighten the fittings then solder them in position.

Yes, I can do that, but then that limits my ability to unscrew certain equipment for maintenance later. Let me rephrase my question...

Once you tighten a brass/copper fitting just to the point that is won't leak, how much further can you generally go to line up the rest of the plumbing? 45 degrees? 90 degrees? More?

I know that there are allot of variables, but any guidelines from someone smarter than me would be appreciated.


Peace,
Dr. Z.

 

[ddawg16]

In my experience, until it breaks.

Usually a 1/4 turn is not an issue. Half turn....kinda pushing it. If I get to the point where I'm not comfortable...I pull it off and add more tape

 

[Zeigh]

In my experience, until it breaks.

Usually a 1/4 turn is not an issue. Half turn....kinda pushing it. If I get to the point where I'm not comfortable...I pull it off and add more tape

Thanks. That helps. So in the situation you mentioned above, could you expect another quarter turn or so with adding more tape?

A local plumber also mentioned using pipe dope and tape in a different scenario. If used in this case, does that have decent longevity?


Peace,
Dr. Z.

 

[Bondo]

In my experience, until it breaks.

Usually a 1/4 turn is not an issue. Half turn....kinda pushing it. If I get to the point where I'm not comfortable...I pull it off and add more tape

Ayuh,.... Use 2 wrenches, 'n that can be pretty darn Tight,..... :wink2:

I'd think 90° is pretty easy,...
180° is gettin' pretty tight, dependin' on where ya started from,....

Always use 2 wrenches, 'n you always have less problems,....

Just saw yer post,....
I quit usin' tape years ago,....
Paste pipe dope is all I use,....

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Final adjustment is one arena where tape excels by about one round in some instances.

Something I've learned over the years is a T and a plug doesn't cost a hellofah lot more then a 90° ell and sure makes access into certain areas of the system at a later time a lot easier.

 

[Ghostmaker]

A 2 foot pipe wrench fixes many things...

 

[joed]

I use unions to dismantle all my copper piping at the cottage. They are less than $4.

Or use a T with a plug in one end to drain the lines. Again less the $4.