How To Use Plumbing Tapes And Sealants To Seal Hoses And Pipes

Many people who decide to fix the plumbing themselves inadvertently fail - that's because they do not see the importance of sealing the pipes and hoses properly. It is more difficult than it seems. And it is also crucial to have the right equipement when tackling the plumbing.

Never use a sealant that is not designed for what you are doing. Sink flanges on a garbage disposal unit should be secured with plumber's putty. There are specially made wax and grease sealants for use on the base of a toilet. Shower pipes and spouts should be sealed with caulking, and the list goes on from there.

Most will learn from their mistake of utilizing the wrong sealant for certain jobs. PVC pipe glue should not be used for applications designed for plumber's putty. If you use these things rather than Teflon plumber's tape on hoses, you will never be able to remove it should you ever decide to replace the hoses.

Be sparing but not stingy. It's also important to use the right amounts. For example, a ¼ inch bead of plumber's putty is sufficient to seal around a sink. Too much will require quite a bit of clean up. If insufficient amounts are used, water will leak under the sink.

Wipe away the extra without removing too much. Too much sealant will tend to crack and tear after it hardens. Using your finger or a damp sponge, lightly wipe away any extra and you should be fine. In addition, ascertain that all smears are removed before they are dry.

Be generous with Teflon plumber's tape. Usually you cannot use too much, but in rare cases, it could create small channels for the water to escape through. Because it is relatively malleable it can be difficult even if you want to overdo it. You want to ensure that not too much is being used as it can make it near to impossible to fit the new pipes or hose back on.

Wind it in the proper direction. If you are handling hoses, the direction is not a problem, however if you are threading pipes, direction will matter. If it's not done correctly, the tape will twist off. The tail end of the tape should be going in the same direction as the way your are threading into it. This will create a good seal as the tape stretches in the same direction the pipe is being threaded. If the tape is facing the opposite direction, the seal will not be tight.

Avoid torn ends. Try to avoid tearing the tape or biting it off with your teeth. It can seem like a good idea if you are working in a cramped space that is hard for you to move around. This can lead to stretching and tearing of the ends. If the tape is stretched too much before it is threaded on the pipe, it will not seal correctly.

If the tape is cut cleanly, it will set in the threads better and not leave any ridges that could cause leaks. This should be done on the front and back of the tape. If there are bumps, it will become small gaps for water to leak from.

If you utilize the appropriate sealant for the job and follow instructions faithfully, your project should be free from leaks.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

Moses Wright enjoys DIY Home improvement. He provides more tips and resources on Do It Yourself Plumbing How To and Home Plumbing Repair at his web site.

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