Teflon tape on PVC??

Sgt Jonny Cat · 04/21/2018, 11:17 AM

So as I plan my 150 build I have been watching numerous Youtube videos on tank plumbing and I see most people are using Teflon tape on their threaded connections. Is this a good idea? Because I thought the Teflon tape was for brass/metal fittings and using it can put too much stress on the PVC. I'm pretty sure they make a paste for PVC don't' they? Anyone want to chime in? Thanks...

homer1475 · 04/21/2018, 11:25 AM

Exactly!

Use teflon paste for PVC. Tape for metal fittings.

PVC threads are tapered so the tape makes them slide easier which means you can actually over tighten and crack a fitting. Paste simple seals the threads and doesn't decrease friction like tape.

Either one will work as long as you only hand tighten PVC. But, to be correct, tape on metal, paste on plastic threads.

ChristopherPere · 04/21/2018, 11:31 AM

Teflon tape is made for metal. You won't get a proper seal with metal on metal without the tape. Paste is used for PVC.

Bent · 04/21/2018, 02:56 PM

I’ve used tape on pvc for years without any problem.

Is it a good idea? No.
Can you over tighten a fitting with it? Yup sure can.

You just have to know how much is too much. Paste is the appropriate use.

Dsekula · 04/21/2018, 03:09 PM

You could technically use either and have it work. There is specific tape made for each individual material or the standard white cheap stuff works for most applications. Sometimes stainless is a pita if you don't use the specific tape or paste tho. The reason most people use paste on plastic is because it's easy to over wrap with tape and crack the fitting. Most plastic threaded connections are tapered but there are ones that are not, these are the type (not tapered) I personally tape. Do what your comfortable with and good luck!!

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mcgyvr · 04/22/2018, 06:53 AM

Teflon tape is always for metallic threads..
Threaded PVC connections should always be done with a non-hardening thread sealant paste specifically intended for PVC..
http://www.lascofittings.com/threads

thegrun · 04/22/2018, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

Teflon tape is always for metallic threads..
Threaded PVC connections should always be done with a non-hardening thread sealant paste specifically intended for PVC..
http://www.lascofittings.com/threads

+1, even Teflon paste can be an issue, not just Teflon tape since the Teflon lubricates the joint and makes it very easy to over tighten the connections which can cause the fittings crack. Rectorseal paste has been my choice as a PVC sealant for years.

04/21/2018, 11:17 AM	#1
Sgt Jonny Cat Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: North of Boston Ma. Posts: 685	Teflon tape on PVC?? So as I plan my 150 build I have been watching numerous Youtube videos on tank plumbing and I see most people are using Teflon tape on their threaded connections. Is this a good idea? Because I thought the Teflon tape was for brass/metal fittings and using it can put too much stress on the PVC. I'm pretty sure they make a paste for PVC don't' they? Anyone want to chime in? Thanks... __________________ In the process of putting together a 150 gallon mixed reef. Ill keep you posted. Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon

04/21/2018, 11:25 AM	#2
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	Exactly! Use teflon paste for PVC. Tape for metal fittings. PVC threads are tapered so the tape makes them slide easier which means you can actually over tighten and crack a fitting. Paste simple seals the threads and doesn't decrease friction like tape. Either one will work as long as you only hand tighten PVC. But, to be correct, tape on metal, paste on plastic threads. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work"

04/21/2018, 02:56 PM	#4
Bent I got nothin' Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The anals Posts: 6,420	I’ve used tape on pvc for years without any problem. Is it a good idea? No. Can you over tighten a fitting with it? Yup sure can. You just have to know how much is too much. Paste is the appropriate use. __________________ Quitters never lose. [QUOTE=CStrickland]Who gets mad at a starfish?[/QUOTE] Current Tank Info: 75g DT, 30G refugium, 10g chaeto tank, 50g stock tank basement sump

04/22/2018, 06:53 AM	#6
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Teflon tape is always for metallic threads.. Threaded PVC connections should always be done with a non-hardening thread sealant paste specifically intended for PVC.. http://www.lascofittings.com/threads __________________ Who me?

04/21/2018, 11:31 AM	#3
ChristopherPere Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 5	Teflon tape is made for metal. You won't get a proper seal with metal on metal without the tape. Paste is used for PVC.

04/21/2018, 03:09 PM	#5
Dsekula Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Sterling Posts: 271	You could technically use either and have it work. There is specific tape made for each individual material or the standard white cheap stuff works for most applications. Sometimes stainless is a pita if you don't use the specific tape or paste tho. The reason most people use paste on plastic is because it's easy to over wrap with tape and crack the fitting. Most plastic threaded connections are tapered but there are ones that are not, these are the type (not tapered) I personally tape. Do what your comfortable with and good luck!! Sent from my E6810 using Tapatalk