Ask Mr. Fix it

The most important part of any plumbing project is getting the hoses and pipes sealed properly. This is sometimes not as easy as you might think. Having the right tool for the job is the first rule you should know.

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.

Many people regret substituting the wrong sealant for a particular job. 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 you don’t use enough, the water will be able to leak in under the sink.

Wipe away the extra without removing too much. Too much sealant will tend to crack and tear after it hardens. Wipe away the extra using a damp cloth, sponge or even your finger and it should be ok. Also, make sure you clean up any smears before they 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. Obviously, you don’t want to put so much on that it becomes difficult to fit the new pipe or hose on.

Wind it in the proper direction. If you’re dealing with hoses, direction won’t be an issue, but you’ll need to make sure it’s in the proper direction if you are planning to use it on threading pipes. 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. It will create a seal that us tight as the tape will extend in the similar direction as the pipe while the pipe is being threaded. If the tape twists the other way, you will not have a good seal at all.

Avoid torn ends. Try to avoid tearing the tape or biting it off with your teeth. This can be tempting if your working in an area that is not convenient for getting in and out of. 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 you have ridges, you will create small openings for water to escape from.

If you use the correct sealant for each job and follow the directions when doing it, your plumbing projects will be well sealed and leak free.

You can find more resources on DIY plumbing how to, Home Plumbing problems and Kitchen Sink Plumbing by following the links.

Tags: plumbing, home repair, diy, home fix-up, electrical