new kitchen taps

[Mark D Smith]

Hi

Just been and got 2 new taps for the kitchen. looks like a straight forward swap. do i need to put anything on the thread of the taps like PTFE tape?

Mark

[homer]

No you won't need PTFE tape. It is an awkward job though. A 2nd wrist joint somewhere between the elbow and wrist would be useful

[TonyB]

You shouldn't need PTFE. However, if it's a difficult place to get to, it won't hurt to use PTFE and may save an otherwise embarrassing leak!

TonyB

[Rob graham]

But not on the threads, tho'. With an olive joint the threads are not part of the seal and PTFE there won't help anything. If you must use PTFE, make it into a sort of washer between the olive and the end of the tap joint. Best bet is to get a tap spanner to make the job easier and forget about the PTFE.

Rob Graham

[biggirlsblouse]

Tap connectors use fibre washers as their seal and fit on the rebated end of a tap connector which just fits snugly inside the tap thread. I find it pays to use a little plumbers mait or putty smeared round there just in case. PTFE will not help on the thread and may cause the nut to tighten up before it has clamped up the fibre washer. You will need some new tap fibre washers. Make sure you get the right size...1/2" for basins and kitchens, 3/4" for baths.

[Mark D Smith]

Nuts!

looks like it back to Focus for the fibre washers. when i drop the nut down what should be there? I'll look for a tap spanner too.

Mark