help with sealing threaded pvc leak

[Ben Dover]

I have a 2-1/2" PVC threaded male going into an in ground pool pump. This was leaking, so I pulled out the old piece, cleaned the threads, Teflon taped up a new piece and threaded it in. Damn if it doesn't still leak (though, not as bad). As a non-plumber I can sure appreciate the skill even these simple jobs can take. Anyway, the leak is very minor, about a drip every 5 seconds.

My question is, what kinds of silicon or sealant can I purchase to put around the area to seal this leak? I don't want to have to replace these pieces again to try to fix the leak a 2nd time. Is there silicon I can buy that would be able to fix this? Something designed for stopping these types of leaks? I have tried a couple silicones on it from Home Depot, but they don't do anything but make a mess.

[Mark Monson]

Silicone won't work. You'll have to take it apart and do it over. If the pump body is plastic, I'd look real close to see if there isn't a small crack causing the leak.

MM

[Ben Dover]

Thanks Mark. Not the answer I wanted to hear though! ;) Yes, the pump body is plastic. I used pink teflon tape which is heavier then the normal white stuff. Is this best for this application? Also, how many times times around should a wrap the teflon tape on the threads?

Thanks again.

"Mark Monson" wrote in news:odqHb.30340$ [e-mail]:

[Mark Monson]

Usually three times around with teflon tape is enough. If you got it good and tight and it still leaks, you may have cracked the pump body.

MM

[jim donovan]

do the same thing teflon tape ,pipe dope .but use a new male adapter

[hall.kimberly]

I usually put pipe dope or teflon paste over the teflon tape if teflon tape is not working by itself. Hope this helps.