My tank takes 3/4" BSPM fittings, but they keep leaking (testing with air). The trouble is, the fittings don't screw all the way in, so I basically have to pack them out with loads of PTFE tape to get a seal, which I'm not happy about. Perhaps that's the way the pros bodge it?
I'd prefer fittings that screw all the way in, but a suitable washer would work too I suppose. I'm not convinced fibre washers are up to the job, are they?
Cheers
Tom
I think you'll find that plumbers use Boss White or similar sealing compound reinforced with hemp fibres.
tom.harrigan wibbled on Friday 20 November 2009 17:52
Rocol Threadseal XS.
Basically thick Loctite for potable water, hot and cold. That will do it...
If the fittings don't screw all the way in, I assume you have a taper BSP fitting (I don't know - I have compression fittings on my cylinder) in which case it's usually lots of PTFE or hemp+boss white for non potable or variations on that theme. Ultimately, you have to fill all of the space in a partial length on the threads with something.
Personally I'm going to use Threadseal for everything like that - it's fantastic.
Nothing wrong with fibre washers on fittings that are supposed to take them - it's likely every tap in your house uses one on it's pipe connector. They are a pretty reliable technology. This assumes that you'll then be using BSP parallel and both bits have a nice smooth face to receive the washer?
I'm not up on every variation of random tank fitting so someone else may have some suggestions too...
HTH
Tim
Thanks to Tm and Bruce for your advice. Screwfix stock Loctite 577, so I got some of that for the BSP male fitting. Because I have removed compression fittings several times to get at the joint, I beefed the compression fittings with some Fernox LS-X.
Cheers
Tom
tom.harrigan wibbled on Monday 23 November 2009 00:20
Having looked at the data sheet, that looks pretty much like their version of Threadseal XS. The only difference is that Loctite don't state potable (or WRAS) approval. Not really an issue with your presumably non potable connections(?).
Fernox LS-X is silicone sealant. It'll work, but for next time, personally I might be tempted to go with something like Virgin White (PTFE loaded soft setting white gunk, looks a bit like Boss White) (again non potable).
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