Finish Plumbing Questions

[Michael Roback]

I noticed that the plumber that did some finish work did two things that seemed questionable to me. 1) He used white teflon tape at gas connections for water heater, etc. He says that the only diff between that and yellow tape is that yellow tape is thicker and if you wrap white tape around more it is like using yellow tape. Is this true? He also used no hub connectors off of threaded cast iron nipples out of the wall and then built his ABS drain assembly off of that. Is this acceptable. How long before those no hub connectors start to leak? I have a 10' run from my dishwasher to sink connection. Can I run the 5/8" drain hose high from the dishwasher, and drop under the sink and do my 2' coil under there rather than do it at the dishwasher for the air gap? And finally, is it better to use braided 3/8" water line or soft copper or does it matter?

[Joe Bobst]

Teflon tape is a thread lubricant, not a sealant. Teflon pipe dope or conventional pipe dope is preferred by many professionals. This has been discussed to death in this NG...check the archives.

Does this guy have a license?

Braided lines appear to be more reliable and easier to install. Your decide. HYH

Joe

[Colbyt]

connections

I am not a plumber but I do this stuff now and then. That said.

Maybe I am old fashioned. I never use anything but the higher priced pipe dope for gas connections.

These are good for 10 years or more in exposed locations and easy to replace if needed. I might or might not have done it this way based on the existing conditions.

I am pretty sure the loop if used needs to be at the back of the dishwasher to prevent accidental drainage. You need to get the drain line up high behind or beside the DW. The "loop" is normally only used where an air gap is not required. In a normal side by side you go up to the air gap and down to the drain.

The incoming water line can be of your choice. The flex line is far easier to use. I have done it both ways and will use the flex for my next connection.

Colbyt

[Travis Jordan]

Never, ever use white teflon tape for gas connections. First, it isn't rated for gas, and secondly, the little hair-like fray that peels away from the pipe edges is bound to go downstream and hang up a regulator, foul a pilot orifice, or hang up a diaphragm within a gas valve. I hope you take the time to point this out to the inspector.