Teflon or brute force

[Walter R.]

When I use threaded fittings for schedule 40 irrigation pipe, do I use Teflon tape or do I just use force until they stop leaking?

Thanks

[Bob F]

I have a lot better results with dope than tape.

Bob

[Meat Plow]

Pipe dope. It lubes the threads so you don't have to use so much force to get it tight.

[Walter R.]

Thanks.

Do I use regular pipe dope for galvanized pipe, the stuff that comes in a small tube, or is there a special dope for PVC?

[Joe]

Us the Teflon containing pipe dope. Works on virtually verything. HTH

Joe

[Richard J Kinch]

Neither.

Use good fittings that don't leak much. A lot of the imports are poor moldings with flash or other flaws.

Let them leak a little. Think of it as another drip nozzle for free.

[Meat Plow]

Ooops guess I didn't know what schedule 40 pipe was, sorry :)

[Bob F]

You want the stuff that says it is for PVC.

Bob

[Joe]

Irrigation pipe is usually not permanently in place, so a dry assembled fitting could later seize. Teflon filled pipe dope will allow disassembly for repositioning as needs arise. But if the layout is permanent, that issue is moot. A point to consider. HTH

Joe