PTFE tape compression fittings

[Hugh Neary]

Just had some work done,normally I would dive in myself but I didn't have the time and the job would have taken me a week or more...

I was interested to note that all the compression fittings the plumber used have PTFE tape around the pipe extending from the fitting to a few mm out.

I remember using tape around leaky olives a few times usually because some enthusiastic "plumber" jumped up & down on his stillsons to get things "really" gas tight.

My only thoughts are that a layer of PTFE between olive and nut on a new fitting would lubricate the item a little and make it easier/ smoother to nip up.

I have had the odd fitting or two that isn't to easy to tighten and makes a noise akin to my knees in the morning when pressure is applied. Could this be the reason for the tape?

[John Rumm]

PTFE on the threads will act as a lubricant - can be handy where you can't get easy access to tighten them - it reduces the effort needed, and as you say, also does away with the squeaking.

It ought not be needed over the olive as a general rule, although it can fix a weeping joint that just won't seal by tightening alone.

[Mr Pounder]

When I was a lad we used jointing paste which was not always successful. PTFE really is a much better method.

[Jon Connell]

Nice tip. Thanks.

[PeterC]

Interesting that - I've always done the same but, a couple of years ago, I was fitting a new radiatior and couldn't stop a weep from one fitting. More PTFE didn't help so I tried a smear of Hawk White and it worked and is still helping. I've developed a habit of using a bit of paste on the threads and olive simply to lube the joint - makes a world of difference and is also a catch-all where the joint is difficult to get at.

[sm_jamieson]

The trouble is I use the squeaking to know when to stop. It squeaks then it judders and bit, then you stop. If it was too smooth I'd probably deform the pipe. Simon.

[Roger Mills]

I do similar, but use LS-X instead. That does the same job in lubricating the threads and stopping any weeping, but it is much easier to clean off if you ever have to split and re-make the joint at a later date.

[The Medway Handyman]

Especially if you use gas tape...

[Capitol]

Yes, I always use gas tape and a finger wipe of Castrol water pump grease over the ptfe and the threads. They always come apart years later without any problems.

[PeterC]

I keep on reading about this stuff - must get some.

[Rick Hughes]

PTFE on the thread, fair enough ... but a new olive should provide seal to the cone ... an not need PTFE over it.

[Rick Hughes]

I use LSX where there is not olive ... thread to tread fitting, excellent stuff.