Angle Valve Pipe thread sealant - Help!

[JeffKeryk]

I replaced the flush valve in a newer toilet and noticed how old the multi-turn angle valve was. It was hard to break torque.
Our house is old, 1962. We had the bathroom remodeledyears ago, the guy should have, IMO, refreshed the plumbing.

So I took it apart; it was a 4" brass nipple and pipe thread valve.
Got a Brass craft 1/4 turn angle valve, new brass nipple and supply line. I used the grey Teflon tape Home Depot had next to the valves.
There is a tiny leak at the angle valve, not even a drip. Maybe it will dry up? It's pretty tight.

What is the proper sealant? What do you recommend?
I appreciate your help!

 

[walterjay]

I have always used teflon tape and teflon paste over the tape for a guaranteed no drip seal.

 

[Pablo]

I replaced the flush valve in a newer toilet and noticed how old the multi-turn angle valve was. It was hard to break torque.
Our house is old, 1962. We had the bathroom remodeledyears ago, the guy should have, IMO, refreshed the plumbing.

So I took it apart; it was a 4" brass nipple and pipe thread valve.
Got a Brass craft 1/4 turn angle valve, new brass nipple and supply line. I used the grey Teflon tape Home Depot had next to the valves.
There is a tiny leak at the angle valve, not even a drip. Maybe it will dry up? It's pretty tight.

What is the proper sealant? What do you recommend?
I appreciate your help!

So the connection we are talking about is 1/2 NPT? Correct?

Don't use tape unless you are a pro with protape. Use Teflon paste, it's all I ever use.

That said, with NPT taper, almost all fittings made in China, some will just leak. No matter what sealant and too tight is WORSE.

But first, pictures and if not NPT, what are we talking about here?

 

[JeffKeryk]

So the connection we are talking about is 1/2 NPT? Correct?

Don't use tape unless you are a pro with protape. Use Teflon paste, it's all I ever use.

That said, with NPT taper, almost all fittings made in China, some will just leak. No matter what sealant and too tight is WORSE.

But first, pictures and if not NPT, what are we talking about here?

Yes, 1/2 NPT. Seems to be leaking more. Now I wonder if it is leaking behind the wall.

 

[Pablo]

Wipe it dry.

Then do the pinkie test to find where by feel and eye

 

[walterjay]

I would take it all apart and then do as I suggested. I have done thousands of them that way.

 

[Nukeman7]

Head to your local Home Depot and pick up a small tube of Rectorseal T plus 2.

 

[CarLuver]

i have found teflon tape not as reliable as pipe dope. i would take it apart and pipe dope all the connections . blue monster

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Monst...1hBUBQ1f0waLIkBH1ZUaAq-oEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[CDX825]

Teflon tape and paste style thread sealant on top of it is the only way. Ive tried one or the other and have always had issues. My old plumber buddy told me tape then dope and I haven't had a leak since.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I hate doing things twice. Sheesh. What's a poor boy to do?

 

[SC Maintenance]

I have always used teflon tape and teflon paste over the tape for a guaranteed no drip seal.

I would have never guessed to use together. Thanks!

What brand (s). I feel like everything the big box stores sell these days is the cheapest chinese slop they can get - at least if the electrical section is any sort of barometer.

 

[Gyro Gearloose]

If I may be Captain Obvious, make sure the leak isn't from the valve stem. I quit using the 1/4 turn valves because I had two develop leaks after about 5 years and there is no way to tighten the seal around the stem to stop the leak.

 

[JeffKeryk]

If I may be Captain Obvious, make sure the leak isn't from the valve stem. I quit using the 1/4 turn valves because I had two develop leaks after about 5 years and there is no way to tighten the seal around the stem to stop the leak.

Thanks for the tip; yes, the leak is from the nipple valve threads. Gonna get some Blue Monster unless @Pablo instructs me differently.

 

[walterjay]

I would have never guessed to use together. Thanks!

What brand (s). I feel like everything the big box stores sell these days is the cheapest chinese slop they can get - at least if the electrical section is any sort of barometer.

La-Co, Blue Monster or just about any teflon bearing pipe dope is good.

 

[oilcandave]

If I may be Captain Obvious, make sure the leak isn't from the valve stem. I quit using the 1/4 turn valves because I had two develop leaks after about 5 years and there is no way to tighten the seal around the stem to stop the leak.

Yep..would be nice to have a packing gland instead of an oring. When I started using the quarter turn ball type years ago clockwise was on. I found that on when I had turned the service valve back on and heard water runnin from somewhere..had not installed supplies yet and the water was flowing out from both stops. I now always check them...clockwise off..

 

[oilcandave]

I keep a small tube of loctite 518 anaerobic sealant just for those must not leak areas where ya cant go back and tighten or redo..

 

[dnewton3]

It is possible that the valve has been over-tightened and started a hairline crack in the threads. The walls of the valve where the threads are cut are very, very thin and it doesn't take much to split in that area.

If you cannot get the leak to stop, consider getting a new valve and resist the BITOG (aka 'Murican) mentality of "If something is good, more of it must always be better" effort to over-torque the valve onto the pipe nipple.

 

[zzyzzx]

I have never had good luck with that grey type pipe sealant. Use the white PTFE style:

https://www.oatey.com/products/oatey-great-white-pipe-joint-compound-with-ptfe--275767012

 

[Sumboodie]

I hate doing things twice. Sheesh. What's a poor boy to do?

It's even more fun doing it 4 or 5 times. Been there, done that, wore out the t-shirts.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Adding plumber to my resume. Clean work I might add.
Thanks to all who posted. Used Blue Monster tape and dope. New brass nipple and valve.

BITOG for the win again!