I'm water testing my new frag tank and the only leak is coming from the union of the bulkhead to PVC. Should I use plumber's tape on the threads?
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Thanks! I've got some on hand.That's all I've ever used on threads. If you're really worried about it you could get a slip bulkhead and slip x threaded street 90, but even in plumbing, we just tape the threads. The pipe dope is just for lubrication, the tape makes the seal.
You should use a non hardening thread sealant on threaded fittings like this or this. Thread sealants do a better job of filling voids than teflon tape. Put it on the male threads.
To echo what Ergodyne said, hand tight + ¼ turn is what I've always used. Especially with ABS bulkheads, over tightening will cause the female fitting to crack. Teflon tape can lead to over tightening as it does a better job of lubricating the threads than sealing them.
the better pipe dopes are non-hardening. absolutely true.A threaded hose connection is completely different from NPT threaded connections (well, except for the fact that it's threaded.) Lasco and multiple other sources I've read recommend non-hardening thread sealant for PVC connections. (non-hardening sealant does not need to cure.) The second link below has a nice explanation.
http://www.lascofittings.com/threads
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-thread-sealant-use-pvc-fittings-larry-workman