Threaded v. Slip Fittings

[coryjac0b]

I have used a pvc fitting saver with good success. Basically it drills out the cemented in pipe. Helps when re-using fittings, especially expensive valves.

 

[Sleepydoc]

Why not both? What I did with mine was used slip fittings in spots where I know I won't need to get at in the future, but put threaded fittings where I know I would need then for disassembly. For example, my bulkhead fittings are threaded so if i ever need to remove the bulkhead I can. But the 45 and 90 degree bends in my tubing are slip fit with unions between them :)

Be careful when using threaded bulkhead fittings. The tendency is to over-tighten which can crack the female bulkhead side of the connection.

Solid advice, not using a proper PVC thread sealant is the #1 reason for leaky joints along with overtightening. When using a thread sealant I applied a good amount in a ring on the inside of the female threads and screwed the male thread in till snug then gave another 1/4 turn and left it like that.

+1 on using a non-hardening thread sealant. Much more reliable and better than teflon tape for PVC fittings. I would recommend putting it on the male fitting rather than the female one, though. That way, any excess squeeze-out happens on the outside of the joint rather than the inside.

Two other points with threaded fittings they allow for some rotation if your angle is off a touch but also increase somewhat more resistance than slip fittings. I use slip fittings wherever I can and flank expensive parts like my gate valve with unions to allow for easy disassembly.

 

[Jeepguy242]

You guys talk about expensive how about your floor, house, or health.

Have a bad leak one time and get salty fishwater under your floor and inside your wall. If it causes black mold you now have a health hazard.