tightening unions

[reef tank 2.0]

i am still dry fitting my set up. I have schedule 80 unions everywhere (not sure if thats important info). BUT, when i screw the union together (tighten), I hear a creaking sound when it becomes barely hand tight. Is this common? Should I be hearing any creaking within the union while tightening?

Is there anything I should add to that o-ring within the union or maybe to the connection once the halves are tightened together? I am not overly concerned about the union leaking where the pvc pipe is glued into the union, but rather where the union meets its counterpart.

that creaking sound makes me a tad nervous too

 

[hoffmeyerz]

That's normal, it's just the plastic rubbing on itself as it tightens.
You don't need to do anything to the o-ring, just a good hand-tighting and you're all set.
Exciting time, hope your build goes well!

 

[DCR]

Agree that the creaking is normal. It is hard to overtighten them, even with pipe wrenches. You can coat the O-rings in silicon grease for improved sealing but normally it is not necessary.

 

[billyocean]

i am still dry fitting my set up. I have schedule 80 unions everywhere (not sure if thats important info). BUT, when i screw the union together (tighten), I hear a creaking sound when it becomes barely hand tight. Is this common? Should I be hearing any creaking within the union while tightening?

Is there anything I should add to that o-ring within the union or maybe to the connection once the halves are tightened together? I am not overly concerned about the union leaking where the pvc pipe is glued into the union, but rather where the union meets its counterpart.

that creaking sound makes me a tad nervous too

DANCO Waterproof Silicone Faucet Grease | Silicone Sealant | Plumbers valve Grease for O-rings | 0.5 oz. | 1-Pack (88693) https://a.co/d/52ghFV8

Get some of this and put on the threads..you can put some on the Oring as well. Makes screwing and unscrewing smooth and will be good if you ever need to unscrew it after long use/saltwater

 

[reef tank 2.0]

glad to hear, thank you

 

[billyocean]

Agree that the creaking is normal. It is hard to overtighten them, even with pipe wrenches. You can coat the O-rings in silicon grease for improved sealing but normally it is not necessary.

Ha..beat me to it!

 

[aquaman67]

Strap wrenches would be handy to tighten the unions.

Make them squeal.

 

[KrisReef]

These unions have an oring that compresses to create a seal. Add the silicone grease and then hand tighten them to compress the oring and it should be sealed. Using tools to hand tighten a union puts unnecessary stress on the fitting which is designed to be hand tighened. The grip grooves on the large diameter are made for your hand to grip, not a wrench. If there is a wrench spot, its meant to hold the fitting in place with a wrench while to turn the nut with your hands. Did I mention these are made for your hands? :smiling-face-with-sunglasses: The orings will last forever if you don't smash them flat with a wrench.

The knurls on the bars are also for hand gripping, not a wrench.

 

[dadnjesse]

I don't even hand tighten them just till contact and then lightly snug it after that. I do put silicone grease on them. Never had them leak.