Compression fit - ptfe tape or paste? All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[Scoie]

Hi, being a total novice in the plumbing arena, i was wonderering when making a standard compression fit joint what to use around the thread / olive etc to ensure a water tight fit?

Thanks in advance

[bobplum]

evening
the technical answer i suppose is nothing? its supposed to be water tight
(this will probarly start a good debate!)
bob

[rosebery]

Actually if the joint is made properly on a compression fitting you don't need either. A smear of hawkwhite or bosswhite (water hawk or bossgreen for potable water) round the olive helps. Wrapping PTFE round the thread does nothing for the seal but does prevent that annoying screech of metal on metal - particularly on 22mm+ comp fittings.

Its the olive that does the work so if you want to use PTFE to help make the joint a wrap round the olive is a good plan. But not too much otherwise you won't get a seal at all.

Cheers

[htg engineer]

Nothing required. The fitting will make a watertight seal.


htg

[rosebery]

"(this will probarly start a good debate!)"

LoL - three answers in a row saying the same thing. Debate over before its started?

Cheers