can anyone help re: C-PVC HEATER 'NIPPLES' QUESTION

[tenax]

and no jokes..that's what they call them for uneducated:) anyhew..here's the question. i redid my plumbing tonight..the jandy lite 2 pool heater comes with and has the option to use c-pvc nipples rather than copper pipes. i put 1-2 layers (likely about 1.5) layers of wide teflon tape on them..tightened with both hands as tight as i could get them and they have a few small drip drip leaks on each of them..one of them has a union on the other end so i could unscrew that and tighten at the heater end but darned if i could tighten it any further by hand. any ideas? at least with copper you can put a pipe wrench on it, but i don't know how i can get a grip to tighten these more?

or are they junk and i should go to copper..i siliconed the hell out of them and am letting that settle for a few hours before starting the pump..it may work, but i shouldn't have to do that and it looks like crap! (preventative measure before i go on holidays tomorrow afternoon..i'll deal with fixing it properly when i get back in town)

[tenax]

it occurred to me i might have more success with a liquid thread sealant rather than teflon tape..thoughts?

[Kinguni]

Use more tape. 4 to 5 layers and then hand tighten. If it stll drips you need more tape.

[tenax]

i wondered about that or if it would just tear if i applied more..will check that out.

[sevver]

Don't be afraid to hit it with a pipe wrench a bit. Just be careful, there is no reason for you to only go hand tight.

[tenax]

except i tried and no luck gripping that sucker with a pipe wrench..just slipped right over:)

[sevver]

Are your pipe wrenches worn out?

[tenax]

i don't think so..haven't used it that much..maybe i didn't tighten enough due to worry about wrecking the nipple:)

[matt4x4]

Teflon tape does almost nothing when used in 2 layer applications, 5-8 is MUCH better.
I've found that the only way a pipe wrench slips is if it is being used backwards, it does not compress that way.

[mshumack]

Wrap some duct tape around the outside and grab it with your pipe wrench.

[sevver]

As a former plumber (sort of) I will say that the recommended times around with teflon tape that I have heard of is 6.

[tenax]

thanks guys..i think i've basically got it..managed to get the pipe to grab and put about 4 turned around..one still leaked just a touch..but it was so little i was able to put a smear of silicon on it and it isn't leaking anymore..came back from my vacation and no leaks (it was running 12 hours a day so a good test)

[divnkd101]

If pipe wrench is not working, you may have to upset the misses and grab her jar opener pad. Place it in between the pipe and the pipe-wrench or channel locks. I have used that technique over and over. Should get you tight enough to stop any leaks. Good luck.

[gverntz3]

Use teflon sealant paste, not tape. I just installed a heater also and I found the tape was causing a little leak where it connected to the copper pipe.