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

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)

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

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

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

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.

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

Are your pipe wrenches worn out?

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

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.

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

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

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)

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.

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.