Author	[Modern View]
jCarroll 08-12-2012 07:12:49 75.22.113.218 Report to Moderator	Installed a new water pressure tank. Pump runs from 40 to 60 psi. In the piping connections I used a 3/4 to 1/2 reducing coupler, and a 1" to 3/4" reducing coupler, plus a dozen other fittings around the tank tee, and piping. I've been connecting pipe for 60 years - know when to stop twisting - used teflon paste thread compound. My two couplings - made in China - bought from Home Depot - each leak about a drop every 5 to 10 seconds. Gave them another 30 degree tightening twist - they still leak. Where do you buy pipe fittings that fit? Ggggrrrrr ...... [Reply]   [No Email]
OH - 961 08-18-2012 20:09:32 66.19.62.26 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to tomtirediron, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see Black pipe is REQUIRED in commercial water fire sprinkler systems. The explanation was that chunks of the galvanizing can come loose in galvanized pipe and plug up the sprinklers. If you ever see one go off, the water is black with crud from setting in the piping for a long time. What the fire doesn't ruin, the sprinkler will. In a system where the water doesn't set for a long time, the water usually comes out a bit rusty to start, but clears up after it is run for a while. Myron [Reply]  [No Email]
36 coupe 08-16-2012 01:55:00 66.186.169.176 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   Ive had a copper and a steel elbow leak thru the side, joints were ok. [Reply]  [No Email]
d beatty 08-13-2012 04:56:48 24.12.128.253 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   I have run into the same problem with pipe made in china. We have an ACE store that has went back to stocking US made pipe. They still have pipe made in China if you wont it. [Reply]  [No Email]
Hobo,NC 08-13-2012 04:48:19 98.17.109.207 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to NCWayne, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   Every time I think I have the right combination down pat I get bit... I added new bath onto the house with a handicap bath with two water controls. It took me several attempts to stop them from leaking. I keep 60 PSI of air on them for 2 weeks then water pressure for a few weeks while the walls were open... All built and ready to use I added a special wall ell to the hand held shower gismo so the hose would point to the floor I could not stop it from leaking. My fix and a fix for any pipe fitting that leaks... Permatex gasket maker # 51813 are loctite On all the fittings first attempt tape they all leaked,,, second attempt no tape just dope they all leaked,,, third attempt tape and dope that worked on all but the special chrome wall ell... [url]http://www.faucet-warehouse.com/delta/hand-shower-wall-elbow/50560>http://www.all-spec.com/products/51813.html?gclid=CKjCraXC5LECFQQ6nAod-HYA_Q On all the fittings first attempt tape they all leaked,,, second attempt no tape just dope they all leaked,,, third attempt tape and dope that worked on all but the special chrome wall ell... [url]http://www.faucet-warehouse.com/delta/hand-shower-wall-elbow/50560 [Reply]  [No Email]
Stephen Newell 08-13-2012 04:39:48 66.53.82.87 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   I've also noticed in recent years it's getting harder and harder to get pipe to seal good. I started using a few extra rounds of nylon tape which seems to help. Black iron fittings are made for gas. There is nothing on them to keep them from rusting. For steel fittings you should only use galvanized pipe for water. Black pipe is for gas. [Reply]  [No Email]
LeonardWD45 08-12-2012 21:50:35 131.191.110.118 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   From what I have read and discussed with a friend who is a plumber, black iron fittings and pipe are not supposed to be used for water due to some chemical that is put on it for anti-corrosion and only used for natural gas. The regular gray galvanized pipe is for water. Just my 2 cents. Leonard [Reply]  [No Email]
2x4 08-12-2012 21:26:35 75.106.104.187 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   go to your local dump. The 40-50 year old U. S. made fittings are far superior to Chinese-made junk.This worked for me. [Reply]  [No Email]
RayP(MI) 08-12-2012 18:09:38 207.241.137.116 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   I've given up on pipe compounds, teflon tape... Too many leakers. What I have been successful on both natural gas lines, and water lines is to use a silicone gasket making compound. A bit messy at times, but I'll give that for non-leakers. I've also noted that joints sealed with silicone come apart far more easily, even years later. No rust, etc. [Reply]  [No Email]
awlknottedup 08-12-2012 17:32:27 67.142.168.24 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   We moved into 10 year old duble wide a little over two years ago. Soon after I installed a new dishwasher with new plumbing from the cold water line to the drain. After everything was buttoned up I keep the bottom open and kept an eye on things to make sure there were no leaks. A few days later I put the bottom panel on and worried about other things. Over a year and a half later I plugged something into a wall socket near the washer and the sheet rock gave away. It was all damp from the floor up about a foot. I traced the problem to a pin hole in what had been a new Chinese fitting. We have to replace damaged sheet rock, cabinets, and subfloor. This lead to thinking about remodeling the kitchen but the cost and return floored me so we are thinking about building a house. [Reply]  [No Email]
George Marsh 08-12-2012 17:27:44 50.104.223.0 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   jCarroll, I've had two well installed in the past two years. I call my local well driller. This is how he does it. I asked him were he got the brass parts and he said from his supplier. Asked why he used a union and he said it makes things very simple when they get a call back to replace the tank. I like using professional people to do work for me and don't mind paying for a WELL done job. George [Reply]  [No Email]
showcrop 08-13-2012 04:14:45 75.67.231.80 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to George Marsh, 08-12-2012 17:27:44   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see I have put in a lot of pressure tanks and never installed one without a union, cutting a sticking back together is too much of a pain even if you do get to charge triple because you have to run for more fittings. [Reply]  [No Email]
Dusty MI 08-13-2012 05:04:05 76.247.159.252 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to showcrop, 08-13-2012 04:14:45   showcrop said: (quoted from post at 04:14:45 08/13/12) George Marsh said: (quoted from post at 17:27:44 08/12/12) jCarroll, I've had two well installed in the past two years. I call my local well driller. This is how he does it. I asked him were he got the brass parts and he said from his supplier. Asked why he used a union and he said it makes things very simple when they get a call back to replace the tank. I like using professional people to do work for me and don't mind paying for a WELL done job. George I have put in a lot of pressure tanks and never installed one without a union, cutting a sticking back together is too much of a pain even if you do get to charge triple because you have to run for more fittings. Ours is a shallow well with the pump in the basement. So I have a small plastic tube running to the pressure switch mounted on the pump. I have had the small plastic tube fill with iron and plug. When did the electrical code allow a green wire to be used for a current carrying conductor? And for conductors not to be in a conduit? Thought about this some. It could be that the pressure switch runs a relay. If so and it's less than 50 volts then no conduit needed and color does not matter. Dusty This post was edited by Dusty MI at 05:47:55 08/13/12. [Reply]  [No Email]
Paul Janke 08-12-2012 18:07:12 216.166.168.54 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to George Marsh, 08-12-2012 17:27:44   I have been taught to use a brass nipple to go to the pressure switch. The galvanized ones can fill up and plug with mineral deposits. This comes from professional installers. [Reply]  [No Email]
George Marsh 08-12-2012 19:24:25 50.104.223.0 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to Paul Janke, 08-12-2012 18:07:12   Paul, I've not a pro either, but I've never seen a steel pipe going to the pressure switch choke up. Wonder why the pressure switch is made of steel? It has a tiny hole. Wouldn't the pressure switch screw up first? I've seen pressure gauges, brass fittings, tiny holes, choke up. Perhaps it's the well water that screws things up. I know that most wells are self sealing. Get a tiny water leak and sooner than later, it will heal it's self, right? Oh WELL, I'll deal with it when it happens. I'll ask my well guy the next time he does work for me, why he doesn't use brass. Have you seen a pressure relief valve at the tank? George [Reply]  [No Email]
PJH 08-12-2012 19:41:52 50.44.246.67 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to George Marsh, 08-12-2012 19:24:25   George - I have a pressure relief valve at my well tank. Mounted on the brass manifold. Recommended by the plumbing supply house that I got the material from. They also recommended the brass tube from the manifold to the pressure switch. I followed their recommendation. I am thinking the female opening in the bottom of my pressure switch is brass, but might be wrong. It's outside and it's dark, so I can't readily verify it. [Reply]  [No Email]
jCarroll 08-12-2012 17:49:40 75.22.113.218 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to George Marsh, 08-12-2012 17:27:44   George, this is just about like mine, except I have a second tank plumbed into where your plug is. I notice there are three iron fittings in your setup. Mine also has a pressure relief valve. [Reply]  [No Email]
George Marsh 08-12-2012 18:08:48 50.104.223.0 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 17:49:40   Is there somthing wrong with iron fittings? I'm sure they will last longer than I will. Why would there be a need for a pressure relief valve? Is it code in your state to have a relief valve? I've only seen pressure relief valves on hot water heaters? George [Reply]  [No Email]
36 coupe 08-15-2012 03:29:44 66.186.169.176 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to George Marsh, 08-12-2012 18:08:48   Switches can stick shut.releif valve protects pump and tank.Tiny hole in pressure switch plugs easy.Had to put a new switch on my sons pump system 2 years ago.Contacts were welded closed. [Reply]  [No Email]
JRSutton 08-13-2012 03:26:00 75.130.109.233 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to George Marsh, 08-12-2012 18:08:48   Far from an expert here - but I believe connecting dissimilar metals is going to cause major corrosion problems. You can connect brass with copper because they're dialectrically similar. But the dialectric difference between Steel/Iron and brass is too great, and will corrode very quickly. As for the joints not sealing - I feel your pain. All I can say is that if you go any tighter, it's probably going to get worse. I fought with a drip like that in the same spot you've got it - I ended up having to leave it for a few weeks because I was away on business. It just magically took care of itself. I didn't ask any questions and it's remained dry for several years now. [Reply]  [No Email]
Dave Sherburne NY 08-12-2012 13:29:46 50.48.63.158 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   I find the fitting thread is just a little different from old made in the USA fittings and I usually wind up running a tap in them then they don't leak. [Reply]  [No Email]
Duner Wi 08-12-2012 13:20:29 216.226.80.242 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   I had same luck as you with about 20 fittings on a water tank. Fittings made in US, Canada and China. I don't know where you can get good fittings any more. Did not have problems with leaks 40 years ago and then I just screwed them together. Maybe that is the problem, using Teflon tape. Kinda doubt it tho. [Reply]  [No Email]
bobpa 08-12-2012 12:39:06 72.23.158.229 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   I've had much better luck with the thread tape than the teflon paste. I've also had good luck with Shark Bite connections. They are expensive but real easy and fast to install. I've never had one leak and even have a couple burried under ground with no problems. Bob [Reply]  [No Email]
PJH 08-12-2012 10:07:01 50.40.245.19 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   Well, not being a plumber I should not comment, but when I installed a new well pressure tank and all the related piping, I had one galvanized fitting that had a leak like you described. I twisted on it until I thought I was pressing my luck, then gave up - it still dripped. I tied a heavy cotton string just below the leaker and ran the other end of the string into a large coffee can. The string wicked up the leak and directed it into the can. After a couple of weeks, it mineraled (is that a word?) up and quit leaking. Been dry as a bone for a couple of years now. Evaporation is not supposed to be a plumbing option, but in my case, it worked. Now if you are a neat freak like JDSeller described in the post above, you've already discarded this solution. Paul [Reply]  [No Email]
Stan in Oly, WA 08-12-2012 09:13:23 174.31.204.197 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   Hi jCarroll, I googled and found a place online that sells US made galvanized steel plumbing fittings and pipe. They cost about twice what the equivalent Chinese made fittings at Home Depot go for. More or less. I have a friend who works for a company that does high end plumbing installations---medical gases, hazardous liquids, things like that. He told me that on some types of jobs, like for government facilities, or government contracts, they're required to use only American made materials. I don't remember how much he said it increases the price, but I remember being shocked and awed. He said there's no comparison in the quality, though. For instance, on a job where American made materials weren't required, he said he once sent a whole truckload (which I only know must mean a lot) of copper pipe back to the supplier because it was out of round. From the copper plumbing I've done, I'd say round is pretty important for a piece of pipe or a fitting. We're definitely not the country we used to be. Stan [Reply]  [No Email]
JDseller 08-12-2012 08:41:33 208.126.196.144 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   I am assuming that these are galvanized steel fittings??? I have quit using them. You can't get good ones. I now use the better black iron ones they usually have a better thread. As you are finding anything from Home Depot is of questionable quality. I buy very little at the big box stores. [Reply]  [No Email]
john chris 08-12-2012 07:38:29 71.87.212.93 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   sometimes a little heat on plastic help [Reply]  [No Email]
GUIDO 08-12-2012 07:29:31 71.188.6.163 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   Hello jCarrol, Plastic to plastic fittings usually are put in dry. They are sometimes marked in the instructions ( NO SEALER! )Don't no why, Guido. [Reply]  [No Email]
d beatty 08-13-2012 05:14:38 24.12.128.253 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to GUIDO, 08-12-2012 07:29:31   Guido what kind of plastic are you useing that needs no sealer? I redid my house 3 years ago with cpvc pipe and they have a cement that glues it together. The only metal fitting I used were brass which is used on hot water lines that needed threaded fittings. [Reply]  [No Email]
jCarroll 08-12-2012 08:48:16 75.22.113.218 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to GUIDO, 08-12-2012 07:29:31   These are black iron fittings. [Reply]  [No Email]
GUIDO 08-12-2012 09:57:17 71.188.6.163 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 08:48:16   Hello jCarroll, I feel your pain! I Hope you get it fixed. Frustrating to have to rerepair! Guido. [Reply]  [No Email]
Billy Shafer 08-12-2012 07:27:11 173.184.76.9 Report to Moderator	Re: I'm too old for this hassle in reply to jCarroll, 08-12-2012 07:12:49   I wish I knew. Don't twist it to much they break. [Reply]  [No Email]