Stop Leaks In Your Plumbing Connections

Do it yourself plumbing projects bring an incredible feeling of accomplishment. There are many moving parts, things to consider, and mistakes that happen, though. One of the most common mistakes is improper installation. When plumbing connections are not installed correctly, you risk causing leaks. In this post, we’re going to talk about how to stop leaks in your plumbing connections. 

What To Do To Stop Leaks In Your Joints

Something that many homeowners and DIYers forget to do is to use joint compound and Teflon tape. Many people reach for plumbers putty for plumbing joints, but let us stop you right there. When you’re dealing with threaded connections, you need to rely on thread tape and joint compound. 

So, you’re replacing a supply line, connection, or something else. Most likely, you have a threaded connection that you need to make sure seals well. The first thing to do is wrap the threads with Teflon tape, like this. When you wrap threads with plumber’s tape, the key is to wrap them clockwise. Then, press it down into the threads afterward. We often recommend at least two to three wraps for an optimal seal. Once the tape is on, apply a layer of joint compound. Often, using joint compound is an overlooked step for homeowners, and this mistake leads to unwanted leaks and connection failure. Finally, use two adjustable wrenches to tighten the connections.

If you’re working with PVC, you will need a PVC cleaner, PVC primer, and glue. An important thing to remember when working with any plumbing joints is to make sure everything is clean. You don’t want any debris or anything else that can make the seal fail. 

Check For Leaks

The last step to installing new connections is to check for leaks. There’s nothing worse than getting done with a project only to find a new leak. If this is a sink, the best way to test is to stop up the drain, and fill the basin. Once the basin is full, pull the drain plug, and use a flashlight to watch for beads of water or dripping. 

Need Help? 

So, now you know how to stop leaks in your plumbing connections. But, sometimes, there are more issues you may not be able to handle. At Autry Plumbing, we’re professional plumbing experts. 

Give us a call with any issues, and we’ll be glad to help you.