Teflon tape

[Lucky Tom]

I am replacing my fresh water tank, does Teflon tape work on these plastic tanks or do I need a pipe dope?
2009 Flying Cloud
23ft Front Bed

[Nuvite-F]

Teflon tape works fine.

[Alumineer]

Originally Posted by Lucky Tom

I am replacing my fresh water tank, does Teflon tape work on these plastic tanks or do I need a pipe dope?
2009 Flying Cloud
23ft Front Bed

If the fitting has pipe threads then Teflon tape can help seal the gaps. If it's a barb type fit or a slip fit, then just a hose clamp should do it. If you're going to use pipe dope then make sure it's food-safe. If you use a solvent cement then you will not ever get stuff apart...

As it happens I just pulled the old fresh tank from our '74 this afternoon. It had hose clamps on all the fittings, no evidence of lubricant or sealer in any of the joints. The tank had some muddy water in it, but cleaned up pretty well with some warm soapy water and bleach... I may just re-use it.

[nrgtrakr]

The plumbers I worked with used teflon tape on threaded galvanized, black pipe and brass. Supposedly not necessary with plastic (although I've seen it done) and never EVER on compression or flare fittings.

[dwightdi]

Some pipe doses contain solvents/oils that can damage or crack some plastics. I do not use any of them on plastic because of the fear of long term damaging effects on the plastic.

[cwf]

if you can do without the tape, that will help. Too much of it can cause a lot of stress on the 'female/nut' side of the fittings and they may split over time. Where possible, the 'shark bites" work pretty good. and there is a little tool for removing when/if needed.. all this depends upon the pipe connecting.