3 way thermostatic mixer- ptfe or silicone

[opps]

hi all

I was just wondering- I have a 3 way mixer valve with 22mm-15mm reducers (combi boiler).

Initially I used ptfe but I have some slight leaks- would I be better off using silicone or something similar. I guess I could tighten them a bit more- they look as though they will be happy to go in about 0.05mm more but I was worried about over tightening.

Cheers

 

[omegaman]

If its a male to female iron type fitting I would redo the joint with more PTFE or even better buy some Loctite 55. If its a compression fitting then I would wrap a bit of PTFE around the olive or if you have some jointing compound use that. I wouldn't advise on using silicone to seal leaks.

 

[dextrous]

Yep loctite 55. If you do insist on PTFE, at least use gas rated stuff.

And no to silicon or lsx.

 

[tamz]

they look as though they will be happy to go in about 0.05mm more

You must have a good eye on you

 

[opps]

Thanks omegaman

Apologies for not being clear- the mixer has threaded 22mm inlets/outlets. I have used brass male to male reducing couplers with ptfe.

I wasn't planning to smear silicone over the leaks but was wondering if I would have been better off with silicone thread sealant in the first place.

Have just had a look at the loctite on you tube- do you roughen the threads first?

 

[opps]

they look as though they will be happy to go in about 0.05mm more

You must have a good eye on you

Fir enuff... I wasn't using a micrometer but can see a slight gap. I guess that the loctite gear will mean that I dont need to worry about that?

 

[opps]

Yep loctite 55. If you do insist on PTFE, at least use gas rated stuff.

And no to silicon or lsx.

Will go for the loctite- tnx

 

[tamz]

Put about 10 turns of std ptfe on it and tighten properly. You won't need anything else.

 

[opps]

Hi Tamz

I think that I only used about 5 turns of ptfe- have run out now so will probably try the loctite.

Does any one know if selco sell it or any of the DIY sheds (on a Sunday)?

 

[tamz]

Haven't a clue. Never used the stuff apart from the free sample they sent me years ago. It is good stuff but i don't see the point of it.

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

I dont use anything, just 42" stilsons

 

[tamz]

I dont use anything, just 42" stilsons

You need to watch with the cheap italian brass though

 

[dextrous]

Hi Tamz

I think that I only used about 5 turns of ptfe- have run out now so will probably try the loctite.

Does any one know if selco sell it or any of the DIY sheds (on a Sunday)?

Screwfix sell it and are open on a sunday.

 

[opps]

thanks- the screwfix site's out of stock and my nearest is miles away.

oh well have to wait till monday... what a shame