Unable to get Outdoor tap lined up with Wall elbow

[ny167]

I have replaced my outdoor tap, which was my first attempt at plumbing. Everything seem to go well, Except when I tried to get the tap to line up straight with the elbow joint. The tap thread is all the way into the elbow but the tap is pointing sideways. I have placed PTFE tape on the tap thread to help seal it.


The new tap and Elbow are:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/15mm-x-outside-tap-with-check-valve/37241
http://www.screwfix.com/p/wall-plate-elbow-15mm-x/92934

Can anyone help me on how to get the tap the right way up.

I can't physically turn it anymore

A few people have mentioned washers, but I would not know what type to get.

Any Help is appreciated
Thanks
Philip

 

[Alz0r]

take the tap back off and put twice as much ptfe on the thread, that way you'll be getting tight way before the end of the thread - allowing you to have it straight! simples.

 

[ny167]

Thanks

I thought it would be something simple. I will report back tomorrow

As a rule of thumb, how much would PTFE would you say to use?

Philip

 

[Alz0r]

Not sure of the exact number of turns, but i'd hazard a guess at about 1/4 of a roll. Ideally you want enough on to get you deep enough into the thread so you're near the end when it's tight.

 

[ny167]

I have removed th tap and added more PTFE tape, which appears to have solved it. I did about 25 turns of tape and still had to wind it all the way in to get a tight fit.

Does PTFE Tape degrade if it is not used for a long time. It was a roll, which I found in my garage.

No matter which way around the thread I wrapped the tape whenever I screwed it into the elbow the tape keeps getting pushed, forward off the thread.
I thought the PTFE was meant to remain on the thread.

Thanks
philip

 

[misterdubya]

Hemp

 

[obiplumbkinobi]

Locktite 55

 

[sooey]

Ptfe about thirty bob for ten rolls....loctite nearly three quid a roll. I know what I'm using.

 

[gas4you]

You only need 3 or 4 turns of loctite though, so you save in the long run, plus you can go back if you turn too far without causing a leak as with ptfe.

 

[expertgasman]

Does PTFE Tape degrade if it is not used for a long time. It was a roll, which I found in my garage.

No matter which way around the thread I wrapped the tape whenever I screwed it into the elbow the tape keeps getting pushed, forward off the thread.
I thought the PTFE was meant to remain on the thread.


Have you tried the tap?

Does it work without leaking?

Is it in the correct position?

If all the above are YES, then stop worrying. All that can happen is that you'll get drip (outside)

 

[Charnwood]

Locktite 55

It allows backing up for alignment, but might leave the tap loose enough to turn in the wallplate elbow over time.
Another option - but expensive - is Loctite 577. Seals and locks threads.

 

[Agile]

Another option is to remove the handle part with the washer and solder the thread ! That will never turn !

Tony

 

[muggles]

Locktite 55

Another option - but expensive - is Loctite 577. Seals and locks threads.

Expensive!?!? Presumably the yellow colour is due to the amount of gold dissolved in it...