Do you use teflon tape or pipe dope on seats and stems?

[Verdeboy]

Just wondering. I haven't been using it, but I noticed that the threads on some of the seats and stems I replaced were wrapped in teflon tape.

 

[Jimbo]

They are not designed to require any sealant on them. I always use teflon tape. I never have leaks, and I am too old a dog to change my ways!

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

I believe the seats need some sort of sealant, if not paste thread sealant, then maybe Teflon tape.

With the stems, those have washers that seal.

 

[Verdeboy]

Follow-up question: If a valve stem or seat was not sealed properly and thus leaks at the threads, would it show up as a leak in the shower or behind the shower?

I'm guessing the valve stem would leak inside the tub in the same way a stem with a loose packing nut would leak. And a seat that is not sealed properly would leak behind the shower (and might do some serious damage). Is this about right?

 

[Winslow]

The seat is located inside the valve body. I use pipe dope, not necessarily as a sealant, but to ensure its eay removal when its worn out.

 

[Plumber1]

A thin wind of thin tape under the seats' shoulder will insure no leak from the back side of the seat and won't interfere with anything. I look at as a gasket.

Same with supplementing the seal where the steam it threaded into the valve body.