hans_idle
New Member
I am replacing most of the plumbing in my masterbath for a remodel. Today I ran new 1/2" supply lines through the joists (using existing holes from previous plumbing) and then up through the floor under the sinks. I used 1/2" O.D x 1/2" IPS ball valves on top of the supply lines. There are 4 of them. I chose these valves rather than sweat valves for a number of reasons, ease of installation being one of them. The supply lines are topped with 1/2" male threads.
When I screwed the valves onto the supply lines, I wrapped the threads with teflon tape a couple of times. After screwing on the valves, I turned the water on and checked for leaks. I tighted hand-tight to start with. After seeing a few drops of water, I tighted each valve another 1/4 turn, and then repeated the process until the water stopped.
What surprised me is the amount I had to tighten the valves. I really had to make them tight (used a 10" crescent wrench). The last time I did plumbing work was over 10 years ago, but I don't recall having to tighten so hard.
Do I need to use more teflon tape, or did I maybe buy inferior products? Or was it because I was using a 10" wrench and it just FELT hard?
When I screwed the valves onto the supply lines, I wrapped the threads with teflon tape a couple of times. After screwing on the valves, I turned the water on and checked for leaks. I tighted hand-tight to start with. After seeing a few drops of water, I tighted each valve another 1/4 turn, and then repeated the process until the water stopped.
What surprised me is the amount I had to tighten the valves. I really had to make them tight (used a 10" crescent wrench). The last time I did plumbing work was over 10 years ago, but I don't recall having to tighten so hard.
Do I need to use more teflon tape, or did I maybe buy inferior products? Or was it because I was using a 10" wrench and it just FELT hard?