How to remove old teflon tape residue from shower elbow drop

[elektrei]

I want to remove the old teflon tape residue before I change the shower arm, but it's really stuck. Also, the elbow drop is enclosed in all the layers of the wall making it very hard to access.


Any tips on what tools and tricks to use to remove this residue? It barely budges with a wire brush.

Thank you!

 

[CENTRALFL]

I would think as long as the threads are clean and maybe removing the white string, you should be good.

Try some tweezers or a pick for the string they have picks (different shapes) at most hardware stores. Or are you trying to remove the green residue?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[elektrei]

I would think as long as the threads are clean and maybe removing the white string, you should be good.

Try some tweezers or a pick for the string they have picks (different shapes) at most hardware stores. Or are you trying to remove the green residue?

The white string is there because of what I was able to remove from the thread with a pick.

My plan was to remove the green residue as well. Someone said it's copper oxides on old teflon tape. What do you think about the green residue? Do you think it could affect how the new shower arm will seal with the new teflon tape and pipe dope?

The green residue falls off being stubborn with the pick, but most of it is very stuck and won't budge.

Thank you!

 

[Fitter30]

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[GReynolds929]

Don't worry about it, it won't impact the threads or sealing of a new shower arm.

 

[elektrei]

Don't worry about it, it won't impact the threads or sealing of a new shower arm.

Thank you. It looks like the residue it's on the face of the elbow drop, so you're right. Are you able to tell what that green residue is? Is it some type of sealant/caulk? If so, why did they put it there?

 

[GReynolds929]

It's pipe dope.

 

[elektrei]

It's pipe dope.

I see that makes more sense. So it's pipe dope excess that just sat there and hardened right?