shower help - can't stop the leaking

[reedmatt]

Hi All!
I just installed a new 3 handle bath/shower faucet. I attached all galvanized pipes tightly and used threading compound on all joints. Every time I test this, water comes dripping out. I've redone this twice, and still there is leaking water. I'm attaching a picture, The red arrows indicates dripping. Anyone have any ideas on what to do, I'm ready to replace everything with plastic...I'm not sure what to do.
Thanks for any help.

 

[Jerome2877]

You either havn't tightened the joints enough or they are coroded and should be replaced. Joint compound is to lubricate not create a seal. I personally would replace it with pex.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[XR4ti]

Yep, probably not tight enough.

What's on the other side of the drywall and metal lath?

 

[hj]

leaks

There is absolutely NO reason those joints should leak if you are using the right compound and tightening them correctly. IF you use PEX, you will probably create a different problem. One which you would have to live with for the rest of its life. In the first place NEITHER of those joints have any significant pressure during normal use, so a minor drip under test pressure would probably not leak in normal usage. Second, since it is steel piping, it will probably rust shut and stop any small leak in a matter of days. But the real solution is to put them together properly and not have the issue at all.

 

[Kordts]

Good luck with that galvanised to the tub spout.

 

[Eldan]

I wonder...what kind of "threading compound" did you use? And did you put any on the union mating surface? (Don't.) Did you use a backing wrench when you made the joints? (Do.) Use brand new red brass unions. Double check that pipe dope. Maybe try the pink teflon tape instead.

In my non-professional opinion you should take all that out and replace with a single handle pressure balanced valve body. Better shower, and it's code.

 

[Cass]

That looks to be a normal replacement...try teflon tape and pipe dope and be sure the threads are very tight and that the unions mate right before tightning...