eyecatcher Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 We have a leaking service valve for a bum gun at the spa. I have traced it to the head of the tap but it will not tighten up. So lets spend 65bt and have a new one. The problem lies now with how to make the new valve watertight. You see i need to fix the new valve onto a male thread but the male thread is back beyond the face of the wall tiles...two layers of tiles! The space is insufficient to wrap ptfe so would it be futile or at worst stupid to smear the female part of the thread with silicone. Any bright ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 We got some splodge-it-on sealant which you could use on both male and female bits :) OR Get one of the brass female-female couplers, make sure it will tighten reasonably well through the tiles (knock a few bits foo the tiles if needed), then put a good splodge of epoxy on both threads, wind it on and go for a lot of beers. Result a new female thread slightly proud of the tiles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roo860 Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 We got some splodge-it-on sealant which you could use on both male and female bits :) OR Get one of the brass female-female couplers, make sure it will tighten reasonably well through the tiles (knock a few bits foo the tiles if needed), then put a good splodge of epoxy on both threads, wind it on and go for a lot of beers. Result a new female thread slightly proud of the tiles. Sounds disgusting!!Sent from my SM-G920F using Thaivisa Connect mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petermik Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 7 hours ago, Crossy said: We got some splodge-it-on sealant which you could use on both male and female bits :) That,s interesting Crossy,might try that myself.....but I,ll have to check with the missus first to see if she is agreeable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 5 minutes ago, roo860 said: Sounds disgusting!! The best things often do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petermik Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Here,s hoping the mods don,t shut this thread down.............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Why would we do that, we are talking about doing it yourself? Whatever "it" is :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muhendis Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 7 minutes ago, Crossy said: We got some splodge-it-on sealant which you could use on both male and female bits :) OR Get one of the brass female-female couplers, make sure it will tighten reasonably well through the tiles (knock a few bits foo the tiles if needed), then put a good splodge of epoxy on both threads, wind it on and go for a lot of beers. Result a new female thread slightly proud of the tiles. Go for Crossy's splodge or poxy stuff or you could get a bit of squirt on liquid nails construction adhesive which will stick to anything (almost) and will remain slightly flexible so allowing for temperature effects on the different thermal expansion characteristics of whatever the materials might be. Then go have a beer or three. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 @Muhendis I've not had a lot of success with the construction adhesives in wet environments, they are not as waterproof as one would imagine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muhendis Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 1 minute ago, Crossy said: @Muhendis I've not had a lot of success with the construction adhesives in wet environments, they are not as waterproof as one would imagine. There's some stuff I've used which is a bit like Evostick and seems Ok for stopping water around screw joints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenKong Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 15 minutes ago, Crossy said: @Muhendis I've not had a lot of success with the construction adhesives in wet environments, they are not as waterproof as one would imagine. Back in Europe I used a specific epoxy compound for underwater use with great success to repair a cracked cistern. Lasted for 20 years whilst I still owned the building and, for all I know, is still going strong. The important thing was to let it cure (24 hours) before getting it wet or putting it under any pressure. I imagine that once cured it would be impossible to get the fixture off without ripping the whole thing out of the wall. Never seen it here but then I've never looked for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johng Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 The epoxy is a good idea but it's a one shot deal you have to makes sure there is enough to seal the threads probably first time, if there is a still a leak after epoxying the threads (you have to let it cure before turning water on again) it will be a devil of a job to get the fixture off again normally a thread deeper inside the wall will undo or something will break ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Yeah, epoxy is definitely one-shot, that's why I suggested using a coupler. Once set you can thread a new valve in with the PTFE and still get it off afterwards :) A decent waterproof silicon would probably work as well and be more removable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenKong Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Hmm. Liquid PTFE: http://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-ptfe-liquid-50g/5321j Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyecatcher Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 50 minutes ago, roo860 said: Sounds disgusting!! Sent from my SM-G920F using Thaivisa Connect mobile app yes but, there is beer involved apparently so I am liking this already Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyecatcher Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 4 minutes ago, KittenKong said: Hmm. Liquid PTFE: http://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-ptfe-liquid-50g/5321j sounds like Tippex correction fluid! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenKong Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Just now, eyecatcher said: sounds like Tippex correction fluid! Hopefully a bit more robust than that! The reviews seem to be pretty favourable and it seems well suited for this job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyecatcher Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 12 minutes ago, Crossy said: Yeah, epoxy is definitely one-shot, that's why I suggested using a coupler. Once set you can thread a new valve in with the PTFE and still get it off afterwards :) A decent waterproof silicon would probably work as well and be more removable. Yes that was my concern about applying silicone directly to the thread...50/50 it will work or it will not a coupler is an idea but same result.....maybe this is where the beers comes in and then I still have a new tap(photo) to change again. I am still wondering how to get PTFE on the thread and may just try wrapping a load around a choptstick and then running the chopstick around the thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyecatcher Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 48 minutes ago, petermik said: Here,s hoping the mods don,t shut this thread down.............. screw 'em Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaldPlumber Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Use jointing paste in the female thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyecatcher Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 6 minutes ago, BaldPlumber said: Use jointing paste in the female thread. would I (English) understand that as "plumbers mate" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 You have time as it takes this epoxy a little while to harden 3 hours ago, Crossy said: We got some splodge-it-on sealant which you could use on both male and female bits :) OR Get one of the brass female-female couplers, make sure it will tighten reasonably well through the tiles (knock a few bits foo the tiles if needed), then put a good splodge of epoxy on both threads, wind it on and go for a lot of beers. Result a new female thread slightly proud of the tiles. I would go a little further just to make sure, starting with a piece of wood (maybe a piece of dowel) or similar that would fit neatly into the bore of existing buried male thread, carefully fill the whole area within the wall cavity with epoxy. I would look at the epoxy used to fix reinforcing bar into concrete as it is fairly firm when mixed and doesn't run everywhere - wait awhile until it starts to firm up - careful attention needed here - retain the wooden dowel in place and enter the female / female coupler amply coated internally and externally with the same epoxy (only at the end going into the wall) and screw it into place - then remove the dowel and clean up the internal thread at the outer end of the coupler - tooth bush and water (damp only) should do the trick for you -- also ensure any void in the wall cavity / coupler is filled in - at the wall / coupler interface smooth off any surplus epoxy - use water and your finger to give a perfectly smooth finish - take your time this epoxy is not all that fast curing - but once it starts to cure that's it. Guaranteed to last this century and probably the next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 2 hours ago, eyecatcher said: would I (English) understand that as "plumbers mate" I would say yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luudee Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 5 hours ago, KittenKong said: Hmm. Liquid PTFE: http://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-ptfe-liquid-50g/5321j Is liquid PTFE available in Thailand ? Thanks ! rudi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaldPlumber Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 would I (English) understand that as "plumbers mate"No, different product completely.A proper sealant will work OK, used to make gas tight joints so it will certainly work on water ones.About 50 baht or so in the DIY places.Guaranteed to work.If you're local to me, I'll do it for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaldPlumber Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 BTW, PTFE, especially the gas, one wrap variety, is certainly better. But, for an application where the orientation of the fittings is not important, then the sealant is perfectly good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenKong Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 1 hour ago, luudee said: Is liquid PTFE available in Thailand ? I've never looked for it so I dont know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayned Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 I used a two part epoxy called AQUA SEAL bought it in Home Pro and still available, to "temporarily" fix a couple of leaks when I built my house 18 years ago having every intention of going back and fixing them properly later. It's still there and not leaking and I have learned not to fix something that's not broken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leyali Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I would put a o-ring on the male thread in the wall and then screw the valve in till they press the o-ring. Or put a flat o-ring in the female thread and screw them in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now