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My plumber buddy told me to use Teflon tape on plastic threads. Bad idea, ruined the fitting.
He said pipe dope was for metal only, but I used tape on a plastic shower arm and it cracked when I torqued it down. Now I know plastic needs dope or a specific tape brand for plastic. Anyone else been told wrong advice by a pro?
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elizabethhart5mo ago
Learned that lesson myself a few years back on a plastic shower arm. Teflon tape works fine for metal threads because the metal can handle the friction, but plastic is softer and the tape acts like a lubricant, letting you overtighten before you even feel it. I switched to a heavy-duty pipe dope made for plastics, and I just hand tighten now no wrench. Also found that some brands make a specific tape with extra thickness that's safe for plastic, but I still go with dope for anything plastic and threaded.
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