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Old 07-25-2017, 10:25 AM   #1
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How do I keep bathroom plumbing fittings tight?

I am having a recurring problem with my cold water line coming loose and spraying the bathroom with water. Fortunately I have been in the trailer when this has happened and was able to shut off the pump. Also, during the winter I installed ball valves on the lines to isolate the problem. But I don't know how to keep that fitting from working itself loose. Any suggestions?
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Old 07-25-2017, 10:31 AM   #2
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cold water supply on the sink or on the toilet?
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Old 07-25-2017, 10:37 AM   #3
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Haven't heard of this one before. Are you wrapping threads with teflon tape? Get the heavy duty tape, usually Grey, and overwrap it then tighten down. Would think that would do it.
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Old 07-25-2017, 10:40 AM   #4
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Mike, are we talking about a PEX fitting?
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Old 07-25-2017, 10:41 AM   #5
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I don't think that there are any fittings in there that require tape, which should only be used on pipe threads. Might be though, but my trailer is nowhere near to check.

Where is the joint loosening, Mike. This leaking is not a normal thing. A picture might be nice too.
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Old 07-25-2017, 11:20 AM   #6
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My 17b had threaded connections to the fixtures, but ur right they may have eliminated them. I haven't had any cause to look on the 19 yet. PEX was coming off he wouldn't be able to hook back up without special tools or shark bites.
If there are threaded connects to the fixtures you don't usually need teflon tape, but it can be used to tighten a connection
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Old 07-25-2017, 01:46 PM   #7
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It's the screw-on fitting that goes onto the threaded plastic pipe nipple that comes down from the cold water tap on the bathroom lavatory. It is PEX line so I guess these are PEX fittings. I had trouble with both lines before so I cut them and installed valves beneath them, then screwed them back into place.

Here is a crude, dark photo from a cheap cellphone. As you might be able to see, I've used a PTFE paste thread sealant on it, which might have contributed to the problem. I should probably use tape instead.
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Old 07-25-2017, 01:56 PM   #8
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Mike I think that is a compression type fitting if it is the same as our 21' and tape of putty will probably prevent if from properly sealing.
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Old 07-25-2017, 02:18 PM   #9
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That is exactly what I was expecting to see. Compression part of the fitting is at the bottom of the threads. If you use teflon tape and wrap the threads up higher it will tighten it up and will not interfere with the compression seal.
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Old 07-25-2017, 02:29 PM   #10
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Tape should not be used on that fitting (unless I am seeing it wrong on my phone). It is a compression fitting. The threads only hold it in place. Adequately tightened that fitting should not leak, unless there is something wrong with it, then it needs replacement.

Don't want to believe me, give any plumber a call. I know our plumbers have cussed homeowners for using Teflon take where they shouldn't.
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Old 07-25-2017, 02:43 PM   #11
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Teflon tape is not supposed to be used on compression fittings
If you overtighten a plastic compression fitting you can crack , stretch or damage the threads , this leads to leaks.
Tighter is not always better !!
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Old 07-25-2017, 03:58 PM   #12
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The fitting doesn't leak as long as it is on. It works itself loose then blows off the end, at which point it produces a torrent of water. My goal is to keep the thing from working loose.
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Old 07-25-2017, 04:08 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Lewis View Post
It's the screw-on fitting that goes onto the threaded plastic pipe nipple that comes down from the cold water tap on the bathroom lavatory

.
An old motorcycle trick to stop things from vibrating loose is to drill a tiny hole thru one of the 'wings' that you use to tighten it then put a wire thru the hole and wrap the wire around another pipe or something such that the fitting can't loosen unless you take the wire off
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Old 07-25-2017, 04:50 PM   #14
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No way it should be working loose, teflon tape or no. Is the nut possibly cracked? It may not leak due to a crack but it possibly may work loose. Possible too the threads are compromised.
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Old 07-25-2017, 05:37 PM   #15
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I'm still not clear. What is blowing off - the PEX crimped hose from the compression fitting or the compression fitting itself? If it's the hose coming loose, you need a PEX crimper and recrimp it. It was probably not crimped properly. Forget the teflon tape or any sealant. A properly crimped PEX joint won't leak, and won't come loose.
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Old 07-25-2017, 06:15 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Lewis View Post
The fitting doesn't leak as long as it is on. It works itself loose then blows off the end, at which point it produces a torrent of water. My goal is to keep the thing from working loose.
Sounds like repairs are needed, Mike. This should not happen.
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Old 07-25-2017, 06:41 PM   #17
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Mike is this what your compression fitting on the end of the PEX looks like?
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Old 07-25-2017, 07:19 PM   #18
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I'd have to unscrew the fitting to see what it looks like inside, since I don't remember. It is not leaking where the fitting is crimped to the pipe. The outside "cover" just unscrews itself until the assembly comes off. The hot water side seems secure, thank goodness, since it's almost impossible to reach.
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Old 07-25-2017, 07:30 PM   #19
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Walking nut

Hi Mike
It sounds to me like the nut is either jumping the threads because they were molded too shallow on either of or both of the fittings if you could wrap behind the walking nut with black electrical tape it might get you by till it can be repaired with a replacement. Just my thought.
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Old 07-25-2017, 08:55 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Lewis View Post
It is not leaking where the fitting is crimped to the pipe. The outside "cover" just unscrews itself until the assembly comes off.
Ok, thanks for the clarification Mike. The permanent fix is to remove the compression fitting and replace it. I have to admit, I've not seen that problem with these plastic fittings before.

Let's hope the problem isn't with the threads on the faucet side. Might want to check the threads on the faucet inlet to see if they're damaged. The only fix for that is to replace the faucet.
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