Extractor plugs

[butler]

I have the white plugs to screw into the back of my extractor for the holes not being used and I put teflon tape on the threads but they still have vacuum leaks around them .... is there a better solution to this?

[Bricklayer]

A plumber at work gave me a couple rolls of premium teflon tape. What a difference. Thicker and I used way less.
I had trouble with my threads not sealing on my RO at the vessel cap. Used this teflon and no more leaks.
The pink teflon is thicker also.
When I was putting the fittings in my releaser I did notice that you have to be careful to get them threaded in properly.
It's easy to get them cross threaded. if it's hard to turn after 1 turn then take it out and try again.
I found they sealed the best when I got them in about 1/4" past the inside face of the pipe. So basically when I saw about 1/4" sticking through on the inside of the releaser.

[JoeJ]

I think that you should be also using food grade pipe dope. I was told years ago that especially under vacuum, teflon tape alone is not adequate. Every threaded fitting I use gets both teflon tape and food grade pipe dope.

Joe

[butler]

Perfect, thanks for the tips

[Haynes Forest Products]

A word of caution on Teflon tape and pipe dope. They also act as a lubricant which can lead to over tightening. I have cracked more PVC and even cast fittings from SNUGGING the fitting up. Pipe fittings are a tappered so they can cause stress cracks that appear over time.

I wouldn't use Teflon tape on ruff or malled fittings because it balls up and fails to seat. Pipe dope with Teflon additive will seal better under the pressures of vacuum.

[maple flats]

Agree again, I was told years ago to never use teflon tape on plastic, It's too easy to over tighten and cause damage. Use a good thread dope containing teflon, and do not over tighten.

[wiam]

I fought this for years on plugs I was sure I would never use. I finally gave up and use pvc cleaner and cement before screwing in. Problem solved

[Shaun]

I have had luck using plumbers putty rolled soft and wrapped around pipes/plugs and an electrical entrance on my home built extractor. Worked better than I thought it would.