How to avoid leaking compressor piping

[John Buchtenkirch]

For too many years I beat myself up trying different sealers & methods when installing new air pipes in my shop. It was very discouraging to have to remove 4 or 6 fresh joints just to tighten one that was hissing. I’ve actually cracked pipe fittings from running them up too hard. Finally my plumber friend moved back from Colorado and showed me how to use plumber’s string or wicking. I’m not saying this is the only way to do it but I’ve had excellent results. With this method I’ve actually over tightened fittings and then had to back them off 10 or 15 degrees with still no leaking problems. It takes a little extra time but you don’t have re-dos so it’s actually faster.

Step #1, I lightly coat the threads with sealer. #2 & #3 I hold the plumber’s string with my thumb and pull it across the threads and then start wrapping in the threads starting from the end and working towards the center of the pipe (see photos). #4 after the string is installed I cover it with sealer till I can’t see it. #5 I put a little dab of sealer on the internal threads...….. too much here may end up inside your pipes and cause problems down the road. So now you should be in great shape unless you get a porous Chinese pipe fitting. I’m told Ward brand fittings are still made in the USA but I can’t verify that. I use the Blue Block sealer only because my friend recommends it……… I’m sure there are other good ones. Good luck ~ John Buchtenkirch
DSC00013.JPG

DSC00015.JPG

DSC00017.JPG

DSC00019.jpg

DSC00021.JPG>>