Kaushik Ghose

Threaded joints (NPT - national pipe thread)

(Wisdom from the ISM blog)

  1. Dry fit (without any sealant) to finger tightness and mark the position. (I take a photo, can also mark the two parts with a sharpie line)
  2. Remove and add thread sealant. Four turns of thin teflon, or some pipe dope
  3. Retighten to dry fit positon
  4. Wrench tighten 1.5 to 3 turns beyond.

Positioning elbows

Because of the range you have (1.5 to 3 wrench tighten turns) you have at least one full turn to adjust elbows. It mostly works. You can add thicker tape in cases where it doesn’t. Do not untighten. If you do, redo the whole thing with fresh tape.

Removing PEX B from fittings

PEX B deforms after being clamped/cinched around a fitting. Even after removing a clamp the PEX B will remain in place. While it is possible to slit the PEX at the fitting with a utility knife and pull it off like that, it is a little dangerous and can damage the fitting. It is better to heat up the joint with a hair dryer or a heat gun for 30sec to 1min and then wriggle the PEX section off the fitting.

Removing PEX B cinch clamps

Use a flathead screw driver to pry up the end of the strap. Then use pliers to peel off the strap from the three nubs that holds the ring together. The cinch clamp will spring open.