Outside tap not on straight

[blueharvester]

I've had an outside tap installed but it's sitting slightly crooked. To straighten it up means having to lightly loosen the tap, but this just isn't practical as if I've a hose attached to it the tap will move. I've tried PTFE tape but this is now use! How can I get the tap straight?

 

[Rob]

Will likely need to be re-made with more PTFE. Unless you can get a pair of grips on it and complete another turn?

 

[blueharvester]

Will likely need to be re-made with more PTFE. Unless you can get a pair of grips on it and complete another turn?

I've tried loads of PTFE but it doesn't make much difference. As for completing another turn, the tap at the minute is sitting 90° to the right meaning I would have to turn it another 270° to straighten it up, surely the pipe would crack?

Perhaps I could use a washer? If so, what type of washer should I use?

 

[Rob]

Bib taps are usually made with PTFE so you CAN tighten it in the correct position. Have you really had the tap right off and re-made??

 

[blueharvester]

Bib taps are usually made with PTFE so you CAN tighten it in the correct position. Have you really had the tap right off and re-made??

Yes I've definitely had it off and reapplied the PTFE but perhaps I'm doing it wrong?

 

[Rob]

Hmm...im confused this is usually straight forward. All i can suggest is use more PTFE.

 

[blueharvester]

Hmm...im confused this is usually straight forward. All i can suggest is use more PTFE.

Yeah I know, it's quite frustrating! I'll give it another go. Thanks anyway.

 

[Gasguru]

Form a taper on the thread with the PTFE.

 

[blueharvester]

Form a taper on the thread with the PTFE.

What do you mean by form a taper? I don't understand, sorry.

 

[Softus]

A taper is to a parallel threaded spigot as a slope is to flat ground.

 

[sierracsierra]

Careful if you decide to tighten the tap to straight position. We just had a new outside tap fitted by plumbers. When we used it for the first time, it came off in our hands. The thread had sheared...we think thro over tightening.

 

[TicklyT]

Form a taper on the thread with the PTFE.

What do you mean by form a taper? I don't understand, sorry.

The seal is between the threads, not on the shoulder at the end of the thread.
Wind enough PTFE around the end of the tap thread so it only just enters the wallplate, and even more tape around the 'shoulder' end till you can't see the thread profile in the tape. it should seal with hardly any tightening.

Then you've just got to judge whether you think it will tighten another turn or not and leave the tap straight on the wallplate. If you loosen it again it may leak, and require another few layers of tape on the thread. Too much tape, or over enthusiastic tightening may split the wallplate.

 

[EliteHeat]

Get some loctite 55 - about £3 - allows a complete back turn when fully tight without leaking - yay!

 

[Lagerkhan]

Do it proper.......fibre washer + ptfe (liquid or other)

 

[Agile]

Careful if you decide to tighten the tap to straight position. We just had a new outside tap fitted by plumbers. When we used it for the first time, it came off in our hands. The thread had sheared...we think thro over tightening.

Typical heavy handed customer breaks it the first time he uses it!