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I would like to seal a threaded fitting without disassembly.

In the past, I have used some kind of hardening substance that could be used to stop leaks on water pipes. This is, of course, not "pipe dope" or Teflon tape that might be used when assembling the fittings in the first place.

For background on the problem, I sweated the copper fittings first, then put three wraps of Teflon tape on the 3/4 MNPT and assembled as tight as I could get it with 9" wrenches. Then I sweated the valve into place, protecting the threaded fitting and valve with a damp cloth. I didn't have enough room for unions since the valve is operated on the other side of a wall. Anyway, when pressurized, I have a leak, which is common with threaded fittings, based on other questions on this board.
leak on threaded fitting Because it would require a lot of work, and would be messy to dissemble this, I was hoping for a quick (and maybe only temporary) fix that did not involve cutting the valve out and disassembling it. Instead try to find some kind of hardening putty. But I don't know what this kind of putty is called, and if it would work on this arrangement (copper and stainless 304 threaded fittings).

UPDATE: I used JB WaterWeld™ Epoxy Putty. It didn't work. I first cleaned the area with a wire brush and a soap and water solution. Spend a considerable time with the wire brush and soap solution. I then rinsed the area completely. Then I dried the parts completely, and for good measure, heated the whole assembly with the torch so it was just warm to the touch (evaporating any remaining water). So I started with clean and dry parts, then I mixed the putty as directed and forced it into the threads and beyond. I waited two hours (says one one hour is needed), but when I turned on the water again (pressure is about 85 PSI), it began leaking. So epoxy putty didn't work.

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I’ve used epoxy that I’ve bought from my local plumbing store. Mix the two tubes and apply. It gets very hard. I’ve only used it on small drips and they haven’t leaked since. I’ve even seen it used on a 3 inch pex line once when they badly cut and it worked to stop the large leak.

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  • That was a reasonable idea, but alas, it didn't work. At least KB Waterweld didn't work (edited the question to add that information).
    – Dale
    Commented Jun 8, 2020 at 22:50
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A temporary fix could be achieved by using a gauze / cloth tape, plus something like Fernox LS-X.

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If you apply the Fernox to the joint, and then wrap it with the gauze, ensuring that the gauze is fully impregnated with the goo, you should get a good seal. Ensure you remove the pressure from the supply first.

Fernox actually uses the water to cure, so it can be applied wet. It's magic stuff - I always keep a tube handy for emergencies.
(I think this suggestion is probably remembered straight of the back of the box, btw)

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  • This stuff would cost about $25, delivered.
    – Dale
    Commented Jun 8, 2020 at 22:49
  • Oh. It's about £5 in the UK. I did say "something like", surely there must be an alternative in the US?
    – SiHa
    Commented Jun 9, 2020 at 5:59

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