Recommend a Jointing Compound (for Compression Fittings)

stuart45

I remember the plumbers saying they always put plenty of tape on radiator tails, I  think maybe 15 turns. Seemed a lot, but plumbing isn't my trade.

NSG666

laurencewhymark said:

That's really the only difference? The price difference is pennies!

fezster has given a more reasonable explanation. I remember lending a brand new tub of hawk white to some utility guys who needed a bit as they had run out - they never gave me it back so I didn't buy any more

Section62

laurencewhymark said:

But why is Hawk White even a product, if Water Hawk does everything Hawk White does and more?

If you dig around in the technical specifications for Water Hawk you'll possibly find applications where it isn't recommended.

IIRC some of the 'new' potable water compounds that came out when people started getting worried about potable water contamination carried dire warnings about not using them on pipes used for certain things (e.g. steam and air).

It's also worth remembering that our discussion here is mainly about compression joints on water pipes of 15mm or 22mm diameter. Pipe jointing compound is primarily intended for use on threaded pipes - some of which are very big (needing a whole tub or more per joint) - which means issues like viscosity, setting characteristics, and fibre reinforcement compatibility become the critical factors in product specification, and not just the cost.

Grenage

stuart45 said:

I remember the plumbers saying they always put plenty of tape on radiator tails, I  think maybe 15 turns. Seemed a lot, but plumbing isn't my trade.

I normally put 10-15 wraps on, unless it's the much thicker gas tape.  I love that stuff.

neilmcl

laurencewhymark said:

That's really the only difference? The price difference is pennies!

It all adds up if you're getting through the stuff regularly.

paperclap

That's true! I'm only doing the central heating to my own house, so to me, an extra few pennies for the Water Hawk isn't so bad. But for the pro plumber, you're right – that adds up!

This is in the Q&A section of the Hawk White product page on Screwfix. Interesting to see "Fernox Client Services" come back with an answer to this question.

Seems the Water Hawk is the better alternative to have laying around the house then? As could be used across central heating, water pipes, etc.

fezster

Try both - you'll soon realise the difference in trying to apply it. Not to say Water Hawk doesn't work, just that I found it personally more frustrating to apply.

paperclap

In what sense? Is it a difference consistency, for example?

fezster

Correct. It's harder to work with and took 3x as long than the hawk white (for me).

Another_Level

lsx will be fine for the job mentioned, 

lsx is marketed as a jointing compound and external water leak sealer. The latter i have doubts with   

Like any silicone it can set in the nozzle or that part of the tube, just pick out the hardened part    

Happy plumbing