Why Do They Do It?

[SteveW]

Now, the title of this thread could apply across all sections of "Hammer and Chisel" but I have started it in here because my first "Why do they do it?" is a plumbing question.

Why do people put Teflon tape around the tap thread in caravan parks? They don't do it at home! I thought everyone knew that the thread only holds the hose to the tap. It's the face of the tap, perfectly flat and smooth, that creates a seal against the rubber in the hose nut. If you don't have a good rubber you don't get a good seal - and everybody knows where that leads.

Among the many little spares I carry, most of all I carry many spare rubbers. (Not the sort you are thinking - I saw a man with a sharp knife many years ago)

[BruceS]

Funny you should say that because I've seen the same thing on gas cylinders!!
Best stuff I know to block jets and cause water leaks in check valves etc. (depending if it's water or gas)

[dapope]

I reckon its to stop the tap fitting sticking...

[SteveW]

I reckon its to stop the tap fitting sticking...

Perhaps, but the effect eventually is the opposite - you have to take all the gunk off the thread to screw the nut on. Many people think the nut has to be very tight. It doesn't - just has to be firm enough to create a seal; roof, roof

[BernieQ2]

Usually means their fitting has been cross threaded and the tap takes up the slack, to tight to buy a new one.
Tape on the gas bottle is a no no the rubber ring on the fitting is supposed to be in good condition to make a seal.
Bernie.

[bellett65]

I take a small wire brush with me and clean them off. Not that I am in parks much now, 75% free camps on last trip.
Peter