Is there any thing better to seal threaded copper fitting to bronze valve other than teflon tape tried numerous times but still have a small drip at the joint
Sorry but teflon tape is the industry standard and works great when properly used. You may be over tightening or one of the fittings could be slightly out of round, either would cause your problem.
I use pipe dope and teflon together. I usually have no problems. Make sure you are using enough teflon. I wrap it around clockwise at least 12 times. It may look like overkill but it works for me.
I used liquid teflon for many years. It's a bit pricey but is ok for gas or water. Don't get it on your clothes though as it is nearly imposable to remove.
put at least 6 complete wraps starting at the threaded end and working bk 1/2 in using 1/2 in teflon tape,if this don't do it u got some real bad threads
Bronze valve bodies are notorious for developing cracks. Inspect the body around the area where you thread in the copper fitting, look for a hairline crack. If you find one , sorry that valve is done. If no cracks are visible then make sure you use enough teflon tape, usually 4 wraps or so. Wrap a thread that turns clockwise the same way, so the tape doesn't bunch up as you turn it. Sometimes the use of a short brass nipple, and then a female threaded copper adaptor works better than a Male copper adaptor. If you use any type of thread sealant, and it is potable (drinking) water, make sure the sealant states it is OK for that purpose. Finally, in a real jamb you could substitute a little flux instead of thread sealant, and solder the copper thread right to the valve body. Of course this is now a soldered joint, not coming apart anymore.
