Is Teflon tape needed with Marlex elbows?
The soft, slippery nature of Marlex, a trade name for Polyethylene, eliminates the necessity to use Teflon tape, or pipe dope on the threads. Pipe threads generally require a thread sealant/tape to provide a leak-tight joint. Marlex elbows are only recommended for open discharge systems, and therefore not required to be leak-free. In other words, the only time a Marlex fitting should be pressurized is when the sprinkler is running. So slight drips, or leaks are not of a concern.
