Hot Water Tank Leak

[TnHiker]

I made my third or fourth trip to Lowes looking looking for pipe sealant. They suggested a gel. Got "home" and applied it generously to the connection coming out of the tank. Also applied some to the first two or three threads of the Sharkbite 90. Re-pressured the tank and no leak. Waited an hour, checked the paper towel. No leak. Turned on the hot water heater (electric element and propane). Waited an hour. No leak. Got up this morning. No leak. It has to be magic because my plumbing skills are not that great.

I appreciate all of the helpful comments. Stay dry.

Liquid/Paste pipe sealer always provides a better seal. The idea of the seal on an NPT type thread is to lubricate the thread to allow you to tighten the pipe/fitting enough so the threads can seat and form to each other to form a water tight seal. The paste or tape doesn't seal the pipe they are there to lubricate allowing the threads to seal with the mating surface without galling.