Pipe dopes are inexpensive and relatively easy to use. Their chemical composition is compatible with all pipe materials, including plastic.
Pipe dopes harden quickly and produce a moderate to strong seal. Solvent-based pipe dopes can lose their effectiveness as the result of heat aging.
When the seal shrinks and cracks, leaks can develop. This possibility is especially true with systems that are subjected to significant vibration. Pipe dopes may lack sufficient resistance to solvents.
Solvent-based pipe dopes provide an adequate seal in applications where high temperatures and pressures are not expected. Pipe dopes offer minimal resistance against vibration.
They are acceptable when the installation of a piping system does not require adjustment of components more than a few minutes after assembly. Anaerobic resin compounds use a different cure chemistry than solvent-based pipe dopes and do not contain solvents.
The cure begins when the sealant is confined within the threads of the metal pipe connection and air is excluded. Without solvent content, the cured material does not shrink or crack, and maintains its sealing properties even after heat aging.
Because of their chemistry, anaerobic resin compounds exhibit excellent temperature and solvent resistance. Anaerobic compounds fill the voids between pipe threads, creating a seal Fig. The compounds cure slowly, providing additional time to make adjustments to pipe system components without damaging the seal. Once cured, the compounds form a strong seal that resists the effects of temperature, pressure, solvents, and vibration.
While some sealants produce bonds that make disassembly difficult, joints sealed with anaerobic resins can be taken apart with standard hand tools. Many anaerobic thread sealants contain Teflon or similar lubricants which aid assembly and reduce the potential for damage to pipe system components. Because of their chemical composition, compatibility of anaerobic resin compounds with plastic pipe and fittings should be verified before use. Although these compounds cure sufficiently for many immediate uses, a hr period should be observed before activating high-pressure systems or allowing significant shock or vibration.
Anaerobic resins can be difficult to remove from clothing or gloves. This class of sealants provides the strongest, longest-lasting seal presently available. They are recommended for temperatures up to F, pressures up to 10, psi, and where vibration will be encountered.
These sealants are the choice when installers must make minor adjustments to a piping system. Foszcz, Senior Editor, , j. The author is available to answer questions about pipe thread sealing and the application of anaerobic compounds. He may be reached at This article was co-authored by David Balkan.
As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 27, times. When carrying out any type of plumbing project, it's important to choose the right sealant.
Not only are pipe joint sealants more trustworthy than other sealing methods, they're also usually easier to work with. Just brush the viscous liquid onto the threads of the pipe or fitting and give it time to set up. Since pipe dope never fully dries, it will form a fast, flexible seal guaranteed to last for years. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.
Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Method 1. Brush the pipe dope onto the pipe or fitting. Unscrew and remove the lid from the bottle of sealant.
Most products will include a small applicator brush on the underside of the cap. Use this applicator to smear the liquid sealant liberally onto the threads of the male pipe fitting. Make sure the pipes you're sealing are clean and dry prior to applying pipe dope. A small disposable brush or spatula can also be used if the pipe dope you picked up doesn't come with its own applicator. Spread the sealant in the opposite direction. Turn the pipe segment and go over the pipe dope once again, this time across the path of the threads.
This will help fill in the threads and promote a stronger, longer-lasting seal. By the time you're finished, you should barely be able to see the threads at all. Be sure to only spread the sealant onto the threaded section of the male pipe segment, not on the female threads or any other part of the pipe.
Wrap string around the threads after applying the joint compound. Fit the components together. Slide the male pipe segment into the opening of the female segment or fitting.
Screw the male segment into place until it stops turning. If necessary, use an adjustable wrench to finish tightening the pipe. The manufacturer's specifications are an important consideration when purchasing a sealant for your particular project. It is important to note if the product is intended for use on only one certain type of pipe , or if it is a universal product that can be used on both metal and plastic.
When buying pipe joint compound, look for a product that can be used on all types of plastic and metal threaded pipe, and keep it on hand as part of your collection of basic plumbing tools and materials. Some types of sealants are not appropriate for both water and gas. Plumber's tape, for example, comes in two types—one for use specifically on gas and one for water pipes. This can also be true for a pipe joint compound, so read the product usage specifications carefully, and if you are not comfortable sealing gas pipes, contact a professional immediately.
Metal threads can be fragile, so gently use a wire brush or compressed air to clean out the gunk. For PVC threads, try scraping gunk out with a small flat-head screwdriver and some rubbing alcohol on a rag to cut through any residue. Dry thoroughly. To use pipe joint compound, apply an even coating onto the end threads of the male pipe the end that will go into the other pipe , using either the applicator brush or a finger. Do not smear the compound inside the pipes.
Then, thread the pipe into the fitting. Make sure to avoid cross-threading that might damage the threads. Many plumbers use a thin layer of pipe joint compound on top of plumber's tape for a great seal on almost any threaded joints involving water. Do not overturn or overly tighten the joints. Tighten joints with a wrench or fingers depending on the size , and then add one or two more smooth turns.
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