Many plumbing projects need a thread sealant because these mechanisms need to be watertight and airtight. Gas lines need sealants to ensure they last longer and you limit the risk of gas leaks. Gas pipes and the proper fittings can change based on the appliance or type of project you are completing. Below we will share about different gas line sealants and how they can help keep your home safe and functional.
The Purpose Of Thread Sealants
While your gas line or other plumbing systems are designed to thread together, there are still going to be gaps. Gas line sealants or threaded pipe sealants will help make these pipes airtight and watertight. The threaded pipes have male and female ends, the male having the threads and the female having grooves.
An approved sealant will help ensure that you avoid leaks, but choosing the right one is the only way to ensure your system is sealed properly. Below are a few different types of sealants that you can use for different piping lines.
Compound Thread Sealants
A liquid or paste can be applied to the threads on gas lines to ensure that leaks are nonexistent. Compounds like pipe dopes or anaerobic resin compounds are great options for residential gas line sealants.
A gas line sealant compound needs to be applied to the right pipe material because the compound could cause the material to degrade or degrade faster. Different compounds can handle different high pressures and high temperatures so if you are going to tackle a gas line installation without a plumber, be sure to do your research.
Pipe Dopes
Pipe dope compounds could lose effectiveness over time due to heat and vibration of the pipes. They are a good sealant option when you do not need to adjust components at all after gas line installation.
Anaerobic Resin Compounds
These resin compounds are the longest-lasting compounds for gas lines. With that being said, they also can shrink or crack when not applied correctly. High pressure can also cause the compound to expand. Applying a resin will prevent cracking and damage to your piping system and can easily be removed with the correct hand tools. This makes repairs or adding another gas line in the future much easier.
Flex Tape Or Teflon Tape
Teflon tape is another common option for gas line sealants because it lubricates the joints while they are being connected. It helps ensure a tighter seal with a firm hold between the male and female ends.
The tape is wrapped around the threads on the male end before you screw the female pipe end together. This allows the pipes to screw together without small gaps in between all the grooves.
Yellow flex or plumbing tape is the only color that should be used for gas and fuel lines. These are the thickest density color and ensure that leaks are not going to occur with high temperatures and pressure. Using the wrong color of tape can lead to disaster. Leaks or damage to your pipes can occur when the sealant is not strong enough.
How To Apply Gas Line Sealants
Turn off your gas before repairing lines or adding an additional lines. Once the gas is off, make sure you have the right gas line sealant and apply it according to the product directions. This usually means cleaning between the grooves and cutting the tape to the appropriate length.
After applying tape or compound, connect the pipe and turn the gas back on. Mix some dish soap and water into a spray bottle and spray on the connection, if you see bubbles, this indicates a leak. Turn off the gas again and test the fitting or reapply the tape. Repeat until there are no bubbles. If you continue to experience problems after cleaning out all dirt and reapplying the tape, hiring a plumber is the next best option.
Gas Line Repair And Installation With S&B Plumbing
All gas lines need to be handled by professionals. Our experts can test your system, make repairs, perform annual inspections, or replace main gas lines with ease. In order to protect your Utah property, we offer timely services and emergency plumbing options for those issues that can cause damage to your property.
Avoid gas poisoning, water damage, mold growth, and other explosions by working with an experienced professional at S&B. Contact us to schedule a service or find out our current response time.