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.

S&B Plumbing offers gas line repair and replacement services because when they are damaged or worn out, they can cause problems in your home. Gas lines need to be monitored or serviced frequently if you want to avoid gas leaks. 

Our experts at S&B Plumbing can help maintain your gas lines, toilets, sinks, and other plumbing systems and give you peace of mind. Below we will share some common signs you should schedule gas line repairs. 

1- Hissing Noises

Hearing odd sounds or high-pitched hissing can be a clear sign that you need to schedule a gas line inspection. Hissing noises can mean that gas is leaking out from the pipes or meter and leaking into your home. Gas line repair is almost always necessary when odd sounds begin occurring. 

S&B Plumbing offers emergency plumbing services for these types of situations. A gas leak is something that needs to be handled immediately. Our experts can be to your home or business in no time, and work quickly to limit health risks or damage to the space. 

2- You Smell Odors Or “Rotten Eggs”

Natural gas is odorless, but because companies what to keep people safe, they put an odor or egg smell in with natural gas so that you can know when a leak has occurred. Sulfur smells or rotten eggs are an immediate sign that you should call your plumber.

3- Your Plants Are Dying

Natural gas is harmful to household plants and humans. If your plants are starting to wilt or die quickly, you may have a gas line leak. Gas line repairs or replacement may be necessary but some maintenance each year may prevent you from needing to pay for these more expensive repairs. Watching for signs of gas leaks will help you remedy the problem quickly and save yourself from health risks as well. 

4- Weaker Gas Appliances

If your gas-powered appliances have not been running at maximum capacity, this could be a sign of a weakened or damaged gas line. While the appliance may have problems, if it seems to work slower or heating up slower than normal, you may want to plan a service for your main gas line. 

Even if damage has not occurred, a checkup will help you complete repairs before they turn into a disaster. Gas lines can start to weaken over time as well, not all problems will mean that gas is leaking into your home. If you think you may have a leak, turn off your gas and call a licensed plumber. Never handle gas line problems on your own as this is a huge safety risk. 

5- The System Is Older

Home systems don’t last forever, so if you have an older home or your system was installed before you moved in, having it inspected or determining its age will help you replace it before it is too late. Gas lines can last up to 50 years when properly maintained, but if you notice signs of age, it is time to replace it. 

Around the 20-year mark, you should have plumbing inspections on the gas line annually. This will help you detect gas line repairs and avoid gas leaks. 

6- Visible Damage

Gas lines for homes or commercial buildings are made of metal. When you notice kinks or visible dents in the line, total replacement is often the best solution. Noticing visible damage on your gas line is a reason to call a plumber. They will be able to inspect the system and answer any questions you may have before scheduling the replacement. 

Signs of rust or corrosion will weaken the system. Corrosion can spread through the piping quickly, so at the first sign, contact S&B Plumbing. 

Gas Line Repair From S&B Plumbing

When you suspect that you have a gas leak you should start by opening the windows and leaving the home. Our experts can travel from Box Elder County to Salt Lake County to help remedy gas leaks and replace main gas lines with ease. 

You should never attempt to replace a gas line on your own. New gas appliances or old gas lines can be replaced by our professionals to improve the function of your home and avoid risks to your health. A properly installed line will last for much longer and run efficiently. 
Become a part of the S&B Plumbing family today by hiring us for gas line services, other plumbing or sewer repair, and more!