Pipe dope is applied on the male threads but some people apply it on the female threads as well. It comes with an applicator brush to help you spread it around threads. Pipe dope, also known as pipe joint compound or thread paste is a putty-like adhesive that is used to create watertight and airtight seals in threaded connections. Let us now look at Teflon tape and pipe dope separately and learn more about their properties. Although both are used for sealing, plumber’s putty is a solid paste and is used to seal flanges while pipe dope is used to seal threaded connections.
In case you are wondering, plumber’s putty and pipe dope are not the same thing. If you must use Teflon tape, use the yellow-coded tape which is specifically designed for gas lines Pipe dope is the best sealant for gas lines and is preferred to Teflon tape by most plumbers and inspectors since it’s thicker, seals better, lubricates and also prevents thread corrosion. If you are however having leaks after using them separately, trying to combine them will not hurt. Both Teflon tape and pipe dope work excellently on their own. There is however a good number of plumbers and other building professionals who insist there is no advantage of using Teflon tape and pipe dope together.Īnd they are not wrong. Always apply Teflon tape first then pipe dope on the tape and not the other way round.Īctually, about 40% of plumbers use Teflon tape and pipe dope together. Apply about 4 tight wraps of Teflon tape on the threads then apply the dope/paste on the Teflon. Yes! You can use both Teflon tape and pipe dope together. There are plumbers who even use and recommend using pipe dope and Teflon tape together. The most important thing is to make sure that the connection does not leak afterwards.
One thing that I have however observed is that most old plumbers use pipe dope more while younger plumbers prefer Teflon tape. If anything, Teflon tape should be the main concern since it can tear off and clog faucet aerators and other orifices. Having said that, there is nothing wrong in using pipe dope in brass fittings.Ĭontrary to some people’s concerns, pipe dope can and is used in water lines. When dealing with brass pipes or fittings, Teflon tape is preferred over pipe dope unless the connection has an O-ring or rubber gasket. Plumbers are actually split in the middle on what thread sealant to use, some swearing by pipe dope and others by Teflon tape.
TEFLON TAP ON HOT WATER HOSE CONNECTOR CODE
I should however give a disclaimer that this recommendation is not by any code but rather from personal knowledge and experience. On the other hand, use pipe dope when connecting natural gas pipes, large diameter pipes, steel and reactive metals. In summary, when connecting plastic, soft metals, unreactive metals and small diameter pipes, Teflon tape is the thread sealant to use. Teflon tape is versatile, mess-free, used in plastic and metal connections but isn’t corrosion-proof. Pipe dope is easy to apply, provides better sealing in permanent connections, prevents joint corrosions, seals and also lubricates threads but is messy and not good for plastic connections. So, what is the difference between Teflon tape and pipe dope? Which one should you use? Is one better than the other? That means having to choose between pipe dope and Teflon tape. Anytime you are connecting pipes or fittings together, you almost always need to apply a thread sealant on the threads.
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