Replies

1. 
   klhoush | Jan 16, 2009 02:42am | #1

   I use Rector seal, Teflon dope, or the yellow teflon tape for gas lines. No worries!

2. 
   Woodman41 | Jan 16, 2009 10:11am | #2

   normally I'd go with good 'ol Rectorseal #5 but then I watched some pipefitters using pipe dope and yellow teflon tape. I asked them about this technique and they said they can get a good seal with a 3/4 tightening that gave them enough play to fine tune the fit on multiple connections.

   Personally, I still like good 'ol #5.

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Jan 16, 2009 03:23pm | #3

   "I watched some pipefitters using pipe dope and yellow teflon tape."

   Me too. I used to just use one or the other, but I'd be plagued with the occasional slow leak at the threads -- sometimes a lot of slow leaks at the fittings, depending on the quality of the fittings.

   Now I use both -- belt & suspenders approach -- and don't have to worry about some joints leaking.

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

3. 
   plumbbill | Jan 16, 2009 06:26pm | #4

   You can use tape, or dope or both.

   Leave the first 2 threads bare.

   We use dope over the tape.

    

1. 
   jayzog | Jan 16, 2009 06:59pm | #5

   What is the purpose of leaving the 1st 2 bare?

1. 
   plumbbill | Jan 16, 2009 07:48pm | #6

   Prevents any junk (tape dope) from getting into the system & clogging gas orfices.

    

1. 
   jayzog | Jan 16, 2009 07:57pm | #7

   That makes sense.

2. 
   rick12 | Jan 16, 2009 08:13pm | #8

   I happened to sit next to a plumber at the diner this morning and he told me that some building inspectors would not approve teflon tape for gas lines. Does that make any sense to you?

1. 
   plumbbill | Jan 16, 2009 08:21pm | #9

   I'll quote supreme court justice Antonin Scalia.

   "Just because a law is stupid does not mean it is unconstitutional"

   ;-)

   It doesn't make sense, but I have seen it happen.

   But if you use teflon tape that is marked for gas most of those inspectors will approve.