Have you ever wondered what chemical solvent is used to seal pipes? You might think it’s just normal glue or tape. Well, there is actually a specific type of sealant made just to seal threaded pipe joints.
And the most popular recommendation among plumbers is none other than pipe joint compound. This sealant is mainly used to connect threaded pipes.
So if you plan to not hire a plumber and just do the installations yourself, then it is important to know the process of applying pipe joint compound. Don’t worry because in this guide you will learn the application process for an effective and long lasting pipe.
The importance of using a pipe joint compound
But before we start with the guide, it is essential to understand uses of a pipe joint compound. Also known as a pipe stopper, this is an essential item when it comes to plumbing. This chemical compound serves as an adhesive that binds and seals threaded joints.
And unlike glue, PVC glue or pipe glue, a pipe joint compound is chemically stable and non-reactive. It is stable even when handling extreme temperatures. For further comparison, pipe plug provides a stronger seal than PTFE tape. This type of tape is then called plumber’s tape or sometimes Teflon tape.
Moreover, the plumbing sealant ensures that the thing passing through PIPES does not leak. These include liquids, natural gas, air and oil. In addition to providing a tight seal, it also lubricates the threads, allowing for smooth threading and joint disassembly.
Therefore, a quality joint compound should not harden, so you can easily modify or readjust them without destroying the tubes. Not only that, but the solution should completely seal the threaded joints to avoid leaks that can cause additional problems in the long run.
Key steps for applying pipe joint compound
Applying pipe joint compound may not be as difficult as you think. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the compound works successfully. Moreover, the steps on how to apply the solution may vary accordingly depending on the brand and materials of the pipes used.
1. Check the instructions carefully.
Although most pipe thread sealants they are very easy to apply, it is essential not to miss the product’s specific label. The reason for this is that some brands may require specific directions that are not included in the basic guidelines.
These could be differences in curing time and method of application. Checking the label is also important to know the expiration date. In general, the shelf life of pipe sealants is 2 years.
And if you have expired joint compound, don’t worry because you can still use it as long as there are no mold elements in the solution. If it does, then best to throw it away and buy a new one. When working with expired joint compound, be aware that it may be difficult to work with.
Start by mixing the compound well. And if it has dried, you can add water to lighten the dry solution.
Therefore, it is essential to understand the basic steps as well as other specific directions set by the brand. But if in any case the tag is no longer readable, then you can refer to the basic procedures below.
2. Make sure the pipe threads are free of dirt, rust or grime.
Cleaning the pipe threads is a crucial step in the plumbing process. Pipe threads, also known as threads, are vital parts of a piping system. They connect one tube to another to create a seamless pipe assembly. When cleaning you need to be gentle as the ends can be very delicate.
You should also consider the type of material used for the pipe, whether it is metal or plastic pipes. For plastic pipes, you can use a flat head screwdriver to remove the dirt. It is also recommended to wipe a carpet with alcohol to remove dirt.
Alternatively, try using a wire brush to remove any build-up of dirt and oil residue from the metal wires. You can use compressed air to eradicate unwanted dirt from the wires.
Meanwhile, if you apply too much pressure while cleaning, there is a high tendency for the screw-like heads to become damaged. Thus, care must be taken in removing the dirt so that the heads are not damaged.
3. Use an applicator brush to apply the compound.
After the cleaning step, it’s time to apply the compound on pipe threads. Often times, a pipe joint compound will provide its own applicator that you can use to apply the sealant. If there is none, you can use a small soft brush. It’s also best to wear gloves for extra protection and to avoid messes.
When applying the compound, be sure to spread it evenly over the male threads. Male fittings are the end that go into the other tube. Do not stain the sealant inside the pipes as this can cause blockage.
4. Start threading the pipe.
Now that the sealant is applied to the pipe threads, it’s time to thread the pipe fittings. One thing to remember is to make sure you don’t cross or thread the pipe in the other direction. This incorrect way of threading is essential because it can cause damage to the threads.
If you want a more secure, leak-free pipe, plumbers suggest adding thread sealing tape. The use of this type of tape is very suitable for threaded joints that carry water.
Reminder:
Other than being careful about cross-threading, it is important not to overturn the joints. Joints that are too tight can damage the threads. Furthermore, this could cause the fittings to expand, which then leads to the disruption of the proper seal.
Ideally, tighten the joints using a pipe wrench, especially if they are larger. However, if they are smaller, you can pass them using your fingers. As soon as the joints are tight, add just one turn to make sure there are no leaks. Never add extra turns for insurance as you will end up destroying the threads.
5. Remove the excess sealant from the pipes.
Once you thread and seal the pipe threads, remember to delete the extras to keep the pipes presentable. Another thing you show you learn beforehand is that pipe joint compound does not dry completely.
Since this does not harden, this gives you the ability to thread and adjust the pipes in the future without having to cut them completely. Therefore, in most cases, there is no drying time for liquid sealants. You can apply them and guarantee a secure, leak-free pipe assembly.
However, as mentioned earlier, there might be some brands of sealant that require strengthening. Therefore, be sure to read the product instructions beforehand.
6. Assess any leaks.
The role of the pipe joint compound does not end after the application of the sealant. You need to evaluate if it works as expected – no leaks, no unusual sounds or anything else. If you encounter a leak in close to the joints, this could be due to insufficient turns to lock the joints.
Thus, you need to check that the threads are tight, also making sure that they are not twisted. Another possible reason for the leak could be related to accidentally crossing the pipes, thereby damaging the threads.
While adding another layer to the joints might seem like a great idea, it’s actually not a practical move because you’re just stopping the problem temporarily. In this case, it is important to move on to the next step, which is to contact a professional to help you.
7. Get professional help if needed.
If you are stuck in an unfortunate situation, it is highly recommended that you call a plumber to fix the problem as soon as possible. They are the best professionals who can help you with all your plumbing problems.
Apart from repairs plumbing problems, can also provide deep cleaning for strands that are too dirty to be cleaned by hand. And with their knowledge, they can give you a sound judgment as to whether the pipes can still be repaired or whether it is better to buy a new one.
So, don’t hesitate to contact these professionals if you want to maximize your time and make sure your pipes are all in good condition. But of course you have to pay money for their expertise.
Conclusion
Applying pipe joint compound on your own may seem like an easy and practical plan. But in reality, it requires maximum concentration, so that the solution would effectively seal the threaded joints. Moreover, you need to keep an eye on how you put the sealant, as it can cause the pipes to become blocked.
And if you’ve decided to do this simple but crucial task yourself, there are several ways to buy this chemical compound. Most hardware stores sell pipe joint compounds, although there are plenty of options online as well. Some of the best choices at hand include Amazon and Home Depot.
