Helpful plumbing adhesives sealants

Helpful plumbing

adhesives & sealants

Nowadays, there is an adhesive or sealant for any application. Doing a repair under the basin in the kitchen or bathroom? Need to attach a plumbing pipe to a joint? Here’s some advice from the experts.

Pipe jointing compound is a type of sealant used with any threaded pipe to help create a seal. It’s available from all reputable manufacturers and consists of a mixture of ingredients which are included to ensure that water does not slip past the joint.

Pipe joint compound serves as both a lubricant and a sealant for threaded joints. Using pipe joint compound on the threads of a pipe joint helps to ensure a water-tight and air-tight seal. Any plumbing project involving the use of threaded pipe requires the use of a sealant in the form of pipe joint compound, plumber's tape (Teflon tape), or a combination of these.

The right pipe joint compound

Pipe joint compound is available in a tube or a canister with a brush applicator. The manufacturer's specifications are an important consideration when purchasing a sealant for your particular project. It is important to note if the product is intended for use on only one type of pipe, or if it is a universal product that can be used on both metal and plastic. When buying pipe joint compound, look for a product that can be used on all types of plastic and metal threaded pipe, and keep it on hand as part of your collection of basic plumbing tools and materials.

How to do it:

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Clean the threads first, on both items to be joined.

A wipe of a rag can clean the threads and remove dirt, oil, and scum. Use some cleaning benzine to dissolve oils and polymer from used parts. Be gentle, even with metal components.

Coat evenly

To use pipe joint compound, apply an even coating onto the end threads of the male pipe (the end that will go into the other pipe), using either the applicator brush or a finger. Do not smear the compound inside the pipes.

Thread pipes

Thread the pipe into the fitting. Make sure to avoid cross-threading that might strip the threads. Many plumbers use a thin layer of pipe joint compound on top of plumber's tape for a great seal on almost any threaded joint involving water.

Wipe away extra compound

Use a clean rag to wipe away excess compound from the joints. No drying time is necessary.