Plumbing Trick * Make No-Leak Threaded Pipe Connections * How-To

I learned this from a Plumber years ago. It works. You can count on it.

Amazon affiliate links to products in this video...

NOTE: The yellow tape I use is made for sealing threads on gas lines. It is thicker than the white tape sold for water lines. The yellow tape is, in my opinion, a better product for water line thread connections.

Internal pipe wrenches (2 options):

[herrickkimball]

Additional Notes: 1.) Be sure to read comments below for some great insights.
2.) The yellow tape I show in this video is PTFE thread sealing tape made specifically for sealing the threads on pipes used for gas lines. It is thicker than the white teflon tape typically used for water systems. My experience has been that the yellow tape works better than the white, and it is my understanding that it is perfectly okay to use it with water pipes.

[jiggidyjam]

25+ plumbing contractor here. The direction the tape is applied is very important

[psalmsheepdog]

Never knew there was such a tool as an internal pipe wrench. Thanks for that tip!

[veraciouspatriot]

Never would have thought—and currently suffering leaks from an emergency job yesterday. Taking it all apart again and certainly believe this method won’t hurt.

[XSR_RUGGER]

Just an fyi for those looking to learn, pipe nipples for water are National Pipe Thread (NPT).

National Pipe Thread is the US standard for tapered threads on tapered pipes and fittings in applications that carry fluids and gasses.

National Pipe Thread is the most common fitting used in the United States and Canada. NPT threads are tapered and have a thread angle of 60°. The threads have flat peaks and valleys, also known as a Sellers form.

Tapered threads form a dry seal and are designed to work in conjunction with Teflon tape or a sealing compound to prevent leakage.

The Teflon tape is mostly a lubricant for the threads to seat all the way to form a mechanical seal but they do offer some additional sealing. It is susceptible to tearing on any machining mistakes on those threads. Thread sealant fills in those areas where it may be damaged.

[inspiredbylife]

I work for myself now but I was a union fire sprinkler fitter and we always doped the pipe thread then Teflon tape and if you were really concerned you add some dope on the inside of the female fitting. Dope then tape is cleaner as the dope is under the tape and won't pick up any dirt or debris.

[harrytinker]

Everyone wants threaded pipe joints that don't leak! I learned this same thing from observing the work of other plumbers, who used both tape and dope. Belt and suspenders, I guess! It works. I have noticed that chrome pipes are the hardest to seal because the chrome is so hard and smooth that it doesn't meld into the female threads like brass does.

[artfay]

Thanks for this. I recently had occasion to ask a young plumber recently out of school what the best way is to make up connections like this. He said that what is taught as current best practice is exactly what you show. He also recommended the Blue Monster as one of your other commenters did.

[ckiottest]

This is great. I stumbled upon doing this buy trial and error. I was reluctant to do this since I thought I was doing something wrong with just tape or dope. When I finally combined them, I was happy to find no leaks! Before that 1/4 to 1/3 failure.

[Sylvan_dB]

I second the tape + dope technique. I was having a hard time getting a nipple in a stub out to stop dripping and my father in law suggested both tape and dope. It worked and it has worked every time since. I don't always use both, but if I'm at all concerned I definitely do.

BTW, instead of using gas line (non-potable) products for water lines, I use Blue Monster PTFE tape and dope. High quality tape is a game changer!

[reubenrosofsky]

Great video lot of information just a heads up I'm a high pressure steam specialist for almost 40 years I will reverse that process put the dope on the threads first and then the tape keeps the hands clean, and I never need to use dope on high pressure steam fittings just tape.

[paulthewall]

To be honest, these were great tips. The tape you are using is “Gas Tape”, Teflon tape rated for gas fittings. So this makes sense. I worked with a plumber, years ago, that said to use both, and I did NOW AND THEN. I’ll do it all the time now. Your brand of dope, I’ve always used Oatey, I’ll try yours now. Finally, the internal wrench. Great.

[zachlenning]

I had a terrible time getting a brass fitting to seal in a stainless female hole. Asked a friend who was a professional plumber and he recommended blue monster tape and dope. I like the blue lava. Dope. Works great. Also some door on the female threads if you have a large fitting or just need some extra assurance. Just make sure it’s not too much, don’t want any clogs inside.

[larrylesueur]

Really good video. I have used this method on all my jobs for years. The yellow rector seal is great stuff and should be used on potable water systems. However, I have always used the white teflon rector seal paste on gas, air, outdoor and underground systems. Thanks for a quality job video.

[Gabe-kvzs]

Tape first, then dope - 100% agree. Learned this the hard way installing my threaded unions for my water meter.

[theodorehile]

Loctite PST is a one-and-done operation to seal threaded pipe connections to any temperature and pressure you will find in a residential system upon application. Also...if you have to "manifold" piping to line-up fittings or fixtures, it allows you to do that as well with no leaks even if the pipe joint has not been fully tightened to its tapered-thread limits. The product only hardens in the joint, never in the tube, and it is just-about foolproof. Teflon tape has been a bugaboo in pipe-thread sealant uses since WWII, where it was used in aircraft hydraulics.

[brockbeckstedt]

Keep in mind to is to start tape and pipe dope two threads back of end of pipe so that when twisting on the tape or the pipe dope doesn't push out of female end causing gas valves or other to plug up. My choices are hillside chemicals, permatex and retroseal compounds are my go to refrigerate and natural gas and potable water connections. All day I'm to words that teach me!(The Fixx)

[zekezeke]

Herrick, i could not help but notice the slotted brass or brass plated wood screws that you used to attach the drop ear, instead of the drywall screws that the "pros" use, nice job!

[ricksilver]

I done heating and air installation for 10 yrs and had to do some plumbing equipment as well and a lot of gas pipe, and I would use Teflon tape and blue leak lock pipe dope and would soap bubble and pressure test all of my connections and never had a leak.

[RoyatAvalonFarms]

Oh, its also a good idea to wrap the tape around the pipe threads in the proper direction both circularly and spirally to ensure the tape doesnt push off when you screw it in the fitting. That might make a good short video itself.