can you use pipe dope on natural gas compression fitting?

May 2021 6 78 Report

can you use pipe dope on natural gas compression fitting?

I have a new burner pan for fireplace with a male compression connection, with a flexible hose with female compression fittings on each end for connection to the pan and my existing NG piping which also has an existing male compression fitting. Do I need to pipe dope the compression fittings. In my experience we normally do not dope compression fittings. I am not sure if their are different requirements for compression fittings tied in to Natural Gas.

Home & Garden / Do It Yourself (DIY)

rangedog

Verified answer

A lot of us plumbers (including me) put just a little on the threads to make disassemble easier in the future.

Some have different ideas about putting dope on the farrells or face of the fitting, but most of us do put a little on the threads. . .

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RE:

can you use pipe dope on natural gas compression fitting?

I've always put a little dab on the male flare, even a scratch can leave you with a tiny leak, and a leak is still a leak! Along with the other answer, putting a little on the male threads does make it easier to take apart in the future. Mix some dish liquid and water (70 - 30) spray it on the fittings and any leaks will make bubbles, it's alot safer than the 'ol' lighter test'

The flare connection uses pressure to keep the seal. Pipe dope can defeat that by providing a soft barrier in between the metal thus allowing a greater chance for a leak, not to mention it can clog the orifice.

Did you know that flex lines are a 1(one) time use item? If disconnected for any reason after the initial install it must be replaced

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