Changing a natural gas water heater.?

Question

I'm changing out my water heater and I'm fine with the water hook ups. Is there anything special I should know about the gas hook up? Will teflon tape work on the gas pipe connection to correct any leaks?

Answer 1

no, you want to use dope to insure a leak free joint. teflon tape is more for threaded water pipe. also... make sure you have a drip leg off the bottom of the pipe where it 90's into the gas valve.

Answer 2

You can use teflon tape, but I would use a combination of liquid teflon (pipe dope) and teflon tape. I use it all the time on gas compressors where the pressure is much higher (900 PSI). Once your done just pressure test it, easiest way is to put gas pressure back on the line, mix some dish soap in a spray bottle and spray the piping, any leaks will bubble.

Answer 3

Don't use anything on the compression fittings. They are 37 degree bevelled for that reason. Use teflon or pipe dope on the threaded ones. When your done installing the pipe you can check for leaks with soapy water from a spray bottle. Just look for bubbles forming.

mike