Pipe dope only or teflon tape and pipe dope?

Question

I am replacing several pieces of galvanized water pipes leading to my house. Several people have told me to use teflon tape and pipe dope on the threads while others have said only pipe dope. The pipe dope I am using has a teflon lubricant. I noticed on one fitting where I tried using both, then had to take it back apart, that with the dope on it, the tape wouldn't hold its position like it does by itself. Instead, the pipe just seems to push the tape up as it is screwed on. That makes me lean more towards the dope by itself. Also, the directions on the bottle say to apply the dope to the bare threads. What should I do?

Answer 1

I agree with all the others, use pipe dope, or tape, not both. I prefer pipe dope on galvanized or stainless pipes that I need a monkey wrench on. I use Teflon tape on plastic fittings, and flex tubing, like under sinks etc.
Make sure you have pipe dope for water pipes. If you use tape, wrap it in the same direction the fitting screws onto it, and use your hand/fingers to force it into the threads. This will hold it in place during assembly.

Answer 2

Pipe Dope And Teflon Tape

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Pipe dope only or teflon tape and pipe dope?
I am replacing several pieces of galvanized water pipes leading to my house. Several people have told me to use teflon tape and pipe dope on the threads while others have said only pipe dope. The pipe dope I am using has a teflon lubricant. I noticed on one fitting where I tried using both, then...

Answer 4

Use The Pipe Dope With teflon lubricant. If you dont put teflon tape on right you will have the problem you are.

Answer 5

Teflon is used for threaded copper fittings. Dope can be used on any pipe threads and should definitely be used on galvanized. Never use both together.

Answer 6

I see no reason to use both. Either one should seal the threads. I like tape dope because it is less messy. I use joint compound on gas lines and pipe sizes larger than 2". Pipe dopes are lubricants. Pipe threads are tapered and the dope is to assist in making a seal.

Answer 7

use only pipe dope. usually pipe dope is used on drains to seal them or hard metal pipes. teflon tape tkaes care of the softer threads.

Answer 8

I agree with one or the other...but not both. Be carefull what type of pipe dope you use on drinking water though as some are toxic and some are made specificly for drinking water.

Answer 9

Every answer I've read is valid, and in essence you answered your own question, just it witnessing what manifests when you apply both. certainly the ideas involved are sealing to a degree, but too either way is a form of lubricant to make threading easier. I think it's pretty obvious that using both is a self defeating process.

Steven Wolf

Answer 10

I would use one or the other, not both...it would be counter-productive to use them together. I like the tape because it's easier for me to work with...and over time, the dope will harden and dry out...it probably won't cause a leak, but just the same........