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Pipe dope is a compound used to seal and lubricate pipe fittings. It fills gaps to create a watertight or airtight seal and prevents fittings from jamming together. Different types of pipe dope are designed for specific applications and materials. It also acts as a lubricant to make disassembly easier.
Pipe dope is a compound that can act as a thread sealant or lubricant. It is mainly used when joining pipe fittings, designed to be able to create a positive seal themselves through the interference process. Small imperfections in the material can result in a less than perfect seal, so pipe dope can be applied to fill the gaps and make the joint watertight or airtight. The other main purpose of pipe dope is to keep the fittings from jamming together so they can be disassembled later if necessary. Masking tape is a similar material that is applied in thin strips rather than painted on with a brush.
When pipe threads are tightened together, they tend to wedge into place and create a leak-proof seal. Pipe threads are designed with a specific taper that can allow them to engage in a tight, interference fit. Thread sealants, such as pipe dope, can help fill in any nicks, worn threads, or various manufacturing imperfections, and are typically applied to the male end of a pipe. A thin strip of sealant can be brushed perpendicular to the length of the threads or wrapped around the circumference. When the female end is connected and tightened, the sealant is drawn into and between the threads where it is able to facilitate a seal that can withstand a certain amount of pressure.
There are several varieties of pipe dope made with specific circumstances in mind. Each type of sealant typically has a pipe material it works best with as well as an intended application. There are tubing products specifically designed for caustic environments, water, oil, air, and a variety of other uses. There are also sealants designed for use with various types of plastic and metal piping. Using the incorrect tubing for an application can cause the sealant to crack, which can lead to a leak.
In addition to the primary function of creating an airtight seal, pipe dope can also provide a valuable lubricating function. After the pipe threads have been mated for a long time, they may get stuck. This is especially common with some types of metal tubing, but can also occur with common thermoplastic polymers. If a lubricant such as pipe paste or thread tape is applied during assembly, it will usually make it much easier to split the pipes for repair work later.
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