Gas pipe thread sealent question. What's legal?

Usually I use regular old pipe dope for gas lines. I know their is a special kind of tape you are allowed to use as well though I've never used it. I've gotten mixed answers about the legality of the real thick pipe dopes that dry within a few days on gas lines.

Does anyone know if products like Pro-Dope and Blue-Block can be used on gas lines?

Read the can it will say. Some local gas company service men want to see a certain kind so ask one. I like to keep them happy. You need a $300 Kuhlman Gauge to run a pressure test on any gas repairs, or you will have to pay a service man to do it. It is illegal in the US any place for uncertified people to do any gas piping outside, maybe just under-ground it's debatable.

Gas work of any kind is in no way a DIY job and that is a fact not just an opinion. That is just for the DIYers that read your post.

Not to hijack the thread, but does anyone know a site that you can go to and read about the US Federal law concerning natural gas service lines and the certification?

construct30 said:

. It is illegal in the US any place for uncertified people to do any gas piping outside,
Gas work of any kind is in no way a DIY job and that is a fact not just an opinion. .

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In some areas, like here in San Diego, a homeowner can pull a permit to do gas work on their own home. Inside or out; naturally not anything on the service line leading to the meter at the side of the house. But anything downstream from the meter is fair game. For testing, a $10 gauge with a 20 PSI range is all the inspector will ask for.

Not saying this is a good idea, but it is legal.


You are absolutely correct that the labeling on the can will determine what application a pipe joint compound can be used for. Teflon tape, the thicker yellow tape is mandated for gas.

The gas company here says federal law says you have to be certified and drug tested to do work on any service line leading up to the house. That's why I would like to read about the law, I can't find any thing. It would do no good, the local service guys turn it on or they don't according to how they see the law, I would just like to know.

I would do the certification, but they require, underground, the heat welded plastic pipe, no mechanical fittings and the equipment is really high priced. I just figure my gas service line days are over, for now. It's been that way here for a couple of years.

I'm not looking to do any work on my own home right now. I work for a plumbing company and have put down thousands of feet of gas line so I like to pretend I have some idea of how to run gas. I've heard both stories from the mechanics though, some always use the thick dopes, others have told me never to use them. I usually use regular ol' pipe dope but their are some places I'd feel better using something heavier.
I've never actually thought of reading the can. Probably because they're usually so beat they can't be read. The next time I'm in the supply house I'll check out what it says though. I'm also a little weary of trusting manufactures labels as you can walk into places like Home Depot and buy some pretty lousy/illegal stuff and the labels don't mention anything about it breaking code. Better yet I'll just ask my boss (the license-holder) the next time I see him. I just posted this because it really just crossed my mind today that the stuff might not be legal.


As far as testing goes the kit costs about $20. Put 5lbs of pressure in the line, if it holds it overnight you're good. Maybe some places require a more complicated setup since basically you're on the honer system here. It would be easy to just pump it up five minutes before inspection and say it's been there overnight.

rectoseal is heavy duty

You can use about anythign you want as long as they state on the can that they are for gas pipe...


I personally use teflon tape and also oatey pipe dope on
the threads



Some people like the SLICK TITE teflon pipe dope.
but it is so damn sloppy almost like useing white paint
splashing it all over everything......


If you want something heavy duty get Rectoseal

either the yellow or the blue .......they are nasty

and smelly....but are considered an industrial strength

pipe dope....

Its a ball when that stuff falls over in your tool box and spills out all over your tools.......


thats all I got to say about that......

A Kuhlman gauge shows you almost instantly if you have a leak. No honor system here. It takes five minutes and the inspectors or gas service men will wait.

This site has some info on the Federal rules for gas service lines http://www.columbiagaspamd.com/products_services/dot_oq_plumbers.htm

Construct 30

You made some broad statements. I'm guessing These are based on Your Local. Remember It's a large Country. not all states adopt The UPC.
SF plumbing amendments to The UPC ,Is a book by itself. We use a regular pressure guage in Marin Co. Ca. for Gas inspections.

The gauges you use are up to the inspectors or gas company. As far as the certification goes for doing exterior service lines including those owned by the home owner and the meter hookups that is a federal law. There is a course mandated by the federal government with a certification that you must have as well as a drug test. That is for all the underground service lines. If you don't have the certification you better stick to doing inside gas plumbing only. Go to the site and read it. They have a link to the federal site as well. It is all under the federal DOT. It doesn't matter how big the country is when it is a federal law. The law was passed a while ago.

Not sure about construc30's point. He seems to be referring to gas mains, by that I mean anything upstream from the meter. That is the province of the gas utility company. I don't imagine it is something most of us here, or our homeowner readers, ever become concerned with. Federal, schmederal, we don't go there.

A plumber I worked for wanted Blue Block for gas pipe connections. Stuff did seem to have more 'substance' than regular pipe dope.

I use KeyTite, excellent for gas, but do not use it on plastics.

Welcome aboard Robert [ West Coast Plumber ]

To Terry,and everyone else. Robert will bring much to this forum,Hope He hangs out Here once in a while! His work is top shelf,and He can answer any code question.

toolaholic said:

To Terry,and everyone else. Robert will bring much to this forum,Hope He hangs out Here once in a while! His work is top shelf,and He can answer any code question.

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Thanks Tool, appreciate the props bud.

construct30 said:

Read the can it will say. Some local gas company service men want to see a certain kind so ask one. I like to keep them happy. You need a $300 Kuhlman Gauge to run a pressure test on any gas repairs, or you will have to pay a service man to do it. It is illegal in the US any place for uncertified people to do any gas piping outside, maybe just under-ground it's debatable.

Gas work of any kind is in no way a DIY job and that is a fact not just an opinion. That is just for the DIYers that read your post.

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A manometer is a lot cheaper and will tell you if you have a leak immediately.

I'm going to have to look at some of those they look good. The kulhman gauge is a real pain with the fluid and having to keep it up right. They have the manometer in analog and digital. We are required by our gas company to use the kulhman, but not on water and DWV tests. Thanks for the info.

There is specific dope that includes coverage for gas lines. All three of the box stores in my area sell it. The bottle of one brand is a different color. As I recall, the dope itself may be tinted slightly.

The gas company and inspector in my are specifically looked for it.

As for leaks.. I just use do a leakdown test with compressed air. It requires that you think ahead and place valves in strategic locations.

Steve

Marlin336 said:

Usually I use regular old pipe dope for gas lines. I know their is a special kind of tape you are allowed to use as well though I've never used it. I've gotten mixed answers about the legality of the real thick pipe dopes that dry within a few days on gas lines.

Does anyone know if products like Pro-Dope and Blue-Block can be used on gas lines?

Click to expand...

We're not allowed to use the yellow teflon tape rated for gas.

The tape shreds upon threading and can block/restrict the opening when improperly used.

I started in this biz when that red Gasolia was used, stuff turned into hard ceramic when set. Horrible to remove pipe/fittings to this day where that product was used.

Wet_Boots said:

A plumber I worked for wanted Blue Block for gas pipe connections. Stuff did seem to have more 'substance' than regular pipe dope.

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It has a different texture then pipe dope which allows you to get a much more even, thicker coat then regular megalock pipe dope. I'm not sure what brand you are reffering to as regular pipe dope?