How to remove thread compound?

[CharlieNH]

I had to take out the suction pipe to my Sears shallow well pump, and the previous connection had been done with thread compund instead of teflon tape, so there's a lot of residue of thread compound in the female threads in the plastic pump body. Aside from doing the best I can with a toothbrush, is there any solvent that will help to clean these threads? It's not the white teflon type compound; it's gray. I'd like to use teflon tape when I put in my new pipe. Thanks. Charlie

[jadnashua]

I don't think that I'd worry about it...it's probably still somewhat soft and will not impede the seal. A pipe tap would cut it out cleanly, but probably not worth the effort, unless you happen to have one. You could just wipe on some new pipe dope, and forget the teflon altogether, or use both.

[hj]

It would not be there unless the previous installer put the joint compound INSIDE the thread and then screwed the pipe in. That is an improper way to do it. It has not caused a problem so far, so it should not later, either.

[dlarrivee]

I put it on male threads, is that incorrect as well? Just wondering.

[Hairyhosebib]

Yes, The male thread is proper. You only need to put it on the first quarter inch of the pipe, not the entire thread length. If you are using tape, get the thicker yellow gas tape,

[jimbo]

Yes, The male thread is proper. You only need to put it on the first quarter inch of the pipe, not the entire thread length. If you are using tape, get the thicker yellow gas tape,

I always was taught to NOT put tape OR dope on the first two threads.