[gizzygone]

I noticed the gas line going to my hot water heater has a slight gas smell around it. I tried leak detector but can't get any bubbles, but putting a nose right up to the fittings I found one that's markedly more noticeable.

Any harm in removing the pipes piece by piece to the fitting and redoping it back from that point?

Is there any trick to clean it the old dope off?

 

[oh'mike]

Go ahead and take them apart--use dope and tape when you put them back together.

If that fails---replace the fitting that is leaking---

 

[Colbyt]

There is one brand of pipe dope that has an odor similar to the chemical used in NG. If it doesn't blow bubbles it is a very tiny leak indeed. I suggest spraying all the fittings in the general area. I have also seen flex hoses have very tiny leaks in the pipe body. That one entertained for for quite a while before I found it.

If proceeding, no problem; iron pipe can be redoped and reused.

 

[gizzygone]

Go ahead and take them apart--use dope and tape when you put them back together.

If that fails---replace the fitting that is leaking---

Dope and tape?

 

[Colbyt]

I only use dope on iron pipe. BTW, a paper towel or rag will remove all the old stuff that really needs to come off.

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

if spray doesnt show any bubbles, try dish washing soap and some water in a cup and with a brush lather up each pipe joint well and then look for bubbles, sometimes spray doesnt coat completely..

 

[ben's plumbing]

it is ok to undo piping and reinstall it....shut of gas ...remove old pipe clean threads apply new pipe dope tighten back up ..turn on gas test for leaks:wink2:

 

[oh'mike]

Dope and tape?

I use both---perhaps over kill--but I got into the habit when runnig 4" threaded that was heated and pushing melted chocolate under high pressure---(don't ask--I've done some odd work in my life)

 

[ben's plumbing]

its ok you use both tape and pipe dope....I don't because thats how i was taught and never had any problems...

 

[oh'mike]

I never had a need before those 4" chocolate pipes---the small extra effort was worth it--4" is not fast or easy--and having to rework them due to seepage made the dope and tape worth while.

 

[ront02769]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned it but no tape or dope is used on flare fittings, dope alone or dope plus GAS rated tape can be used on others. Ron

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned it but no tape or dope is used on flare fittings, dope alone or dope plus GAS rated tape can be used on others. Ron

says who? flare fittings for gas,use dope to help make the seal and help lube the threads...

 

[hvac benny]

says who? flare fittings for gas,use dope to help make the seal and help lube the threads...

Most dopes will eventually dry up then you'll have a leak. I use bearing grease (used to use hvac oil) on my flares.

Here's a leaker from yesterday.

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

the pipe dope I use on any unions or flares is oil based and never dries up, yes many dry to a hard cracking piece of crapola..I use Hercules grip on any threads that never have to come apart, it stays slightly flexible forever.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

says who? flare fittings for gas,use dope to help make the seal and help lube the threads...

You get a big fat red check mark on that test question and stay out of the hydraulic department.

 

[beenthere]

Go ahead and take them apart--use dope and tape when you put them back together.

If that fails---replace the fitting that is leaking---

Tape rated for gas. Not all tape is.

 

[beenthere]

I never had a need before those 4" chocolate pipes---the small extra effort was worth it--4" is not fast or easy--and having to rework them due to seepage made the dope and tape worth while.

I tape and dope anything over 1-1/4".

 

[ben's plumbing]

if anyone is messing around with gas they should have some knowledge and mechanical ability..of the product they are working with..if not ..they really should not be doing it.... I always said gas is not a diy project because you need to be certified to work on it...but here at the diy forum nobody wants to hear that .... tape, pipe dope, flares, all part of the trade that requires knowledge of how and why and when they are needed....

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I noticed the gas line going to my hot water heater has a slight gas smell around it. I tried leak detector but can't get any bubbles, but putting a nose right up to the fittings I found one that's markedly more noticeable.

Any harm in removing the pipes piece by piece to the fitting and redoping it back from that point?

Is there any trick to clean it the old dope off?

To test a fitting you believe may be leaking but doesn't bubble, I call it a balloon test, can be made using saran wrap and duck tape. After being applied it will balloon over a short period of time if there is a leak.

But my favorite leak detector is a product called Snoop. A couple of drops will do it to it.

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

You get a big fat red check mark on that test question and stay out of the hydraulic department.

the question was for natural or propane GAS carrying lines not hydraulic lines, yes no foreign material on liquid lines to clog pumps or filters..but this thread is not about hydraulics..is it?:smile: