Using Pipe Dope To Prevent Leaks in Plumbing Joints

How To Make Tight Plumbing Seals at Home

By
Aaron Stickley
Aaron Stickley

Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. Aaron's articles about plumbing on The Spruce span four years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/26/22
Reviewed by
Richard Epstein
Richard Epstein
Reviewed by Richard Epstein
Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
White pipe dope painted to end of plumbing joint to ensure tight seals

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Total Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Pipe joint compound, also known as pipe dope, is a type of sealant used with any threaded pipe to help create a seal. Consisting of a mixture of substances, including kaolin clay, vegetable oil, rosin, and ethanol, pipe joint compound serves as both a lubricant and a sealant for threaded joints. Using pipe joint compound on the threads of a pipe joint helps to ensure a water- and air-tight seal and it can stop a leak by filling in gaps in the threads. Plumbers also use these products to seal pipes. Any plumbing project involving the use of threaded pipe requires the use of a sealant in the form of pipe joint compound, plumber's tape (Teflon tape), or a combination.

How to Choose Plumbing Thread Sealants

Both pipe joint and Teflon plumber's tape are great for sealing threaded connections but there are some differences. Pipe dope can be better than Teflon tape for more permanent seals. Teflon tape is better than pipe dope if you will need to unseal the connection in the future. Pipe joint compound creates a strong seal and can be used for all types of pipe and fitting materials. It is used instead of Teflon tape for more permanent seals because it is stronger than plumber's tape.

Buying Pipe Joint Compound

Pipe joint compound is available in a tube or a canister with a brush applicator. The manufacturer's specifications are an important consideration when purchasing a sealant for your particular project. It is important to note if the product is intended for use on only one certain type of pipe, or if it is a universal product that can be used on both metal and plastic/PVC. When buying pipe joint compound, look for a product that can be used on all types of plastic and metal threaded pipe, and keep it on hand as part of your collection of basic plumbing tools and materials as the best way to seal a leaking pipe.

Warning

Some types of sealants are not appropriate for both water and gas. Plumber's tape, for example, comes in two types—one for use specifically on gas and one for water pipes. This can also be true for a pipe joint compound, so read the product usage specifications carefully, and if you are not comfortable sealing gas pipes, contact a professional immediately.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Compressed air
  • Wire brush
  • Flat-head screwdriver

Materials

  • Pipe joint compound
  • Applicator
  • Plumber's tape (optional)
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Clean rags

Instructions

Materials and tools to use pipe dope on plumbing joints

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

How to Use Pipe Dope

  1. Clean the Threads

    Before applying pipe joint compound and/or tape, clean the threads and remove dirt, oil, and scum. Metal threads can be fragile, so gently use a wire brush or compressed air to clean out the gunk.

    For PVC threads, try scraping gunk out with a small flat-head screwdriver and some rubbing alcohol on a rag to cut through any residue. Dry thoroughly.

    Metal threads on plumbing joint brushed off with wire brush

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Coat Evenly

    To use pipe joint compound, apply an even coating onto the end threads of the male pipe (the end that will go into the other pipe), using either the applicator brush or a finger. Do not smear the compound inside the pipes.

    White pipe dope spread across pipe threads with applicator brush

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  3. Thread Pipes

    Then, thread the pipe into the fitting. Make sure to avoid cross-threading that might damage the threads.

    Many plumbers use a thin layer of pipe joint compound on top of plumber's tape for a great seal on almost any threaded joints involving water.

    Warning

    Do not overturn or overly tighten the joints. Tighten joints with a wrench or fingers (depending on the size), and then add one or two more smooth turns. Then resist the urge to turn them "just one more time" or you'll run the risk of damaging the threads or expanding the fitting, which disrupts the seal.

    Pipe with pipe dope inserted into fitting and tightened by hand

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  4. Wipe Away Extra Compound

    Use a clean rag to wipe away excess compound from the joints. No drying time is necessary.

    Clean white rag wiping excess compound from joint threads closeup

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

When to Call a Professional

If you used pipe joint compound products but there's still a leak or you accidentally cross-threaded the pipes, do not layer on the material to try to stop the problem. Instead, it's best to call in a professional plumber to fix or replace the problem area. In addition, if the threads are too dirty to clean, pipe joint compound will not work, and a professional will need to assess the problem.

FAQ
  • Is pipe dope the same as plumber's putty?

    No, pipe dope and plumber's putty are different things. Plumber's putty is not used for threaded pipes. Plumber's putty is used to create a resilient waterproof seal between two rigid surfaces, such as a sink and faucet, between a sink strainer and sink, or between a sink and a drain, for example.

  • Does pipe dope get hard?

    Yes, pipe dope hardens quickly in order to create a solid, strong seal.

  • Is pipe dope the same as thread sealant?

    Pipe joint compound, also called pipe dope, is one type of thread sealant. Teflon tape is another type of thread sealant that provides a watertight seal on threaded pipe joints.