What pipe joint compounds should I use in an approved piping system filled with Liquefied Petroleum?
The following Oatey pipe joint compound products are approved for use in this application: Oatey Great Blue, Hercules Block, Hercules Megaloc, Hercules Grrip and Hercules Real Tuff.
What is the maximum pipe size you can use thread tape on?
There are no limitations on the diameter of the pipe. You should always wrap the tape enough times around the male threads in order to fill the spigot (female threads). Any pipe sizes over 1¼” with pressure and fluids moving through it should have the male threads wrapped with tape and then the approved pipe joint compound spread over the tape.
Can Mega Bubbles be used to locate leaks other than gas?
Yes. Mega Bubble will help you locate any non-liquid leaks and will not compromise the pipe / fitting materials.
Is Oatey White General Purpose thread seal tape safe to use on natural gas lines?
Yes. All Oatey thread sealant tapes will work on natural gas lines. Oatey does however recommend the use of yellow gas line thread tape with PTFE on all natural gas line installations, product #31403. The Oatey yellow gas line thread tape is approved by code for this application and the yellow color is a visual identifier that the correct tape was used in the application.
Is Oatey White General Purpose thread seal tape safe to use on potable water lines?
Yes. All Oatey thread sealant tapes are safe to use with potable (drinking) water.
How do I apply pipe joint compound?
Fill the male threads in a clockwise rotation following the direction of thread pattern, or brush across the threads as long as you fill the root of thread without completely covering the crest of thread.
How do I remove Tamper Proof Lids off Cleaner and Primer cans?
We have posted a direction sheet for this process on our website in the technical bulletin and FAQ sections.
Can PVC cements be used to assemble CPVC pipe / fittings?
No. The PVC cements are too aggressive and will cause probable failure to the CPVC pipe and fittings and if it was used, the joints should be cut out and replaced. If CPVC cement was accidentally used to bond PVC joints, it would not be necessary to replace them but future joints should be assembled with correct cements.
Will using Oatey Green Transition Cement to join PVC to ABS meet plumbing codes standards?
Oatey has developed this cement specifically for this application and it is UPC and NSF listed. In saying that; we do recommend that you check with your local building officials and see if they have any restrictions on its use. The UPC and IPC codes are a minimum guidelines and each city, county or health department can set forth tougher guidelines which may prohibit the use of transition cement.
What should be done with a plumbing system that was assembled using the wrong solvent cement, i.e., CPVC cement on PVC piping, PVC cement on CPVC piping or ABS on CPVC or PVC piping?
We cannot support these applications although a semblance of a bond may exist. It is a violation of all plumbing codes to use cements not specified for use with materials it is being applied to for bonding purposes. These joints should be cut out and the approved transition fittings used to finish the application.