How to Apply Thread Compound
- 1). Clear the work area of any clutter and remove any debris and dirt from the immediate vicinity of the two pipes to be connected.
- 2). Inspect the threads of both pipes to be joined. Look for any bent, dented or otherwise damaged threads. Inspect for burrs, slag or other obstructions that may have resulted from the manufacturing process.
- 3). Clean both sets of threads with a cloth rag. Grasp the pipe close to the threads with one hand and use the other to wrap the rag around the threads and twist back and forth. Insert the rag into female fittings and press up against the threads while rotating the rag. Inspect the threads for any dirt or debris and repeat the process, if necessary.
- 4). Place a cloth rag under the two ends of the pipes. Open the container of thread compound. Most brands of thread compound have a brush attached to the lid that can be dipped into the compound and used to apply to the threads.
- 5). Apply the thread compound around the male end of one pipe, making sure that the compound covers the threads and the spaces in between them. Next, apply compound to the inside of the female threads of the other pipe using the same technique.
- 6). Connect the two pipes together. Hand-tighten at first, and then use the channel-lock pliers for smaller diameter metal or PVC pipes or the pipe wrenches for larger diameter pipes to fully tighten the connection. Be sure not to over-tighten, especially with PVC pipes, which can be damaged more easily than metal pipes.
- 7). Clean off any excess thread compound with a cloth rag. Allow the compound to set for the time specified by the compound manufacturer.