Pipe thread compound is an essential threaded joint used for pipe fittings. It is used in the joints of the pipes. It helps to create a strong bond between the pipes that you connect.
Before using pipe thread compounds, it’s crucial to comprehend how they’re utilized. Let’s now discuss about how long it takes for a pipe thread compound to dry up and learn some interesting facts about how it is used.
Pipe thread compound takes 5 – 15 minutes to dry up. The actual time required to dry the compound depends on the amount you will use on the pipe joints. Depending on the pipe thread compound type, it may take 24 – 48 hours to dry up properly and create a strong bond between the joints.
Pipe thread compound is a powerful joint element. It may be required to join two or multiple pipes together. This is also known as ‘Pipe thread sealant’. This compound ensures there is no way the joints of the pipes will leak.
In the current market, there are various kinds of pipe thread compounds. Based on the use of the compound, you need to choose a particular one. There are pipe compounds to seal gas pipes properly.
There are pipe compounds to seal the joints of water pipes properly. The kind of compound that you will be using will vary the amount of time required to dry the pipe compound.
The amount of compound that you need to use also makes an impact on the time that is required to dry the compound.
Moreover, it may take up to 48 hours for bigger application areas to dry the pipe sealant properly. But it may take longer if you apply a large amount of the sealant in the application area.
The general thumb rule for drying pipe thread compound is 1 hour for drying. It may more or less time depending on the other factors. If the application area is small and the compound is a fast drying one, it may take around 10 – 15 minutes to dry up.
But if the applied pipe compound does not come with fast drying technology and the application area is significant, it may take around 2 – 4 hours to dry.
The technology that is used in the pipe thread compound is another big factor. Modern pipe joint compounds recently come with quick drying technology or something similar to that.
These thread compounds usually dry quickly after applying in between the threads. It may take around 5 – 30 minutes to dry. But it may take more to dry if the application area is not dry or is not in direct contact with air.
The temperature around the area plays a major role in the time that is required to dry the pipe joint compound. Pipe joint threads usually take less time to dry in warm temperatures than in low-temperature areas.
This is why pipe joint compound manufacturers typically write down the optimal temperature for drying on the instructions for using the compound.
So, does pipe dope need to dry?
Pipe dope does not need to dry. Pipe dope is also known as ‘Pipe thread compound’ and ‘Pipe thread sealant’.
It is thought by many that drying means that the compound will become hard. The moisture of the compound will dry up and will make it hard and brittle.
Pipe dope does not work like that. The main job of pipe dope is to connect the joint of pipes properly.
When applied, the pipe dope makes a strong bond in the applied area. But it does not dry up as it should. It becomes elastic and makes a plastic form of the element.
This plastic form is the dried form of the pipe dope. Besides, this compound never dries up.
Although many people may say this is drying, they mean the proper connection among the pipes using the pipe dope. The transformation from dope to elastic is indicated as drying to many people.
How do I know if my pipe thread compound is dry?
You may know if your pipe thread compound is dry or not by a leak test. The main objective of applying pipe thread compound is to prevent any kind of leakage from the joint.
Pipe thread compound is commonly used in gas, water, sewer line and many more. The leak test is the simplest way to check if the pipe thread compound is dry or wet. If the pipe thread compound is dry, there will be no leaks in the joint when doing a leak test.
If the compound is wet or not properly used, there will be a leak in the joint and the leak test will fail.
There are many ways to perform a leak test. If you are using the connection to supply gas, you may consider doing a gas leak test by applying air pressure in the connection. This is the best possible way for leak testing.
You may also perform leak testing for connections for water and sewer. But keep in mind that the gas test is not suitable for pipes that are made of PVC.
If the joint pipe is made of PVC, you may do a water leak test. If any water is leaking from the joint, it will be visible and you can take the necessary steps to repair the leak.
3 factors that affect pipe thread compound dry time
There are many factors that can affect pipe thread compound dry time. Among all the factors that may affect, here are the 3 factors that we think may have the most effect on the pipe thread compound dry time.
Size of the application area:
The size of the application area plays an important role in the amount of time that it may take to dry. If the pipe is big in size, you would need to apply a large amount of compound.
The more you need to apply, the more time it will take to dry up. The thickness of the application also varies with the dry time of the compound.
If you apply a thick layer of pipe thread compound, you would need more time to dry it up. But if you apply a thin layer of it, it may take less time to dry up.
Temperature around the application area:
Every pipe thread compound has an optimal temperature to dry. Usually the optimal temperature of most pipe thread compounds is around 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature is below the optimal temperature, the time required to dry the pipe thread compound increases.
Type of pipe thread compound:
In the current market, there are various kinds of pipe thread compounds. There are some compounds that have a high bonding formula. Some pipe thread compounds have a fast drying feature.
Depending on the number of features that are available in a pipe thread compound, the amount of time required to dry the compound varies a lot.
How to make a pipe thread compound dry faster?
There are many ways you can make a pipe thread compound dry faster. But you might want to know the most straightforward way to do that. Here is how we think you may make a pipe thread compound dry faster.
Choose the correct pipe thread compound:
Choosing the appropriate pipe thread compound is crucial in order to get the best results. Many pipe thread compounds are available in the market. You would have to choose the pipe thread compound for your use case correctly.
Apply it to the joint evenly:
After you buy the correct pipe thread compound, apply it to the thread of the pipes. Apply a thin layer of the compound. Use a brush to spread the compound on the threads of the pipe evenly. Try not to apply a thick layer of the compound.
Connect the pipes:
After you apply the compound on the threads, connect the pipes together. Use a wrench and attach the two pipes together.
If you are using a connector to connect the two pipes, use compound on the connector as well. This will help to connect the pipes properly.
Use a heat machine around the joint:
You would need to dry the pipe thread compound now. Usually, you can dry it up in 24 – 48 hours.
The temperature around the pipe and the amount of compound you use will vary the drying time. But if you want to fast up the drying process, you can heat the joint using a heat machine. It can dry the joint within 5 – 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Pipe thread compound usually takes 24 – 48 hours to dry. The actual time to dry the pipe thread compound is dependent on the amount and type of compound you will be using. But if the temperature around the joint area is increased, you can dry the pipe thread compound within 5 – 15 minutes.