LP regulator, fittings, and teflon tape??

[BLACKJACK]

Replacing the one tank regulator on my fishhouse with a two tank automatic regulator, don't want to have to go out in the middle of the night to change tanks, when I add the extra pigtail and connect the regulator to the input line, can I use regular white teflon tape on the fittings?? If not, what should I use??

Then when I test the lines, can I just spray soapy water on the fittings to see if I get any bubbles?

Thanks!!

[norm25]

There is a yellow tape for use with gas. And yes soapy water should work.

[SpecialK]

There is a yellow teflon tape they use for natural gas lines in homes. Thats what I would use if it were me.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but I seem to recall being told not to use any teflon tape on flared fittings but that may have just been for high pressure water hoses. If you do use it on a flare fitting, make sure you get no tape on the flare part of it as it will hold the seal apart. Make sure it is only on the threads.

[Surface Tension]

Tape and pastes are made for tapered pipe threads. No need on flared fittings as the threads there are used to tighten down the flare and the flare is what seals.

[chad austin]

If anything, use rectorseal on the threads of the flare fitting and where the flare nut and the outside of the flare meet.

[BLACKJACK]

So there I thought I had the answer after the first two responses - use the special yellow tape.

Now the last two posts added to my confusion - are LP fittings 'flared fittings'? Do LP fittings need tape or goop on them??

[Surface Tension]

When to use thread sealer

[R_B]

I use pipe dope on my connections. Works great and is easier than tape.

[jmd1]

i was always taught that on a fitting that has a flare such as a propane fitting going into the tank not to use anything. if the tape were to tear while fighting it could become trapped between the seat and flare. this will cause a leak. same with pipe sealant. if it is a water line, or tapered thread, then it is fine. if this is the hose going into the regulator it is possibly a tapered thread therefore you could use it.

[Gordie]

the white thread tape will work fine also and you do not need thread sealer,pipe dope, or what ever you want to call it on flared fittings or a fitting that has a oring on it such as a the tank fitting.

I used to do alot of propane pipe fitting and our rule of thumb was to tape and dope the threads on all pipe thread fittings.

the only time we used pipe dope on anything other than a threaded fitting was the two faces of a union in the gas line but you shouldnt have to worry about that at all.

3-4 wraps of the tape on the threads should work fine

You can get by just fine with the tape or just the pipe dope alone

[chris63]

There is a BIG! difference between the white and yellow pipe fitting thread tape.White is for H2o and non gas only.Yellow is for gas fittings and is manufactured for that application.The local fire inspector does(and will) will look for the proper fittings/tape/dope if there is an unfortunate incident.c63

[boatfixer]

Using tape or dope on flared fittings is futile. If you can't get a seal or feel you need a "safety net" then there are other issues.