What is "pipe dope"?

Question

People often refer to "pipe dope" when talking about sealing threads of pipe fittings, but when I go to Home Depot or Lowes or whatever, I've never seen anything on the shelf labeled "Pipe Dope". This seems to be an old-fashioned word that people speak and understand, but it's not the correct, technical product name.

If I have been told that for a certain joint, pipe dope is a better choice than Teflon tape, what do I need to pick up at the hardware store? I don't particularly need a certain brand recommendation, but an example or picture of a product currently stocked at a major, national retailer would be great as an example. If the word "dope" isn't used, what other terms do I look for to find "pipe dope"?

Answer 1

Pipe joint compound or thread sealant. Should be near soldering stuff, plumbers putty, PVC Glue, Teflon tape, etc. Comes in a tube or plastic jar.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-8-oz-Pipe-Joint-Compound-154202/100204007

Answer 2

Pipe dope is a general term used to describe any lubricant, sealant, or adhesive designed to aid in making pipe joints leak proof. It can be used to describe dopes in various forms, including pastes, tapes, putties, etc.

Within the plumbing trade, the term "pipe dope" is commonly used to describe paste dopes exclusively.

Using a general term such as "dope", prevents specific brand names from being used to represent an entire class of products.

Answer 3

_{All sources may be found in the image descriptions. Products are shown for educational purpose only and are not to be viewed as endorsement. Intending to include all major North American manufacturers, any additions are welcomed.}

---

Pipe Dope Trade Names:

• TFE Paste

• PTFE Pipe Thread Sealant

• Pipe Thread Sealant

• Pipe Joint Compound

• Pipe Thread Compound

Do not confuse plumber's putty with [Pipe/Thread/Joint - Dope/Paste - Sealant/Compound].

---

MW – dope 1.a : a thick liquid or pasty preparation b : a preparation for giving a desired quality to a substance or surface

Answer 4

there have already been plenty of answers to this here. i would add that its important to not confuse pipe dope (which is typically a sealant for threaded connections) with either thread locker (a glue that holds threaded connections from vibrating loose) or antiseize compound (a material that keeps threaded connections from galvanically fusing). these are three fundamentally different classes of products that are not interchangeable.

its also important to understand that pipe dopes are available in different formulations and with different additives for doing different jobs (gas lines, fuel connections, water lines, stainless alloys, etc)

Answer 5

If I am not mistaken, that's what you use for natural gas piping threads. It's much better than tape.