Pipe threading disaster! What am I doing wrong?

[Firebrick43]

I hope you are using Schedule 80 pipe. Schedule 40 is not thick enough to thread if you want it to last awhile.

Never seen yellow gas pipe in schedule 80. What's wrong with 40. Working pressure over 2000 lbs for sizes under 1". Lp is under 10psi depending on system, most 2psi or 11" WC which is just under .5psi . NG is typically 7"WC, around .25 psi.

 

[tdcisco1]

Anyone in the business know why some pipe is junk? I believe two places mentioned as COO were China and Brazil. I never had problem threading pipe, but it's been a LONG time since I've done it.

chris142 >> Glad it worked out for you. Those initial pics looked like ****.

Ive been told has to do with lead content in the steel mix. Im open to other theories though ! op;good to see you nailed the problem.

 

[Firebrick43]

It's strictly the steels alloy that affects its machinability. Foreign pipe is more than likely scrap remelt and not controlled very well.

Lead in the alloys helps machanability. Hopefully it doesn't contain lead as its a brain toxin that can leak into the water passing through the pipe.

 

[bobbyjean]

The new blue stuff is badass. Both are fine but there are other aspects of a gas line installation that are critical. The first being a pressure test, never ever consider putting one into service without one. Soaping joints with only gas pressure which is 3psi isn't prudent. A gauged test should be completed at 10-15psi for a minimum of ten minutes with no pressure drop.

all good as long as you isolate control valve's...they don't like that 10-15 psi .....

 

[Rc_Guy]

Never seen yellow gas pipe in schedule 80. What's wrong with 40. Working pressure over 2000 lbs for sizes under 1". Lp is under 10psi depending on system, most 2psi or 11" WC which is just under .5psi . NG is typically 7"WC, around .25 psi.

I was going to ask the same thing, I have been threading schedule 40 pipe for fire sprinkler systems for 22 years and never had a problem.

 

[spudley]

A gauged test should be completed at 10-15psi for a minimum of ten minutes with no pressure drop.

An old HVAC friend borrowed me his threader with a quick lesson so I threaded and installed the gas pipe on a lake cottage twenty years ago. While testing, I had a leak where I lost pressure. My joints were fine but a store bought union had a little burr and was the problem. Replaced it and we held 20lbs for 24 hours. No problems since.

 

[jdieter]

I've had the same issue with pipe from the big box stores. Rigid oil, go slow and back out/clean dies frequently helps, but still get some ripped threads. Next pipe job I'm going to buy pipe at a plumbing supply house.

 

[ishiboo]

Threading is soon to be come a thing of the past. Pipe is cheap ****, threaders are expensive and the lesser ones are fussy, and fittings are ****.

CSST is very easy to install and proven technology. The other advantage, like with PEX, is that you can install it very easily into existing joists and not have them below to interfere with ceiling finishes.

If you have to work with black iron pipe and can find a place to borrow a press tool, that's how I'd install black iron pipe these days. Just like PEX, just clean the pipe, put the fitting over it and press it on. Unfortunately even the Milwaukee 2773 is $3100... though they ARE running a rebate for the 1/2-3/4"-1" black iron pipe jaws for free. The Viega MegaPressG fittings are pricey but you'll be installing them in no time and with much more confidence in your finished product than messing with crappy threads and crappy Chinese fittings.