It’s not uncommon to come across a debate about RectorSeal 5 and the T Plus 2. A lot of people say the choice is strictly down to preference.
But indeed, RectorSeal had other ideas besides “preference” for both products. They could have put out just one of them on the market. So come along as we explore more about these thread sealants.
The RectorSeal 5 and T Plus 2 are popular sealants in the piping industry. They stand out due to the variety of their application and sealing quality. The RectorSeal 5 comes top in popularity, but not by a large margin. Surprisingly, most users of both products hardly can tell why they favor one sealant over the other.
RectorSeal 5 Vs. T Plus 2; What Are Their Features and Differences?
RectorSeal products have been on the market for decades. Although being on the market doesn’t mean much in itself.
But their sealants have been trustworthy products for piping works. That’s been the difference.
So, RectorSeal 5 vs. RectorSeal T Plus 2? To get a clearer picture, let’s look at the features of each sealant in detail.
At first, you’d notice just a slight contrast between the RectorSeal 5 and T Plus 2. But, the significant difference is that one is soft-setting, and the other is non-setting.
That further creates a difference in their application. For one, RectorSeal T Plus 2 works for more plastic pipes than RectorSeal 5. So, you could say T Plus is the plastic master.
But RectorSeal 5 has more applications than the T Plus 2 sealant. It safely covers more pipe content than the RectorSeal T Plus 2. Little wonder many users of the RectorSeal 5 call it the “standard of the industry.”
Here’s an insight into some pipe content with which you can use the RectorSeal 5.
- Aliphatic Solvents
- Dilute Acids
- Diesel Fuel Oil
- Gasohol (that is, unleaded Gasoline plus 10% alcohol)
- Hot or cold potable water
- Kerosene
- Leaded and unleaded Gasoline
- Liquid Ammonia
- Low Aromatic Cutting Oils
- Mineral Oils
- Petroleum Solvents
- Liquid Soap
- Vegetable Oils
RectorSeal 5 is the tougher of the two sealants. The fact that it is soft-setting helps it in that regard. The T Plus 2, it’s non-setting, and thus, it lacks an extra punch of strength.
Also, down to the pressure limits, RectorSeal 5 comes on top. It can handle more pressure in the pipes than the T Plus 2. That’s for both liquids and gases.
What Is RectorSeal T Plus 2 Used for?
RectorSeal T Plus 2 is a multipurpose thread sealant. It is compatible with a range of metal and plastic pipes.
The T Plus 2 is suitable for aluminum, brass, copper, galvanized/stainless steel, and iron.
For plastics, you have polyethylene, reinforced fiberglass, and PVC. Then, T Plus 2 also works for ABS and CPVC, including FlowGuard Gold.
RectorSeal T Plus 2 is a prime sealant for pipes that need immediate pressurization.
That’s because its mix of fibers and mineral fillers seals pipes effectively. When there’s a need to take it off the pipe, the T Plus 2 comes off without any trouble.
Some sealants are set on threads and deal them some damage when you scrape them off. Thankfully, that’s not the case with the RectorSeal T Plus 2.
The sealant also has a low friction coefficient. That allows it to give a firm joint makeup with low torque.
The RectorSeal T Plus 2 covers more pipes than the RectorSeal 5. That proves its class as a multipurpose thread sealant.
Here’s a list of pipe content that the T Plus 2 is safe to use.
- Aliphatic Solvents
- Dilute Acids
- Dilute Caustic
- Mineral Oils
- Heating Oils
- Hydraulic Oils
- Kerosene
- Liquid Ammonia
- Liquid Soap
- Hot or Cold Potable Water.
Is RectorSeal T Plus 2 for Gas Lines?
Yes, RectorSeal T Plus 2 is a good bet for gas lines. The company even lists a range of gases that the T Plus 2 can handle in pipes.
But they didn’t advise the T Plus 2 for pipes carrying oxygen. The reason for that advice isn’t apparent.
Perhaps, that may be down to the low odor from the T Plus 2. The odor may act as an impurity to the oxygen gas running through the pipe.
However, please don’t confuse the low odor of the T Plus 2 with its being toxic. It complies with the NSF 61 Standard.
So, it’s non-toxic and won’t compromise the content of pipes. Except in the case of oxygen, that is.
The RectorSeal T Plus 2 can handle gas pressures up to 2,000 psi. So, you should consider another option if the pressure increases.
If you fail, the sealant will cave in to pressure and fail. So, always ensure to follow all the necessary precautions when using sealants.
Below is a list of gases that the T Plus 2 can handle in pipes.
- Ammonia Gas
- Compressed Air
- Freons
- Helium Gas
- Hydrogen Gas
- Inert Gases
- Liquified Petroleum Gases (Butane, Propane, and Mixtures)
- Natural Gas
- Nitrogen Gas
- Steam.
Using the T Plus 2 for pipes carrying unlisted gases is not advisable. Doing that may affect the seal or compromise the purity of the content.
Can RectorSeal 5 Be Used on Gas Lines?
Like the T Plus 2, you can use the RectorSeal 5 for gas lines. But not on pipes carrying oxygen, chlorine, and other oxidizers.
You also need to consider the pipe material. Ensure that it’s one among the types that the RectorSeal 5 is safe to use.
RectorSeal 5 is safe to use with aluminum, brass, copper, galvanized/stainless steel, and iron pipes. You can also use it for polyethylene, reinforced fiberglass, and PVC pipes.
But for ABS OR CPVC pipes, you should use the T Plus 2 instead. That’s because RectorSeal 5 doesn’t go well with ABS and PVC pipes.
Here’s a list of gases that go well with RectorSeal 5 in metal or plastic pipes.
- Ammonia Gas
- Compressed Air
- Helium Gas
- Hydrogen Gas
- Inert Gases
- Liquified Petroleum Gases (Butane, Propane, and Mixtures)
- Natural Gas
- Nitrogen Gas
- Refrigerants
The list of gases RectorSeal 5 is good for isn’t so different from the T Plus 2. The main difference is refrigerants and freons in both cases.
For the RectorSeal 5, it can handle gas pressures up to 2,600 psi. Ensure the pipe pressure doesn’t exceed that limit before using RectorSeal 5 on pipes.
How Do You Use RectorSeal 5?
For starters, there’s not much hassle when applying RectorSeal 5 to a pipe. The sealant’s mix of special inert fillers makes using it on threaded pipe connections seamless.
The application is smooth and easy with RectorSeal 5. The sealant doesn’t dry out during application. You can take your time to be precise with joints.
You don’t need to apply much of RectorSeal 5 to pipe joints. It’s a very economical sealant. Thus, you get good value for money.
Below are the simple steps to using RectorSeal 5.
#1. Step One
Clean the pipe threads. Wipe off dust or any other particles from the threads. Such impurities would reduce the quality of the sealant’s connection with the threads.
As such, there may be leaks. So, to get the best results, ensure the pipe threads are free of dirt.
#2. Step Two
Ensure to stir the RectorSeal 5 before you start applying it. For small pipes with diameters of 1¼ inches, you only have to apply the sealant to the male threads.
But the sealant goes on both the male and female threads for any pipe sizes bigger than 1¼ inches. Avoid getting any sealant on your skin. So, using gloves goes a long way.
#3. Step Three
Connect the pipes back according to safety standards. Ensure the joints fit well with each other and have a tight grip. You don’t want any leaks or damage to the pipe.
#4. Step Four
Clean off any excess sealant from the pipe joints. Any particles flying nearby may latch unto it.
Or you may get it in your clothes. Then, you can kiss your cloth bye because RectorSeal 5 NEVER comes off!
#5. Step Five
Cure time! Wait a while before you return the piping system to service. How long you wait varies with application conditions, pressure, and pipe diameter.
But you can begin immediate service for pipes of 2-inch diameters at 100 psi. That’s the immediate pressurization we spoke of earlier.
After you go through steps one to five, that’s all to using RectorSeal 5. Watch out for step five because the sealant won’t hold well if you cut the cure time short.
So, there you have it! The “standard of the industry” lubricating and protecting your pipe threads.
Conclusion
The RectorSeal 5 and T Plus 2 are both great sealants. On the surface level, there’s not much to tell them apart.
But the RectorSeal 5 can handle more pressure than the T Plus 2. Both sealants work for gas lines and can handle immediate pressure.
But always check to see that they fit any application you’d like to perform.
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