A: Thanks, Fred. As you seem to know, the best way to get my attention is with a nice compliment! I am not a scientist, so I cannot say if one is better than another, but I can tell you my experience with both Teflon tape and pipe dope.

For those who don't know, to properly connect threaded fittings, some type of sealer needs to be used. Teflon tape is applied to the male threads by rolling the tape around the fitting end with the direction of the threads. Teflon paste or pipe dope is applied to the threads with a small brush. Most plumbers I know like the paste because it's faster to work with; some local codes may require paste-type sealers for certain connections. However, the tape is a lot cleaner to work with and also some equipment installations may require using the tape over the paste.

What I do is I research the type of equipment and/or connections I'm going to make, and I check the codes as well. If the installation calls for one type of sealer over another, then my choice is easy, I go with the approved sealer for that job. If I can use any type of pipe sealer for the connections, my choice is still easy. I go for the closest one I can get my hands on!