A radiator valve that starts weeping mid-heating-season creates an unwelcome choice: shut down the whole loop for a full drain-down, or find a way to reseal the joint with minimal disruption to the rest of the building's heat. Why This Is a Retrofit Problem, Not a New-Install Problem Most guidance on thread sealants — including our own overview of sealing vacuum system threads for serviceability — assumes a valve going into service for the first time, with clean threads and no scale. A radiator valve being resealed mid-season is almost always the opposite case: threads that have carried mineral scale, corrosion inhibitor residue, or years of accumulated pipe dope, on a valve that can't simply be pulled and cleaned on a bench because the surrounding loop still has to function. Deciding Between a Partial Isolation and a Full System Drain Most residential and light-commercial hot-water heating loops allow the specific radiator branch to be isolated at its own shutoff without draining the entire system, provided the valve being resealed sits downstream of that isolation point. Where the leaking valve is itself the only isolation point for that branch — common in older single-pipe steam or gravity hot-water systems — a full or partial system drain becomes unavoidable. Confirming which situation applies before starting work prevents an unplanned full drain-down partway through a job that was expected to be a quick reseal. Scale, Sludge, and Old Sealant Residue on Retrofit Threads Threads that have been in a wet heating loop for years typically carry more than just old sealant — mineral scale from hard water, black iron oxide sludge common in older cast-iron systems, and sometimes residue from a corrosion inhibitor or glycol additive in the loop fluid. All of this has to come off before a new anaerobic sealant can make full contact with bare metal; sealant applied over scale or sludge residue bonds to the contamination layer instead of the thread itself, and lets go the first time the joint sees a real thermal cycle. A wire brush pass followed by a solvent wipe is usually enough on lightly scaled threads; heavily corroded cast-iron threads sometimes need a light re-tap to restore a true thread profile before any sealant will hold. Chemical Compatibility With Loop Additives Systems dosed with a glycol-based freeze inhibitor or a proprietary corrosion inhibitor package introduce a chemical compatibility question that a brand-new installation never has to consider. Most anaerobic thread sealants tolerate typical inhibitor concentrations without degrading, but a joint that will sit in contact with a specific additive package is worth checking against the sealant's chemical resistance data before assuming compatibility, particularly on systems using an unusually high glycol percentage for freeze protection in an unheated mechanical room or outdoor enclosure. Freeze Exposure on Exterior or Unconditioned Branches Radiator valves feeding branches that run through an unheated garage, crawlspace, or exterior wall cavity face a stress the vacuum and general plumbing literature rarely addresses: freeze-thaw cycling on the joint itself if the branch…

Toilet supply line connections rarely fail from pressure — they fail from being over-tightened or under-sealed during a five-minute repair, which is exactly the scenario a low-strength serviceable sealant is built to prevent. The Real Requirement Behind a Supply Line Seal Toilet water supply lines run at ordinary domestic pressure, typically 40-80 psi, well below anything that challenges a properly filled thread. The failure mode here isn't blowout — it's a slow weep at the shutoff valve or tank connection caused by incomplete thread engagement or tape that unravels during installation. Because fill valves, supply lines, and shutoff valves are among the most frequently replaced plumbing components in a home, the sealant has to prioritize serviceability as much as sealing performance. A joint that requires cutting the line to remove is a maintenance problem, not a solution. Why Low Strength Is the Correct Choice, Not a Compromise A functional low-strength anaerobic sealant fills the thread root completely, stopping the capillary seepage that plagues tape-only joints, while still releasing with hand tools during a routine valve or line replacement. Temperature resistance to roughly 150°C (302°F) is far beyond what a cold or hot water line will ever see, but it reflects a sealant chemistry stable enough not to degrade over years of intermittent use. The same chemistry resists the thread lock-up and corrosion that make old plumbing joints difficult to separate, which is often the actual cause of a stripped or damaged fitting during service calls. The cure mechanism behind anaerobic thread sealants is what makes them fundamentally different from tapes or pipe dope: the material stays fluid in open air but sets rapidly once confined between mating metal surfaces, triggered by contact with metal ions rather than by moisture or air exposure. That's also why a thin, even bead outperforms a heavy application — excess material outside the joint simply never cures and can be wiped away. Anaerobic Sealant vs. PTFE Tape for This Joint PTFE tape remains a common choice for low-pressure, easily serviced fittings like this one, and it isn't wrong for every application — but it has real limitations that an anaerobic sealant addresses directly. Tape only coats the surface of the threads, leaving small voids that can allow slow seepage, and over-wrapping is a frequent installer error that actually reduces thread engagement rather than improving the seal. Tape can also unravel or shred during assembly if the fitting is threaded in at the wrong angle. An anaerobic sealant, by contrast, fills the entire thread root rather than just the crest, which is why it resists the slow weeping that tape-only joints are prone to over time. For a toilet supply line connection, choosing a low- or medium-strength anaerobic formulation gets the sealing benefit without sacrificing the ease of disassembly that made tape appealing in the first place. If your installation involves pressure, temperature, or chemical exposure outside the general ranges discussed here, Email Us — our team can help you match a thread-sealing chemistry and torque…

Outdoor hose bibs sit at the intersection of moderate water pressure, constant seasonal temperature swings, and a near-certainty that someone will need to service them eventually — which makes the sealant choice as important as the fitting itself. Why Hose Bib Threads Fail Differently Than Indoor Plumbing A hose bib faces conditions most indoor fittings never see: freeze-thaw cycling through winter, UV exposure on the exposed pipe stub, and repeated vibration every time a hose is connected or disconnected. None of that pressure is extreme in absolute terms — municipal supply rarely exceeds 80-100 psi — but the combination of thermal cycling and mechanical disturbance is exactly what causes PTFE tape and low-grade pipe dope to loosen over one or two seasons. The joint also needs to remain serviceable. Hose bibs and their washers wear out, valve stems corrode, and homeowners or maintenance crews need to be able to remove the fitting without destroying the wall-side threads or the fitting itself. Matching Sealant Strength to a Serviceable Outdoor Joint A medium-strength anaerobic thread sealant is the right category here: it fills the thread gaps completely to stop water migration and resist loosening from vibration, but it releases with standard hand tools when the bib eventually needs replacement. Look for a formulation rated to at least 150°C (302°F) — well beyond anything an outdoor faucet will see, but a useful margin against direct summer sun on dark-colored piping — and a pressure rating in the range of 10,000 psi (69 MPa), which is far more than the joint will ever experience but confirms the seal will not creep under repeated pressurization cycles. Low-viscosity formulations penetrate fully into engaged threads before curing, which matters more on old or slightly worn fittings where thread engagement is already imperfect. Anaerobic thread sealants cure through a chemistry that's easy to overlook but important to understand: the resin remains liquid as long as it's exposed to atmospheric oxygen, and only begins to harden once it's sandwiched between two close-fitting metal surfaces that exclude air. Metal ions from the fastener or fitting surface act as a catalyst for that reaction, which is why full thread engagement and clean, bare metal contact matter more to final bond strength than the amount of sealant applied. Anaerobic Sealant vs. PTFE Tape for This Joint PTFE tape remains a common choice for low-pressure, easily serviced fittings like this one, and it isn't wrong for every application — but it has real limitations that an anaerobic sealant addresses directly. Tape only coats the surface of the threads, leaving small voids that can allow slow seepage, and over-wrapping is a frequent installer error that actually reduces thread engagement rather than improving the seal. Tape can also unravel or shred during assembly if the fitting is threaded in at the wrong angle. An anaerobic sealant, by contrast, fills the entire thread root rather than just the crest, which is why it resists the slow weeping that tape-only joints are prone to over time. For…

Steam piping combines nearly every difficult variable a thread sealant can face — extreme heat, sustained pressure, and continuous thermal expansion and contraction — into a single joint that has to hold for years without a single service visit. Getting the seal right the first time is the only realistic strategy. The Compounding Stresses on a Steam Joint Steam pipe threads regularly see temperatures well above 100°C, often considerably higher in industrial process steam systems, combined with elevated pressure and constant thermal cycling as the system heats up during operation and cools during shutdown. That cycling promotes joint loosening and material fatigue in ways a purely static pressure joint doesn't experience, and the corrosive nature of hot condensate adds a chemical-resistance requirement on top of the thermal and mechanical demands. Steam lines are also rarely disassembled once installed, making this a high-strength, permanent anaerobic sealing application rather than one where serviceability is a design consideration. Selecting a Sealant for Extreme Thermal Performance A thread sealant intended for steam service needs a temperature rating that comfortably exceeds the system's actual operating temperature, since sealants rated only marginally above expected conditions can soften or degrade faster than expected under sustained exposure. Incure's high-strength anaerobic thread-sealing formulations are engineered for superior thermal performance in demanding applications like this, curing to fill the complete thread engagement and maintaining integrity through the repeated heating and cooling cycles typical of a steam system's daily or seasonal operation. Material compatibility with hot condensate matters as much as raw temperature resistance — condensate can be mildly corrosive depending on system water treatment, and a sealant that performs well against dry heat alone may behave differently under continuous wet steam exposure. For related engineering background on how thermal cycling affects joint integrity over a system's service life, see this discussion of how CTE mismatch drives adhesive bond failure. Application Steps Preparation: Thoroughly clean both male and female threads, removing all old sealant, cutting oil, and pipe scale from threading operations. Confirm threads are completely dry before application. Application: Apply a continuous, even bead around the male thread, skipping the first thread to ensure full coverage across the remaining engaged threads without excess product entering the steam path. Assembly: Thread the pipe or fitting into the port immediately and torque to the specification required by the applicable piping code and equipment manufacturer. Cure: Allow a full 24 hours before introducing steam pressure or placing the system into service — bringing a steam line up to temperature before the sealant has fully cured is a common and preventable cause of early joint failure. Email Us if your team needs help confirming sealant temperature rating and chemical compatibility for a specific steam system's operating conditions. Commissioning and Long-Term Monitoring A newly sealed steam joint should be brought up to temperature gradually during commissioning rather than immediately loaded to full operating pressure and heat, giving the cured sealant a chance to settle into the thermal cycling pattern it will experience for the rest…

Natural gas piping gives a thread sealant exactly one acceptable outcome: an absolute, permanent seal, verified before the line is ever put into service. There's no serviceability trade-off to weigh here and no room for a compound chosen for convenience over verified gas-tight performance. Why Natural Gas Threads Are a Zero-Tolerance Joint Residential and commercial natural gas lines typically run at low distribution pressure compared to industrial gas systems, but the consequence of any leak — fire or explosion risk in an occupied structure — makes the acceptable failure rate effectively zero. These lines are also essentially permanent once installed and inspected; unlike a water valve or instrumentation port, a gas line thread joint is not meant to be revisited except during a major renovation or appliance replacement. That combination makes this a high-strength, permanent anaerobic thread-sealing application, chosen specifically for verified gas-tight performance rather than general pressure resistance. Selecting a Sealant Verified for Gas Service Not all thread sealants that perform well on water or oil lines are suitable for gas — some compounds are more permeable to gas molecules at a microscopic level than they are to liquids, meaning a joint that would hold a water pressure test can still permit a slow gas leak. A sealant chosen for natural gas piping needs to carry specific certification or verified performance for fuel gas service, not just a general industrial pressure rating. Incure's high-strength anaerobic thread-sealing compounds are engineered for demanding gas and fluid-tight applications, curing to fill the complete thread engagement and resisting the specific chemistry of common fuel gases. Local plumbing and gas codes typically specify approved sealant types and installation methods for gas piping, and any installation should follow those code requirements in addition to general best practice — code compliance on gas work isn't optional in the way it sometimes is on other trades. For related background on how thread joints behave under sustained pressure and thermal cycling, see this discussion of how CTE mismatch drives adhesive bond failure. Application Steps Preparation: Thoroughly clean both male and female threads, removing all cutting oil, old sealant, and pipe shavings from threading. Confirm threads are completely dry before application. Application: Apply a continuous, even bead around the male thread, skipping the first thread and ensuring full coverage across the remaining engaged threads. Assembly: Thread the fitting into the port immediately and torque to the specification required by the applicable gas piping code and equipment manufacturer. Cure: Allow a full 24 hours before introducing gas pressure to the line — no exceptions, regardless of schedule pressure, since a joint tested before full cure can pass initially and still develop a leak once fully loaded. Email Us if your team needs help confirming sealant certification requirements for a specific natural gas application or local code jurisdiction. Testing Before Any Gas Is Introduced Every newly sealed natural gas joint should be pressure-tested with a soap solution or calibrated gas detector — never a lit flame — before the line is…

A washing machine supply valve rarely gets a second thought until it starts weeping behind the appliance, quietly soaking a laundry room floor or the wall behind it for weeks before anyone notices the damage. A properly sealed, still-serviceable valve connection prevents that entirely. Why This Joint Needs to Stay Accessible Washing machine supply valves see continuous water pressure punctuated by pressure spikes from the machine's solenoid valves opening and closing rapidly during fill cycles — a phenomenon that produces the water-hammer effect familiar in many homes. That repeated pressure surge works threaded connections loose over time if they aren't properly sealed, but these valves also need occasional service for washer replacement, hose changes, or valve body repairs, so a permanent structural lock isn't the right fit. A medium-strength thread sealant matches this application well: firm enough to withstand the vibration and pressure surges of daily laundry use, while still serviceable with normal hand tools. Selecting a Sealant for Household Water Supply As with any potable water connection, the sealant used here needs to be rated safe for drinking water contact, and compatible with the mix of copper, brass, and plastic components common in washing machine valve boxes. Incure's medium-strength anaerobic and plumbing-rated thread-sealing compounds are suited to this kind of residential water supply service, holding a reliable seal against both static pressure and the repeated surge loading from appliance solenoid valves, while remaining serviceable for future appliance swaps. Because washing machine valve boxes are often installed behind a wall with limited access, confirming full thread coverage during the original installation — rather than relying on a quick visual check — matters more here than on an openly accessible fitting. For related background on how repeated pressure and thermal cycling affect joint reliability, see this discussion of how CTE mismatch drives adhesive bond failure. Application Steps Preparation: Clean both mating threads thoroughly, removing old sealant, tape, or mineral scale from a prior connection. Confirm threads are completely dry before applying fresh sealant. Application: Apply a continuous, even bead around the male thread, skipping the leading thread to keep uncured product out of the water supply. Assembly: Thread the valve fitting together immediately and tighten to a firm fit appropriate for the fitting material, taking care with plastic-bodied valve boxes that can crack under excess torque. Cure: Allow the full 24-hour cure window before restoring water pressure, then run a full fill cycle on the washing machine and inspect the valve box for any seepage before considering the job complete. Email Us if your team needs help selecting sealant compatible with a specific washing machine valve box material or configuration. Preventing Water Damage Before It Starts Because washing machine valve leaks so often go undetected behind an appliance until real damage has occurred, a brief inspection of the supply connection during any appliance service call — even one unrelated to plumbing — is a low-cost way to catch a marginal seal early. Homeowners and property managers alike benefit from treating this…

A shower valve leak hidden inside a wall cavity can run for months before it ever shows up as a stain on the ceiling below, by which point the fix involves drywall repair on top of the original plumbing work. Sealing the threaded joints correctly the first time — in a way that still allows future access — prevents that outcome. The Access Problem Behind Shower Walls Shower supply and valve fittings sit inside finished wall cavities, meaning any thread seal failure isn't just a leak — it's water damage to structural and finish materials that stays hidden until it's severe. At the same time, shower valves and shower heads are serviced periodically for cartridge replacement, flow restrictor cleaning, or fixture upgrades, so a permanent, high-strength thread lock complicates future work that a plumber should be able to do without cutting into a wall. A medium-strength thread sealant suited for plumbing is the standard choice: secure enough to prevent seepage behind the wall, but serviceable with normal plumbing tools when a valve needs attention. Choosing a Sealant for Potable Water and Mixed Fittings Shower plumbing frequently mixes copper, brass, and plastic-bodied components, and any sealant used here needs to be rated safe for potable water contact and compatible with each of those materials without degrading gaskets or o-rings inside modern mixing valves. Incure's medium-strength anaerobic and plumbing-rated thread-sealing compounds are formulated for exactly this kind of mixed-material residential and commercial plumbing service, sealing reliably against water pressure while remaining serviceable for valve cartridge and fixture maintenance. Because these joints are assembled once and then closed inside a wall for years, taking the extra time to confirm full, even sealant coverage before closing up the wall is far cheaper than any callback after the fact. For related background on how thermal cycling and material choice affect long-term joint performance, see this discussion of how CTE mismatch drives adhesive bond failure. Application Steps Preparation: Clean both mating threads thoroughly, removing old sealant, tape, or flux residue from soldered copper fittings. Dry threads completely before applying fresh sealant. Application: Apply a continuous, even bead around the male thread, skipping the leading thread to prevent uncured product from entering the water supply. Assembly: Thread the fitting together immediately and tighten to a firm, hand-plus-wrench fit appropriate for the fitting material — over-tightening plastic-bodied valve bodies can crack them. Cure: Allow the full 24-hour cure window before pressurizing the line and closing the wall. Pressure-testing the line before final wall closure catches any incomplete seal while it's still accessible. Email Us if your plumbing team needs help selecting a sealant compatible with mixed copper, brass, and plastic shower valve components. Testing Before Closing the Wall The single most valuable step in this entire process is a pressure test performed after the cure window but before drywall or tile goes back up — a joint that's leaking at low pressure is easy to fix when it's still exposed and becomes a significant repair once it's finished…

A water heater fitting that weeps slowly rarely gets noticed until it's caused enough damage to a surrounding wall or cabinet to require real repair — and by then, what would have been a five-minute reseal has become a much larger project. Why Water Heater Threads Need the Right Balance Water heater connections — inlet, outlet, drain valve, temperature-pressure relief fitting — cycle through sustained heat, from typical storage temperatures around 50–60°C up to higher spikes near the tank's upper thermostat setting, combined with the thermal expansion and contraction that comes with every heating cycle. These fittings also need periodic service access for anode rod replacement, drain valve maintenance, or fitting repairs during the water heater's service life, which points toward a medium-strength thread sealant rather than a permanent structural lock. The seal needs to hold reliably against hot water and mineral-laden supply lines while still allowing a plumber or technician to service the connection without specialty tools. Selecting a Sealant for Potable Hot Water Service Any sealant used on a potable water system needs to be rated safe for drinking water contact, not just pressure- and temperature-capable — this is a non-negotiable requirement distinct from industrial or automotive fluid applications. Incure's medium-strength anaerobic thread-sealing compounds formulated for plumbing and potable water service provide a secure seal against hot water pressure while curing in a way that keeps the joint serviceable for routine water heater maintenance. Hard water with high mineral content can accelerate scale buildup at threaded joints over time, which is a separate issue from the sealant itself but worth accounting for during periodic inspection — a joint that was properly sealed initially can still develop external mineral deposits that make a future disassembly more difficult if not addressed. For related background on how thermal cycling affects joint performance over a system's service life, see this discussion of how CTE mismatch drives adhesive bond failure. Application Steps Preparation: Clean both mating threads thoroughly, removing old sealant, tape residue, or mineral scale from any prior connection. Dry threads completely before applying fresh sealant. Application: Apply a continuous, even bead around the male thread, skipping the leading thread to keep uncured product out of the potable water supply. Assembly: Thread the fitting together immediately and torque to the water heater manufacturer's specification, being careful not to overtighten fittings threaded into the tank's steel or aluminum ports. Cure: Allow the full 24-hour cure window before restoring water pressure and power to the heater, then check all serviced fittings for seepage once the tank reaches full operating temperature. Email Us if your plumbing or facilities team needs help selecting a potable-water-rated sealant for a specific water heater fitting or repair. Preventing Callbacks The most common cause of a water heater fitting leak reappearing after a repair is skipping the cure window and restoring hot water pressure immediately — anaerobic sealants need the full cure time to reach rated strength, and introducing thermal stress before that point can compromise the bond permanently. Scheduling…

A pressure transducer only reports accurate data if its own mounting joint doesn't leak, drift, or seize — a threaded connection that's either too weak or too permanent undermines the instrument before it ever takes a reading. The Competing Needs at a Transducer Port Pressure transducers are precision instruments that frequently need to be swapped for calibration, replaced after a fault, or temporarily removed during system troubleshooting, which makes a permanent, high-strength thread lock the wrong choice despite the pressure the joint has to hold. At the same time, transducers are often mounted at points that see significant vibration — near pumps, compressors, or reciprocating machinery — where an under-secured fitting can loosen just enough to introduce a small leak that skews the very pressure reading the instrument is meant to provide. The right balance is a medium-strength anaerobic thread sealant: secure against vibration-induced loosening, but removable with standard tools when the transducer needs service. Selecting a Sealant for Instrumentation Accuracy Because a marginal leak at a transducer fitting can introduce measurement error before it ever becomes a visible problem, the sealant chosen for this joint needs to fully fill the thread engagement rather than just bridge the surface — partial coverage is often enough to pass a casual visual check while still allowing enough pressure bleed to shift a reading. Incure's medium-strength anaerobic thread-sealing compounds are engineered to fill the complete thread root during cure, providing the seal integrity instrumentation applications require while remaining serviceable for routine transducer calibration and replacement cycles. Many transducers use fine-pitch or specialty thread forms that differ from standard pipe thread, so confirming the sealant's application technique is appropriate for the actual thread type in use — rather than treating every port the same — helps avoid under-filling a joint with tighter tolerances. For related background on how joint geometry and material choice affect long-term seal reliability, see this discussion of how CTE mismatch drives adhesive bond failure. Application Steps Preparation: Clean both the transducer threads and the port threads thoroughly, removing process residue, old sealant, and any protective cap coating. Confirm threads are completely dry before applying sealant. Application: Apply a continuous, even bead around the male thread, ensuring coverage reaches fully into the thread root, particularly on fine-pitch instrumentation fittings. Assembly: Thread the transducer into the port immediately and torque to the instrument manufacturer's specification — overtightening a precision transducer can damage the internal sensing element. Cure: Allow the full 24-hour cure window before pressurizing the system, then verify the transducer's reading against a known reference before relying on it for process control. Email Us if your instrumentation team needs help selecting sealant strength grade for a specific transducer thread type or calibration interval. Protecting Measurement Integrity Long-Term Because a leaking transducer fitting can silently degrade data quality long before it produces a visible symptom, building a periodic seal inspection into the same schedule as sensor calibration is a reasonable safeguard, especially on transducers monitoring safety-critical or high-value process parameters. Keeping medium-strength…

An air dryer only does its job if every connection around it actually holds — a single leaking thread near the desiccant tower or drain valve lets humid air bypass the drying process entirely, quietly reintroducing the moisture the whole system was installed to remove. Why Air Dryer Fittings Need Careful Sealing Compressed air dryers see a mix of operating conditions across a single unit: dry, filtered air on the outlet side, humid incoming air on the inlet, and condensate drainage at low points in the system, all while the unit cycles through regeneration and vibrates with the rest of the compressor room. Fittings around the dryer also need periodic access for filter element changes, desiccant replacement, or drain valve servicing, which rules out a permanent, high-strength thread lock. A medium-strength anaerobic sealant fits this application well — secure enough to resist loosening from compressor vibration and maintain the pressure-tight seal a dryer needs to function correctly, while still releasable with hand tools during scheduled maintenance. Matching Sealant to the Dryer Environment Because air dryer fittings experience both pressurized air and periodic condensate exposure, a thread sealant chosen for this application needs to cure reliably even with trace moisture present and resist any corrosive effect of collected condensate, which can be mildly acidic in some compressor systems. Incure's medium-strength anaerobic thread-sealing compounds are formulated for this kind of pneumatic and moisture-exposed fitting service, sealing effectively against air loss while remaining serviceable for the periodic filter and desiccant changes an air dryer requires. Many dryer housings use aluminum or plated steel construction, both of which cure anaerobic sealant differently than plain carbon steel, so confirming the sealant's compatibility with the actual housing material helps avoid the slow leaks that come from incomplete cure on a passive metal surface. For related background on how material choice affects joint performance, see this analysis of how CTE mismatch drives adhesive bond failure. Application Steps Preparation: Clean both mating threads to remove condensate residue, compressor oil, and any old sealant or tape. Confirm threads are fully dry before application, since trapped moisture can interfere with proper anaerobic cure. Application: Apply a continuous, thin bead around the male thread, skipping the leading thread to prevent uncured product from entering the airflow path. Assembly: Thread the fitting together immediately and torque to the dryer manufacturer's specification, taking care with aluminum-bodied components that strip more easily than steel. Cure: Allow the full 24-hour cure window before pressurizing the system, then verify with a leak check at full operating pressure before returning the dryer to service. Email Us if your facilities team needs help selecting sealant strength grade for a specific air dryer connection or drain valve fitting. Keeping the Drying System Reliable A leaking fitting on the dry-air side of a desiccant or refrigerated dryer effectively defeats the purpose of the entire unit by allowing untreated air to bypass into the downstream system, so these connections deserve the same seal quality as the rest of a facility's compressed…