New Mexico Pipe Fitter Journeyman (JPF) Practice Exam

Do all unions require a gasket to ensure a tight seal?

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on the material

4. Only for larger unions

The correct answer is: False

In many cases, a gasket is not required to ensure a tight seal in unions, as the design of some unions creates a seal through the physical geometry of the connection rather than relying on a gasket. For example, certain types of threaded or welded unions utilize precise machining so that the components fit together snugly, forming a leak-proof joint without the need for additional sealing materials. While gaskets can enhance sealing performance, particularly in high-pressure or high-temperature systems, they are not universally required for all types of unions across various applications. This is especially true when dealing with rigid materials, where the union's construction can eliminate the need for a gasket altogether. Hence, the assertion that all unions require a gasket is inaccurate, leading to the conclusion that the statement is false.