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Contact Info

Address


LA-CO Industries Inc.,
1201 Pratt Boulevard
Elk Grove, IL 60007-5746 USA

Toll Free for U.S.A. and Canada

(1) 800.621.4025

Local and International

(1) 847.956.7600

Fax for U.S.A. and Canada

(1) 800.448.5436

Fax International

(1) 847.956.9885

Email


Customer_Service@laco.com

FAQ
Click on a category below to see the FAQ's. If you need additional help please email to: customer_service@laco.com
Flux®
Does LA-CO® Regular Flux contain lead?

No, LA-CO® Regular Flux is lead-free.
Do I need to use abrasives to clean my pipe and fittings before using LA-CO® Regular Flux?

Always properly clean your pipe and fittings before soldering.  To find out if an abrasive is needed, consult your local plumbing codes.
Is LA-CO® Regular Flux affected by extreme temperatures?

Unlike other fluxes, LA-CO® Regular Flux will not melt and become runny in the summer or freeze and become unusable in the winter.
Is Regular Flux water-soluble?

Yes, it is water-soluble.  Water-soluble fluxes will prevent flux pitting corrosion from occurring from the inside of the copper pipe. Being water soluble, LA-CO® Regular Flux will not clog aerators, tank-less water heater lines, or other systems. The flux thoroughly washes through the system leaving the system clean and free of flux. Remember, the water-soluble is code (ASTM B813).
Why does the pipe turn green when I use LA-CO® Regular Flux?

All water soluble fluxes turn the pipe green at various speeds. These fluxes that cause the oxidation of a copper pipe faster are in the category of water soluble fluxes. LA-CO® Regular Flux cleans the copper so well that the copper oxidizes quickly in order to prevent further corrosion. Remember, water soluble fluxes will prevent flux pitting corrosion from occurring from the inside of the copper pipe. To keep the green from occurring wipe the joint after soldering. This not only removes any residue but it also makes the joint look professional.
Heat Protection
Where can I buy Cool Gel®?

Click on tab "Where to Buy" and enter your zip code.
Do I have to wipe Cool Gel® off?

No, it will evaporate from any surface in 24-48 hours without leaving residue or staining.
Will Cool Gel® damage expensive components?

No, Cool Gel® will not damage components. It is applied to components to protect from the heat when soldering and brazing. Note: Do not spray Cool Gel® in the soon-to-be brazed, welded, or soldered joint. Cool Gel® will prevent this joint from being properly joined and could cause a leak. Pay attention to where you spray. Use painter's tape to cover the area before spraying if you are concerned about Cool Gel getting into the joint.
Will Cool Gel® stain drywall, cabinets, hardwood flooring, or other expensive finished surfaces in a home?

No, Cool Gel® will not leave any stains or residue on dry wall, stainless steel, etc.  If it is not wiped off it will evaporate in 24-48 hours.
What happens when Cool Gel® freezes?

Since there is some water in Cool Gel®, there is the possibility of freezing.  If the product freezes, it will not be as thick and you will have to use more product to get the same coverage. LA-CO® recommends you do NOT let the product freeze.
What kind of applications can I use on Cool Gel®?

Any surface! Go to www.coolgelmovie.com to view some common Cool Gel® applications. Note: Do not spray Cool Gel® in the soon-to-be brazed or soldered joint. Cool Gel will prevent this joint from being properly joined and could cause a leak. Pay attention to where you spray

Leak Detectors
Is sure chek® okay to use on CSST systems?

Yes, all LA-CO® leak detectors are okay to use on CSST systems.  Sure chek®, along with VISU-GLOW® and ALERT® contain low chlorides and halogens so they do not damage metals.  Be sure to check the warranty requirements of your CSST manufacturer before using any chemical.
Is soap okay to use as a leak detector?

Liquid dish soaps can be corrosive to various metals due to their high content of chlorides and halogens. Because sure chek®, VISU-GLOW®, and ALERT® are non-corrosive and non-toxic, they will not damage various metals.
Can I use any leak detector on an Oxygen system?

No, you want to make sure the leak detector is safe for Oxygen systems. All of LA-CO®'s leak detectors, sure chek®, VISU-GLOW®, and ALERT® are safe for Oxygen systems.
Repair Sealants
What is maximum pressure HEAT-SEAL STIK® will work to?

HEAT SEAL STIK® will work to 600 psi.
Can I use the HEAT-SEAL STIK® on aluminum?

Yes, HEAT-SEAL STIK® is designed for repairs on aluminum, as well as, copper and other metals.
Can I use the HEAT-SEAL STIK® on a potable water line?

Yes, HEAT SEAL STIK® is NSF approved.
What is the maximum size hole that the HEAT-SEAL STIK® will repair?

The hole can be no bigger than 1/8"
How do you use HEAT-SEAL STIK®?

Once the leak has been located, pull a vacuum, recovering any remaining refrigerant.  Mechanically clean the area with a knife or stainless steel brush. Do not use sand cloth or other products that will potentially leave a residue. If sand cloth is used, the epoxy will not stick to the pipe but to the abrasive residue left behind. Heat adjacent to the leak (Do not put the flame directly on HEAT-SEAL STIK® as it will melt). Test the HEAT-SEAL STIK® by touching it to the metal as the flame is heating the surface. Keep the flame adjacent to the leak and once the HEAT-SEAL STIK® begins to melt, rub thoroughly over the leak until covered. Allow the epoxy to cool to room temperature or shock with a wet rag to cool. Test the system with sure chek®, Visu-Glow® or ALERT® leak detectors to verify the leak has been repaired. Recharge the system. Remove cured epoxy from the stik with a knife before next use. Cured epoxy cannot be reused.
Can I use the same HEAT-SEAL STIK® again?

Yes, cut the cured end of the HEAT-SEAL STIK® off before you using again.
Thread Sealants
Can I use Slic-tite® at meat and poultry plants?

Yes, Slic-tite® is USDA approved for use in federally inspected meat and poultry plants.
Can I used Slic-tite® on plastic threads?

Yes. Slic-tite® can be used on all plastic and metal threaded connections.
Can Slic-tite® be used on Oxygen service?

Although Slic-tite® was engineered to work with and perform on most gas systems, it is not for us on Oxygen service. There are however, several other LA-CO® products that are usable. PTFE Thread Tape, Slic-tite® High Density PTFE Thread Tape or OXY-TITE® can all be safely used.  For more information on these products visit www.laco.com or the thread sealant category of our Plumbing & Chemicals catalog.  You can also view the thread sealant application chart, which is also located on page 9 of our Plumbing & Chemicals catalog, for a comprehensive list of thread sealants.
Will Slic-tite® stain my clothes or hands?

No, Slic-tite® will wash off your hands with soap and water. If it gets on your clothes, Slic-tite® will come out with regular laundry detergent. Like any other chemical on your clothes, try to wash your clothes as soon as possible to get the best results.
How should I apply Slic-tite®?

Stir Slic-tite® before using and the brush liberally on male threads.  Be sure the threads are filled and do not over tighten the joints.
What is the difference between Slic-tite®'s "grit" and other thread sealants "smooth" compounds?

LA-CO® developed Slic-tite® with large particulates of PTFE or "grit" to help prevent leaks by filling the voids or valleys better than microscopic or "smooth" compounds. The more PTFE, the better the lubrication and leak prevention.
Does Slic-tite® set up hard?

No, Slic-tite® was designed to be removed with little-to-no effort even 50 years after it was applied, making it a virtually no set thread sealant.  Unlike the competition, it will remain soft inside the threaded connection. Any material outside the threaded connection and exposed to air will get hard over time.  Any material exposed to air will get hard over time.
Does Slic-tite® contain more PTFE than other thread sealants?

Yes, Slic-tite® contains more PTFE than most thread sealants, which gives it a greater sealing power

Does LA-CO make other thread sealants?

Yes, besides Slic-tite® makes 11 other thread sealants:

LA-CO LOC® Anaerobic
LEAK-TITE® Blue
PIPETITE® Paste
T-O-T®
OXY-TITE®
Cord of PTFE
Slic-tite® Stik
PIPETITE-Stik®
PLASTO-JOINT STIK®
Slic-tite® PTFE Thread Tape
Pipe Thread Tape of PTFE

Go to the "Products" tab of www.laco.com to view all the other LA-CO products and see the La-CO thread sealant application chart.

Which thread sealant should I use for a particular service?

The LA-CO®'s thread sealant application chart, which can also be found on page 9 of our catalog, will give you a comprehensive breakdown of which sealant will work best for a particular service

Is Slic-tite® available in a stick?

Yes, Slic-tite® is available in a paste and stick

Slic-tite®
Slic-tite® Stik

Can I use OXY-TITE® on oxygen lines?

Yes, each batch meets the ASTM G-72 standards and is an inert thread sealant.
Can I use PTFE Thread tape for oxygen lines?

Yes, but PTFE Thread Tape will not help prevent leaks when the copper has annealed due to excessive heat near the threaded connection during the brazing process. The OXY-TITE® compound was engineered similarly to Slic-tite®. It contains PTFE and other fillers to help fill the voids and cracks and prevents leaks.
What is the sealing temperature for OXY-TITE®?

The sealing temperature is-320oF to 450oF (-196oC to 232oC).
Misc./Customer Service
Where can I purchase LA-CO® brand products?

Please see our "Where to Buy" tab on www.laco.com to a find a distributor near you.
Do LA-CO® Lifter® Wipes remove solvent cements?

Yes, Lifter® Wipes also remove heavy grease, oils, lubricants and many more kinds of tough grime.
Do you have any food-grade products?

Yes, both Slic-tite® Thread Sealant with PTFE and E-Z Break® Anti-Seize Compound are USDA approved for federally inspected meat and poultry plants.
Do you have any products that work on dissimilar plastics?

Yes, Slic-tite®, Leak-Tite® Blue and PLASTO-JOINT STIK® work great on dissimilar plastics.
What other products does LA-CO® sell?

You can view all LA-CO®'s products under the "Product" tab at www.laco.com.
Does LA-CO® sell marking products?

Yes, please go to www.markal.com to view plumbing and piping marking products, as well as, marking products for a variety of other applications.
How do I receive a sample or catalog?

Samples and literature can be requested under the "Contact" tab at www.laco.com.
I can't find my question on LA-CO®'s website?

Contact customer service via email or phone at customer_service@laco.com / 800.621.4025.




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