What should you do to prepare a flange for gasket installation?

Preparing a flange for gasket installation is crucial to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks in piping systems. Removing any paint, rust, and debris from the flange surfaces is essential because these contaminants can interfere with the gasket's ability to create a tight seal. Any irregularities or foreign materials on the flange faces can compromise the integrity of the joint, leading to potential failures under pressure or temperature fluctuations.

Clean flange surfaces allow for better contact with the gasket, ensuring it can compress evenly and fill any small imperfections. This step is critical to achieving optimal sealing performance in various applications, especially in high-pressure systems. A clean and smooth surface is fundamental before proceeding with gasket installation to guarantee reliability and longevity in the piping system.