diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/RPD_vr.dm b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/RPD_vr.dm
index b40f28701f..bc32a56bbe 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/RPD_vr.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/RPD_vr.dm
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 	var/piping_layer = PIPING_LAYER_DEFAULT
 	var/wrench_mode = FALSE
 	var/obj/item/weapon/tool/wrench/tool
-	var/datum/pipe_recipe/recipe	// pipe recipie selected for display/construction
+	var/datum/pipe_recipe/recipe = null	// pipe recipie selected for display/construction
 	var/static/datum/pipe_recipe/first_atmos
 	var/static/datum/pipe_recipe/first_disposal
 	var/static/datum/asset/iconsheet/pipes/icon_assets
@@ -55,6 +55,9 @@
 		recipe = first_atmos
 	if(!first_disposal)
 		first_disposal = disposal_pipe_recipes[disposal_pipe_recipes[1]][1]
+		recipe = first_disposal
+	if(recipe == null)
+		recipe = atmos_pipe_recipes[atmos_pipe_recipes[1]][1]
 
 /obj/item/weapon/pipe_dispenser/Destroy()
 	qdel_null(spark_system)