Plumbers tape, otherwise known as Teflon tape, is a thin white tape used to ensure a watertight seal on threaded connections.
This tape can be wrapped around male threads on any faucet you are planning on connecting with PVC pipe. When the two are then mated together, the plumber's tape will provide an air tight seal that will prevent leaks. Threading PVC into metal can be frustrating if you do not have this amazing little item! By wrapping plumbers tape in a clockwise direction around each of your fittings and then threading them together using the "Righty Tighty Lefty Loosey " method you'll create your very own custom plumbing system without worries of leakage. Once you have wrapped your various fittings with plumbers tape, simply screw the fittings together.
Plumber's tape, also known as Teflon tape or PTFE tape is a thin white fabric that has been coated both sides with PTFE resin. The coating of this tape provides a slippery surface on the outer layer and creates a forcefield around metal threads that causes the inserted material to be torqued rather than twisted.
So, if you wrap your threaded connections with plumber's tape in a clockwise direction before mating them together, the Teflon fabric will make it almost impossible for them to leak after you to tighten everything down. In theory, anyway. A lot of times it takes some practice and a few broken fittings before you learn just how much pressure is required to achieve a proper seal without stripping everything out. The plumber's tape can also create such as airtight seal on your threads that over-tightening them will cause them to bulge or even break on more delicate faucets and valves. It is a handy product to use that can easily solve water flow issues.Not exactly. Although they may share some similar properties, PTFE tape is an entirely different product that is commonly used on threaded connections for very specific piping applications that require the use of threaded fittings on either end of a run. Plumber's tape, on the other hand, has become its own unique construction material in both the plumbing and HVAC industry. Plumber's tape is commonly used on the threaded connection of any faucet or valve that is designed for use on either copper or CPVC piping. Plumber's tape is also used to wrap the threads of any valves, water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers that are compatible with PEX tubing.
Plumber's tape is made from a pliable, thin and durable fabric that has been coated with a slippery Teflon resin on both sides of the cloth. This coating provides a degree of resistance against the "pull" caused by being threaded into any connection while also allowing it to slide along itself without binding up or causing damage. Although some people will apply two layers onto their pipe threads, you can use just one layer if you have already wrapped your entire plumbing system in Teflon thread seal tape.
It's usually best to wrap the tape around the male threads of your fittings at least three times. This will ensure that you get a seal on most common water pressure levels while also reducing the possibility of solder leaking out of the joint if you're connecting two sections of piping together with PEX tubing.
Yes, plumber's tape can fail under certain conditions. If you are using it in an environment where there is too much heat or cold, either extreme can cause it to become brittle and crack causing leaks along any threaded connection you have applied it to. Plumbers tape also has a tendency to age over time which can cause it to become brittle and crack.
Plumber's tape is designed to be used with metal threaded connections such as those found in most faucets and valves that are composed of brass, copper or galvanised steel. It could provide an easy fix for water pressure issues caused by a leak. You should never wrap plumbers tape around the threads of any fittings that are made from plastic because when they get hot enough, the tape will melt and cause you to end up with a big mess on your hands!If you want the best results possible when using plumbers tape on your next plumbing project, here are a few things you'll need to keep in mind:
Only wrap the male threads; Never wrap over PTFE thread seal tape. When you are done wrapping the threads, give them a tug to make sure they aren't loose.
Plumbers tape can be difficult to remove once it has been applied because it doesn't stretch or provide any "give" when being pulled off over large pipe diameters. If you're not careful when removing plumbers tape from larger female fittings such as water heater connectors or washing machine inlets, you could end up over-stretching the tape and damaging it.Plumbers tape comes in various widths; Choose a size that will appropriately fit your application. To ensure a tight seal, try wrapping the thread once across the full diameter of the fitting. Then, wrap back over itself by 1/4 to 1/2 an inch at a time until you have wrapped three times along each joint.
If you do happen to get plumber's tape stuck on any threaded connection such as a female adapter or spigot flange, don't just grab your trusty can of WD-40 or white vinegar and pour it over the entire surface hoping to dissolve the tape. Instead, wrap a rag around the fitting and try to break it free by pulling backwards with your hands. If that fails, you will need to grab some fine sandpaper and begin lightly working away at the surface of the tape until you can peel it off in sections without damaging either threading or the female adapter itself.
Most types of plumbers tape are not waterproof; However, the Teflon variant is able to provide a degree of water resistance because it creates a secondary seal by coating both surfaces that has been wrapped.
Plumber's tape can only be reused if you did not over-stretch it when wrapping your plumbing system and no damage was done to either side of the connection where it was applied. If everything checks out, you should be able to pull the tape gently from one side using an adjustable wrench or pair of channel lock pliers while holding onto the fitting itself using a rag.
Once you have removed the majority of the tape, use fine sand paper to buff away any rough areas left behind before wrapping a new piece of tape for a water tight seal. If you are about to commence residential or commercial plumbing work, best check if there are any compliance measures you need to adhere to, such as the ones laid out by the City of Gold Coast for example.