Caution:
Please read our safety
information before attempting any testing or repairs.
Use of PTFE Teflon tape does not guarantee a leak free connection.
Always inspect connections, with water pressure, for leaks before
sealing them from access.
Teflon tape is a very thin white
tape used to wrap the threaded ends of pipes to improve the
watertightness of a joint. The alternative is to use pipe
dope, a paste type material which seals and lubricates, allowing
for a tighter joint. There is also a another variety of thread
seal tape that is yellow. The yellow tape is heavier and is
for use on gas line connections. Never use regular, white,
teflon tape on gas connections.
People often ask the following questions
about the use of Teflon tape
How much Teflon tape should I use?
How many times around should I
wrap Teflon tape?
Which direction should Teflon tape
be wrapped?
Start wrapping the male threads at end of
the pipe but do not lap over the end. Doing so may result in
reduced water pressure or even clogs from bits of the tape that
get into the water supply.
Start with a couple loops around at the end,
then wrap all the threads, overlapping half the width of the
tape on each wind.
Wrap in the direction of the threads starting
from the end and proceeding toward the length of the pipe. Wrapping
the wrong way may result in the tape coming unwound as the fittings
are tightened.
As you wrap, keep tension on the tape so that
it is pulled into the threads.
If you loosen or disconnect a fitting, remove
the old tape and rewrap with a fresh piece.
For more answers to your plumbing questions, visit our plumbing
section.
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