If you are going to be trying to assemble any plumbing structures at home, you will likely need to become familiar with PTFE tape. This special sealant, sold in tubes, carries unique properties that connect pipes together using friction. This material can be found at hardware stores and most hardware sections of major retailers.
How PTFE Works
Otherwise known as thread seal tape, PTFE tape is used on the male end of pipes (known as threads) before they are connected to other pipes. The film is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic better known as Teflon. Because this substance is impermeable and malleable, it forms into a putty-like substance after it is wrapped around pipe threads and screwed into other pipes. The friction caused by screwing the pipes together activates the thread tape, creating an airtight seal and ensures that the pipes are properly jointed.
PTFE tape only works on tapered threads as opposed to parallel threads. This is because the tape works off of the friction created by tapered threads. Thread tape works as a sealant because it self lubricates as it is met with friction. Using too much PTFE tape can be harmful, as excess material can ooze out of the pipes, yielding exposed harmful chemicals.
Using PTFE Tape
An important aspect of PTFE tape is to make sure you use the right amount. The optimal amount is two times around the pipe in the opposite direction of the thread. If you find that you have incorrectly placed the thread tape and the pipe connection is crooked, you could find yourself with a difficult situation. The pipes could be too tight to unscrew. However, you may be able to fix this by removing the fixture that contains the pipe and sticking a screwdriver into the connection and pry it open.
Types of PTFE Tape
PTFE tape comes in a variety of colors, density and thickness. For the most basic plumbing projects, you will be able to use standard, white PTFE tape. However, for gas lines and more dangerous work, a more specialized type of thread tape may be necessary. The color of the tape doesn’t affect its performance, but may be selected based on the coloring of your pipe. There are standards in place that determine the classification of PTFE tape, taking into account factors such as width and density.
If you are going to be trying to assemble any plumbing structures at home, you will likely need to become familiar with PTFE tape. This special sealant, sold in tubes, carries unique properties that connect pipes together using friction. This material can be found at hardware stores and most hardware sections of major retailers.How PTFE WorksOtherwise known as thread seal tape, PTFE tape is used on the male end of pipes (known as threads) before they are connected to other pipes. The film is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic better known as Teflon. Because this substance is impermeable and malleable, it forms into a putty-like substance after it is wrapped around pipe threads and screwed into other pipes. The friction caused by screwing the pipes together activates the thread tape, creating an airtight seal and ensures that the pipes are properly jointed.PTFE tape only works on tapered threads as opposed to parallel threads. This is because the tape works off of the friction created by tapered threads. Thread tape works as a sealant because it self lubricates as it is met with friction. Using too much PTFE tape can be harmful, as excess material can ooze out of the pipes, yielding exposed harmful chemicals.Using PTFE TapeAn important aspect of PTFE tape is to make sure you use the right amount. The optimal amount is two times around the pipe in the opposite direction of the thread. If you find that you have incorrectly placed the thread tape and the pipe connection is crooked, you could find yourself with a difficult situation. The pipes could be too tight to unscrew. However, you may be able to fix this by removing the fixture that contains the pipe and sticking a screwdriver into the connection and pry it open.Types of PTFE TapePTFE tape comes in a variety of colors, density and thickness. For the most basic plumbing projects, you will be able to use standard, white PTFE tape. However, for gas lines and more dangerous work, a more specialized type of thread tape may be necessary. The color of the tape doesn’t affect its performance, but may be selected based on the coloring of your pipe. There are standards in place that determine the classification of PTFE tape, taking into account factors such as width and density.
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