Teflon tape is a specialized type of tape used in plumbing to seal connections thoroughly, ensuring that pipes will not leak. This tape is also referred to as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) tape, with Teflon being a trademark of the DuPont company.
PTFE is a very interesting substance. From a plumbing point of view, it's important to note that it is very flexible and that it has immense tensile strength. When Teflon tape is used to wrap the threads of a pipe, the tape acts almost like putty, filling the space and preventing leakage. While it is possible to use plumbing putty for tasks like this, Teflon tape is quicker and easier, and often much neater, as well.
Typically, PTFE tape is white, because this is the natural color of the substance. Some companies make color coded PTFE tape, with different colors being designed for different types of plumbing. The Teflon tape used for gas plumbing, for example, is thicker to prevent gas leaks, and it may be coded blue or yellow. The tape is not adhesive, tending to cling with pressure but being easy to move and reposition.
This tape is designed for use in pipes with tapered threads. Tapered pipes are ideal for making a tight seal because the tapered design creates a wedge effect, sealing the pipe neatly so that nothing can leak out. To use the tape, a length is wrapped around the male or threaded end of the pipe, and then the female end of the pipe is connected. It is important to make sure that the Teflon tape does not overlap with the end of the pipe, as this can cause problems in the future, because the tape may block the pipe.
Teflon tape is a very useful thing to keep around the house. Even if a plumber will be consulted to fix a problem, the tape can be used for a quick fix to keep things contained until the plumber arrives. People should be very careful around gas plumbing, as gas leaks can be quite dangerous, and they need to be handled by professionals. If a gas leak is suspected, the gas should be turned off and a gas professional should be called immediately.
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.
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