Plumbers Tape Work
Plumbing tape is the little black strip that you’ve probably seen on the tools of plumbers, handypeople, electricians and homeowners working on pipes and other household projects. It’s used to create a watertight seal on threaded pipe connections that don’t have a rubber seal, like when you attach a metal nut to tighten the end of a pipe. It also helps lubricate the connection, making it easier to disassemble and making the threads a bit smoother, and it can help keep pipes from sticking when you try to screw them together again.
But what exactly is it, and how does it work? And how is it different from other types of tapes that you might use around the house? In this article, we’ll be going over all the details about plumbers near me tape (also known as Teflon tape) so you can be better equipped to use it in your next project. We’ll go over what it is, how to use it correctly, and when you should and shouldn’t use it. So without further ado, let’s get started!
PTFE tape is actually a very broad term that refers to any type of tetrafluoroethylene tape. It can be made from various materials, but the most common is polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. PTFE is an inert material that’s resistant to heat, arc-resistant and nonstick. It’s available in a wide variety of roll lengths and widths, and it can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores.
How Does Plumbers Tape Work?
When using PTFE tape, it’s important to know which direction you should be wrapping it. This is because if you wrap it the wrong way, the pressure of the mating threads will cause it to ball up and not be able to create a watertight seal. To avoid this, first make sure that the pipe threads are clean and free of dirt and factory oils. Then, start wrapping the tape on the pipe in the opposite direction that the threads will turn. Keep in mind that the more you wrap the tape, the thicker it will become, so don’t be afraid to add extra layers if needed!
Another thing to note is that it’s important to use the correct color of PTFE tape for your project. There are a variety of colors available to match the type of pipe you’re sealing. For example, if you’re sealing standard water lines, stick with white general-use tape, while yellow tape is best for gas line projects. Similarly, green tape is grease-free and can be used for oxygen lines.