What is PTFE Tape?

PTFE Tape stands for polytetrafluoroethylene. It is a synthetic fluoropolymer widely used across a range of industries and applications.

PTFE Tape is used in plumbing for sealing pipe threads. The PTFE Tape is sold cut to specific widths and wound on a spool, making it easy to wind around pipe threads. PTFE Tape lubricates, allowing for a deeper seating of the threads, and it helps prevent the threads from seizing when being unscrewed,The tape also works as a deformable filler and thread lubricant, helping to seal the joint without hardening or making it more difficult to tighten, and instead making it easier to tighten. It also protects the threads of both pieces from direct contact with each other and physical wear and helps seal and prevent leaks from the connection.

PTFE Tape is wrapped in the same direction the male threads go for tightening and is commonly used commercially in applications including pressurized water systems, central heating systems, and air compression equipment.

PTFE Tape Application
Understanding what PTFE Tape tape is used for is important. There are several potential Teflon™ tape uses but ultimately, the requirements of a particular task will determine whether PTFE Tape tape is suitable.

PTFE Tape tape is commonly referred to as a thread sealant and many types can help to minimise leakage around certain types of joints. Specific thicknesses of tape can be selected to provide an additional barrier to leakage in ducting. These tapes often feature inherently expansive properties, helping to fill out any small gaps between threads and conduits once they have been wrapped around the inside of a threaded joint.

Common PTFE Tape tape uses include:

PTFE Tape Tape for Leaks
The use of plumber’s tape to stop leaks has long been a widespread practice. It is primarily used as a preventative measure when coupling joints together; wrapping the threads of a male component with PTFE Tape tape before mating can help to seal and tighten the joint from the inside. This provides added protection against the risk of future leakage.

PTFE Tape tape can also be used as a temporary short-term solution to help seal plumbing leaks until further work can be carried out. It is generally applied to a joint’s exterior to minimise further leakage. However, it is not designed to be a long-term measure for fixing degraded, damaged, or incorrectly fitted joints.

PTFE Tape for Gas
Using PTFE Tape tape for gas pipe sealer applications is common, but it is vital to select the right product for the job. Gas-rated PTFE Tape thread seal tape is widely available, but it tends to be thicker and denser than standard PTFE Tape tape for use in liquid plumbing environments. The latter can be prone to degradation and leaking if used inappropriately for gas pipelines, as it tends to be more porous. This is usually because of having been stretched thinner during the manufacturing process than the more heavy-duty PTFE Tape tapes for natural gas ducting joints.

PTFE Tape for Petrol and Oil
Due to its chemical inertness, PTFE Tape tape is resistant to both petrol and oil. Therefore, it is often used in automotive applications to seal and lubricate fuel line joints.

Plumber’s lubricating and sealing tape is designed to cope well under moderately high pressure and heat demands. This means that it is broadly suitable for use in environments where it may encounter oil, petrol, diesel and other fuels.

As with most PTFE Tape tape applications, it is good practice to start wrapping slightly below the first line of threading, leaving one full thread circumference exposed at the insertion end of the mating joint. If any small pieces of tape are sheared off where the threads bite together, you can start your wrap a little further back from the endpoint to prevent these material scraps from entering and potentially contaminating connected tanks or fuel lines.

How to Use PTFE Tape

Applying plumber’s tape to joint threads is a simple process. However, making sure to follow best practices for using PTFE Tape tape should yield reliable results every time.

How to Apply PTFE Tape

When applying PTFE Tape tape, the first and most crucial job is always to make sure that you are using the correct sort of tape for the application. Once that has been confirmed, you should then take care to follow these relatively straightforward steps in order:

First, clean the threads of the duct joint where you will be applying the PTFE Tape tape. Existing pipes will likely have traces of dirt, rust, grease or other pipe sealant left on them from previous applications. In the case of brand new lengths of conduit, the threads may not have been cleaned thoroughly after machining, meaning there could be metal shavings or factory oils present that will negatively impact on the integrity of the seal formed. You may need a specialised product such as an industrial-strength pipe cleaner to fully remove some stubborn or harsh solvents and greases
Allow the cleaned joint threads to thoroughly dry out before attempting any further work on them. This can usually be achieved with the conscientious use of paper towels, but it is wise to leave them out to fully air-dry if possible. Either way, you must be sure that no beads of moisture remain in even the tightest channels between or around threads that will be mated together
Once the fittings are completely dry, you can start to wrap around the threads with the PTFE Tape sealant tape. Begin one thread down from the open end as this will prevent any sheared off material scraps from entering the duct. Wrap in the same descending direction as the threads, working your way back towards the pipe. This is key to preventing unhelpful distortions, such as concentrated bunching or unravelling of the tape, as the opposing ends of the joint come together
As you work your way down the threads, you should overlap the layers of tape by about half their width to ensure full coverage all the way around. Although some material deformation between threads can help to create a tighter seal, take care to avoid using too much as excess distortion can prove problematic. As you wrap, pull tightly enough to maintain sufficient tension so the threads remain visible as defined ridges, even through thicker or more opaque tape varieties
Continue in this manner until you reach about one full wrap past the end of the final thread. Complete the last wrap by cutting and sticking the final length of loose tape, ensuring that none is left improperly adhered, and the cut off end is smoothly and seamlessly pressed down against the remainder of the wrapping