How to use Teflon tape and choose the right tape for the task
For example, when buying a new shower head or bath spout, you will usually find that the manufacturer includes a small roll of white Teflon tape to help you install the product.
How to apply Teflon tape to the threads of a plumbing fitting, and the different types of Teflon tapes on the market, knowing when to use each tape to apply it in the right way to avoid leaks.
I want to give you some handy tips and explain the differences in Teflon tapes so you can have a clearer idea of the job being done for you.
Choosing the right plumber's tape
When choosing Teflon tape for the task, there are a few things to consider: Is the fitting loose, if so, maybe you need a thicker tape to take up the slack? What material are you connecting, if it's PVC threads, you need a thinner tape so that cross-threading doesn't occur when tightening the fitting.
Every situation is different, and in some cases the threads may be very tight, requiring a small amount of tape to achieve a watertight joint. If you are doing a pvc to pvc joint, one trick I learned in the field is to leave the first threadbare to ensure that cross-threading does not occur and you can start the threading process without cross-threading.
Applying the Tape
When using Teflon tape, there are a few things to note. First, apply the Teflon tape in the direction you are tightening the joint so that when you start tightening the joint, the Teflon tape sticks to the threads. Second, rough up the male threads a bit, I usually use a hacksaw blade to lightly scrape the threads so that when the Teflon tape is applied, the tape grabs the threads and does not slide off the male threaded joint.
These two points are very important and should always be remembered, they will make a huge difference in achieving a watertight connection.
White Tape
Without a doubt, the most common color of Teflon tape you see around is white, it is also the thinnest Teflon tape on the market. Now when using white Teflon tape, since it is very thin, you will need to apply a little more than other tapes on the market. As a rule of thumb, I would suggest that 10 to 15 turns around the male threads is usually a good indicator, but every situation is different, as mentioned above.
Pink Tape
Secondly, there is another color of Teflon tape on the market, pink tape, which is slightly thicker and therefore requires multiple passes around the threads. As a guide for applying pink Teflon tape, I apply 6 to 9 rolls of tape to the male threads.
You will find this material less common and may need to be purchased from plumbers rather than just from a regular hardware store. It will cost more, but you won't need as much, and in many cases, it will prevent leaks better because it is thicker and bonds better to the threads.
Yellow Tape
The least common type of Teflon tape on the market, especially the yellow Teflon tape available to the general public. Yellow Teflon tape is primarily used in the gas and oil pipeline sector because it is resistant to corrosive chemicals and will not break down and cause leaks.
This type of Teflon tape is the thickest and does not need to be applied as heavily as white tape, and can also be used on water connections. I find that if I have a large threaded fitting (say 32mm+) this comes in handy for a few reasons. Firstly, the last thing you want is a leak on a fitting this large as you'll likely have a hard time getting it right in the first place, and secondly, larger fittings can be a bit loose and require thicker tape to achieve a watertight connection.
