Tape sealants are all over the plumbing industry. They are used in many industries because there are different tape sealants for specific uses. If you need a tape specifically for stainless steel fittings, there is a tape for that. Tape sealants are simple to use, but like most things, it can put a strain on you and your fittings if used incorrectly.
What is PTFE Tape?
Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE for short, is known for obvious reasons. PTFE is hydrophobic, which basically means that neither water nor water-containing liquids will get PTFE tape wet. PTFE is less likely to create friction with other solids.
Standard PTFE Tapes
TT520 Standard PTFE tapes are primarily used for connections in water systems, either potable or non-potable, because they are corrosion and acid resistant. Standard PTFE tapes are best used for high-pressure lines and are the most resistant to most chemicals.
Premium Specialty PTFE Tapes
The main difference between standard PTFE tapes and specialty PTFE tapes is that specialty tapes are color coded for specific applications. This makes it easy to ensure you choose the right tape for each application. Specialty PTFE tapes are also much thicker than standard tapes and have a significantly higher density.
White Premium High Density
White premium PTFE tape is suitable for all industrial applications. It contains no pigments or additives, making it suitable for all applications, including water, oil and food processing. It is primarily used where the non-contamination standard is set quite high.
Pink Plumber
This PTFE tape is most often used by plumbers and pipefitters. It is color coded pink, indicating that this tape is more durable than the standard white thread sealing tape.
Yellow Gas Line
This PTFE tape is designed for all types of gas lines, propane, butane lines and even natural gas. This yellow PTFE tape meets the standards of all gas companies worldwide and seals threads quickly and easily.
Green Oxygen
This special tape has a green color and is ideal for oxygen applications, such as oxygen lines. It is grease-free, but does not support combustion.
Grey Stainless Steel
Grey Stainless Steel tape has added nickel pigments, ensuring that it is suitable for use with all TT260-SS stainless steel fittings. This tape prevents fraying and seizing. The 4 mil thickness and high density make it the perfect tape for thick stainless steel threads. If you want to learn about the benefits of using PTFE tape with stainless steel fittings and how to use it properly, check out our blog How to Properly Seal Stainless Steel Fittings, Joints, and Well Supplies.
Tips for Proper Wrapping
By using a PTFE tape sealant that is at least 2.5 mil thick, you can ensure that the tape is thick enough to provide a good seal and that no tape is wasted. To ensure a good seal, wrap the tape in the direction of the threads. You should only need to use 2-3 turns of tape, however, thinner tapes may require 4-5 turns. Make sure to start wrapping at the end of the fitting, covering the end to prevent the threads from binding. For fitting assembly, you should tighten the threaded fitting 1-2 turns past finger tight, being careful not to overtighten.
Also, be mindful of the amount of tape you use. Too much tape will increase the diameter of the outer threads, which will add additional stress. However, tape that is too thin will not provide a good seal.
Considerations
One important thing to remember is that PTFE tape should not be used when connecting PVC fittings or valves with female threads (FPT). If tape is used on a female threaded connection, a wedging effect may occur, causing significant stress on the joint during assembly.
PTFE tape does not guarantee a leak-free connection. Always check the connection with water pressure to confirm that the connection is leak-free.
Knowing how to properly apply PTFE tape is key to an easy and stress-free installation. Using color coding of tape sealants for different applications can make the installation process even easier.
Tape sealants are all over the plumbing industry. They are used in many industries because there are different tape sealants for specific uses. If you need a tape specifically for stainless steel fittings, there is a tape for that. Tape sealants are simple to use, but like most things, it can put a strain on you and your fittings if used incorrectly.
What is PTFE Tape?
Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE for short, is known for obvious reasons. PTFE is hydrophobic, which basically means that neither water nor water-containing liquids will get PTFE tape wet. PTFE is less likely to create friction with other solids.
Standard PTFE Tapes
TT520 Standard PTFE tapes are primarily used for connections in water systems, either potable or non-potable, because they are corrosion and acid resistant. Standard PTFE tapes are best used for high-pressure lines and are the most resistant to most chemicals.
Premium Specialty PTFE Tapes
The main difference between standard PTFE tapes and specialty PTFE tapes is that specialty tapes are color coded for specific applications. This makes it easy to ensure you choose the right tape for each application. Specialty PTFE tapes are also much thicker than standard tapes and have a significantly higher density.
White Premium High Density
White premium PTFE tape is suitable for all industrial applications. It contains no pigments or additives, making it suitable for all applications, including water, oil and food processing. It is primarily used where the non-contamination standard is set quite high.
Pink Plumber
This PTFE tape is most often used by plumbers and pipefitters. It is color coded pink, indicating that this tape is more durable than the standard white thread sealing tape.
Yellow Gas Line
This PTFE tape is designed for all types of gas lines, propane, butane lines and even natural gas. This yellow PTFE tape meets the standards of all gas companies worldwide and seals threads quickly and easily.
Green Oxygen
This special tape has a green color and is ideal for oxygen applications, such as oxygen lines. It is grease-free, but does not support combustion.
Grey Stainless Steel
Grey Stainless Steel tape has added nickel pigments, ensuring that it is suitable for use with all TT260-SS stainless steel fittings. This tape prevents fraying and seizing. The 4 mil thickness and high density make it the perfect tape for thick stainless steel threads. If you want to learn about the benefits of using PTFE tape with stainless steel fittings and how to use it properly, check out our blog How to Properly Seal Stainless Steel Fittings, Joints, and Well Supplies.
Tips for Proper Wrapping
By using a PTFE tape sealant that is at least 2.5 mil thick, you can ensure that the tape is thick enough to provide a good seal and that no tape is wasted. To ensure a good seal, wrap the tape in the direction of the threads. You should only need to use 2-3 turns of tape, however, thinner tapes may require 4-5 turns. Make sure to start wrapping at the end of the fitting, covering the end to prevent the threads from binding. For fitting assembly, you should tighten the threaded fitting 1-2 turns past finger tight, being careful not to overtighten.
Also, be mindful of the amount of tape you use. Too much tape will increase the diameter of the outer threads, which will add additional stress. However, tape that is too thin will not provide a good seal.
Considerations
One important thing to remember is that PTFE tape should not be used when connecting PVC fittings or valves with female threads (FPT). If tape is used on a female threaded connection, a wedging effect may occur, causing significant stress on the joint during assembly.
PTFE tape does not guarantee a leak-free connection. Always check the connection with water pressure to confirm that the connection is leak-free.
Knowing how to properly apply PTFE tape is key to an easy and stress-free installation. Using color coding of tape sealants for different applications can make the installation process even easier.
