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Using PTFE Tape As a Plumbers Seal

PTFE tape, or thread seal tape is a simple but effective material found in tradies toolkits worldwide. Its used as a lubricant and to help seal the threads of pipe fittings.
It comes in a range of widths, thicknesses and colors. The colors are visual identifiers to show what flows through the pipes (ie yellow for gas, green for oxygen etc).
Pink premium PTFE tape has a double density and is suitable for all industrial applications.
PTFE Tapes
PTFE tapes are long synthetic polymer films that are sold on a reel and designed to be used in a variety of different plumbing and ductwork applications. It is hydrophobic and has very low friction, which makes it ideal for lubricating and tightening piping threads and helping to prevent connection leakage. It is also chemically inert, which makes it ideal for use with many different types of liquids and gases. It is available in a variety of colours and sometimes has specific meanings associated with it, such as yellow for gas or pink for standard plumbing (although this does vary depending on geography).
Keeping supplies of plumber’s tape to hand will help to minimise future leaks from occurring. However, it is not intended to be a permanent solution and should only be used as a short-term measure. For more permanent leak sealing, pipe joint compounds (or pipe dope) are a better option. They are typically designed to be used on degraded or incorrectly fitted joints and can withstand higher temperatures and pressures.
White PTFE Tape
White PTFE tape, also known as plumbers tape, is an inexpensive and effective method of sealing plumbing lines. It is used to prevent water, air, and gas from leaking through threaded connections that don't have a built-in rubber seal.
This tape is hydrophobic and has very low friction, making it ideal for use in piping applications. It is wrapped around the thread of a male component before tightening, typically two or three times. The wrap helps lubricate the thread's surface and make it easier to screw in place.
Pink PTFE Tape
The standard white tape is used mainly to seal plumbing lines and is safe for potable water, but many cities have special requirements that require a heavier duty tape such as yellow for gas lines or green for medical gases. Regardless of the color code, all PTFE tapes will keep the threads lubricated to make it easier to screw in pipes and prevent leaks.
Using plumbers tape is as easy as wrapping the tape around a pipe and twisting it tightly into place. If you follow these simple steps, a solid and permanent water tight seal can be created in minutes.
Often, these tapes are color coded to help with identification and to avoid confusion for those who aren’t familiar with the different kinds of tape sealants out there. This helps to avoid mistakes that can result in costly and frustrating leaks. This also makes it a lot easier to grab the right kind of tape for the job at hand.
Yellow PTFE Tape
Using PTFE tape to seal plumbing lines can help prevent leaks and provide an extra layer of protection. When used correctly, it can also make connections easier to tighten and unscrew. It is important to use enough tape, but not too much. Too much tape can result in a leaky connection, and too little may not seal the threads tightly enough.
Plumbers tape is a long strip of polytetrafluoroethylene film sold on a spool. It works as a thread lubricant and sealant, making it suitable for a wide range of plumbing and pipework applications.
Different formulations of PTFE tape have different temperature ratings, but most can cope with a broad range of operating conditions. Yellow PTFE tape for gas line is designed and manufactured to be used with natural, propane, butane, water, oil, and chemical lines. This tape is nonflammable and is UL listed for safety. It is also grease free, which makes it perfect for oxygen line applications like medical oxygen cylinder pipes.

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