< Back to Home

blog / Tape

Blog Pipe Dope vs. Teflon Tape: Which Should You Use? Read More
Blog How to Select and Apply Pipe Thread Sealant Read More
Blog Thread Sealants: How to Seal Pipe Threads Properly Read More
Blog How to Use Plumber’s Tape Read More

How to Use Plumber's Tape: Step-by-Step

Submitted by JScheid on Wed, 11/08/2023 - 20:36

Thread seal tape, also known as plumber's tape or Teflon tape, is a simple yet effective way to seal threaded pipe joints and prevent leaks. It fills the gaps between male and female threads, creating a watertight and airtight connection.

Unlike pipe dope, a paste sealant, thread seal tape applies quickly and neatly, and requires no curing time.

Choosing the Right Thread Seal Tape

Thread seal tapes are available in different colors, each designed for a specific application:

Video How to Use Hercules MegaTape Thread Sealant Click to Watch
Blog 3 Simple Plumbing Projects to Complete Over a Weekend Read More
All ½”, ¾” and 1” wide tapes are installed the same way. After you select the proper size of tape for your thread, you will wrap in a clockwise motion, while keeping the tape at the bottom of the thread. For ½”, ¾” and 1” pipe threads you will only need to wrap the threads in a straight pattern 3 to 5 times around the male thread, if the tape width is the same size as pipe diameter. For 1¼” pipe threads and above or when tape width is smaller than pipe size, you will wrap 4 to 5 times starting at the end of threads and working up.     
There are no limitations on the diameter of the pipe. You should always wrap the tape enough times around the male threads in order to fill the spigot (female threads). Any pipe sizes over 1¼” with pressure and fluids moving through it should have the male threads wrapped with tape and then the approved pipe joint compound spread over the tape.
Yes. All Oatey thread sealant tapes will work on natural gas lines. Oatey does however recommend the use of yellow gas line thread tape with PTFE on all natural gas line installations, product #31403. The Oatey yellow gas line thread tape is approved by code for this application and the yellow color is a visual identifier that the correct tape was used in the application. 

categories

Resources
FAQs Videos Blog Case Studies Blue Volt Training ARCAT
Technical Resources
Data Sheets (SDS) & Product Literature Product Category Guide BIM Revit CSI 3 Part Spec Oatey Limited Warranty Catalogs
Company Info
About Us Careers Supplier Diversity News & Press Idea Portal Oatey Swag
Connect With Us

Contact Us