Teflon tape, also known as PTFE tape or plumbers tape, is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film tape commonly used in plumbing for sealing pipe threads. It is sold cut to specific widths and wound on a spool, making it easy to wind around pipe threads. Teflon tape is a professional strength adhesive tape used in a variety of applications, usually involving ductwork or piping. It is slippery but not sticky, and conforms to the spaces between threads. It works very well for ensuring a tight and secure connection yet allows for easy disassembly when needed.
Teflon tape is recommended for use with most threaded connections that dont have a built-in rubber seal. It also helps lubricate the connection, making the threading a bit smoother, and it helps to prevent pipes from sticking when you want to disassemble the joint. However, it is important to note that Teflon tape is not necessary for PVC, copper, or PEX pipes, which use alternate bonding methods.
When using Teflon tape, it is important to apply it correctly. To use plumbers tape correctly, maintain tension on the tape so it wraps snugly around the pipe, work away from the end of the pipe, overlapping the tape as you go, and complete four to six wraps around the pipe, finishing near the end of the threads (opposite the end of the pipe). Break the tape from the roll by gripping it between thumb and forefinger and pulling sharply; it breaks easily. Smooth the loose end down over the threads.
It is worth noting that Teflon is actually a brand name of the PTFE material, and the manufacturer of Teflon, DuPont, has never made its product in tape form. Other tape manufacturers used Teflon to create their plumber’s tape, and they were allowed to use the name as long as they are using real Teflon in their products.
