Most homeowners want to be prepared for whatever issue could pop up in their homes. Plumbing can spring a leak at any time, leading to water damage to your cabinets, walls, floors, and more. Some people want to know what the quickest fix is for a leaking pipe. The answer is relatively simple: Plumber’s tape.
How do you use plumbing tape to get your pipes connected again?
At Clean Line, we always recommend having a professional plumber take a look when something starts to leak. Plumbing tape might mask the problem for a little while, but you’ll need to get to the bottom of the issue. Here is what to know about plumber’s tape and the role it plays in your plumbing.
What Is Plumber’s Tape?
Plumber’s tape is sometimes also referred to as Teflon tape. This inexpensive tool is great in a pinch if you have a sink or fitting that has sprung a leak. Ideally, you would be able to turn the water off to this fixture until you can have a professional plumber from Clean Line come out to your home. However, we know this is not always possible.
In the meantime, you can get a tight seal as soon as you apply Teflon tape.
Plumbers tape seals the threads of your pipes when you wrap the tape securely around your fittings. It is used to create a watertight seal, but it can also create more problems. Plumbers who use this tool are experienced with their use, whereas a DIY approach could lead to bunching, too much tape, or an even worse leak than you had before.
For this reason, we always recommend that you call a plumber whenever possible to avoid using thread seal tape on your own.
How Do You Use Plumbing Tape
You will want to apply all tape in the same clockwise direction to ensure a tight seal. PTFE tape will come loose when you go to screw in your fittings if wrapped in a counterclockwise direction. Start wrapping the male threads and ensure that the tape will lie flat.
You should also be cautious not to use too much plumber’s tape when wrapping a seal. A single layer may not be enough to stop a leak. Most of the time, you will want to wrap it around four to six times. Your joints may require more thread seal tape if they are leaking from the joint itself. Keep in mind that using too much tape can lead to more leaks.
This is why it is so important to have a professional apply plumber’s tape for you. While it can be a quick and easy solution for a leaking pipe, it can also present more problems when done incorrectly.
Can You Use Plumber’s Tape for Gas Lines?
A common question that comes up is whether plumber’s tape can also be used to create tighter fittings on your fuel lines. For the most part, experts recommend that you steer clear of PTFE tape for your fuel lines because it can be degraded with exposure to the gasoline or diesel in your lines.
Over time, the PTFE tape will break down and can clog filters. When the tape breaks down, you will once again have a leaking gas pipe but you may be less aware of it. This can lead to a dangerous situation in your home or business. Getting the seal corrected the right way is absolutely essential.
Get Professional Plumbing Help From the Experts
Don’t rely on plumber’s tape to get the job done in your home. While it can be a quick fix, the best thing to do is to fix the mechanical seal to prevent future leaks. Clean Line is experienced with the most common plumbing problems and can get you back up and running quickly (without any leaks).
Don’t risk a DIY solution. Let our experienced Winnipeg plumbers help you today!
