Not only is PTFE tape a fantastic sealant, due to the very low-friction nature of the tape it makes it very slippery which in turn makes it a fantastic lubricant on and around joints.

After you are done wrapping your thread sealant tape you can use a fingernail or the edge of the spool to chase the threads and flatten the tape. This will prevent any bunching or binding when you tighten up the pipe.In this DIY guide we take a look at PTFE tape and find out how exactly how to use it correctly. What is PTFE or Sealant Tape If you need something extra dense, go for red tape. Red Teflon tape is triple the density of white tape, designed for pipes of ½ to 2 inches in diameter. It’s also used for pipes that have larger joints, like water distribution pipes. Do note that, while the container is an unmistakable red, the tape itself is usually more pink in color. Yellow Tape Thanks to its unique construction, when used properly, Teflon tape can prevent plumbing leaks by filling the threads of pipe connections. Without it, you could end up with a mess on your hands. A continually running toilet can cost you hundreds of dollars on your next water bill. Learn how to diagnose and fix a running toilet and save money!

Although it may seem that you can use PTFE sealant tape with pretty much any water, fuel or gas system, this isn’t quite the case however as pretty much all compression fitting manufacturers recommend it should not be used on any form of compression joint. With a compression joint, the watertight seal is created when the compression nut is tightened down. Introducing a substance such as PTFE tape into this can actually in some cases cause create leaks!

Piping systems and additional piping that use oxygen need a specialized thread tape for their sensitive system. Therefore, a thread sealant was developed in green tape for these specialty plumbing lines. We have had, over the years, individuals and even some professionals comment that PTFE tape can also be wrapped around olives in compression joints as this will help to create a water tight seal. This is ceratainly not the case at all and one that we have confirmed with pretty much all the major PTFE tape manufacturers. How Much PTFE Tape Should you use? Use plumber’s tape to seal male pipe fitting threads. Male pipe fittings are the pieces that screw into another piece, which is called a female pipe fitting. Always put plumber’s tape on the male threads before screwing them into the female threads. [1] X Research source