Simple plumbing question re: teflon tape

[AlanB]

The tape in the top of my toolbox is the Oatey Pink right now.

Pipe Joint and PTFE Tape :: Oatey.com

It is not that it is thicker, it is "denser"

Anyway, I like the tape, I do about two wraps, the thicker (hmmmm I called it thicker myself, I mean "denser") works better for me, and I do carefully use it in my hydraulic systems.

Getting the pipes to tighten when they need too is always a pain.

I also like that the tape does not spill or dry out or leak out of the bottle when it gets turned upside down in the toolbox.

The pipefitters I know use both on big (3" and 4") pipes.

 

[JDeereman]

I was eventually able to find teflon tape in 3/4" width and even 1". i bought both. brand is purepro if that matters. in my travels i had quite a few discussions on the need (or non-need) for wider tape on larger pipes. most felt that 1/2" could be made to work successfully on any size provided it is wrapped correctly. that may be true, but so far the wider tape does seem to work better for me.

Theo

 

[kmdigital]

I think the reason the pros use the dope is because it's just easier and quicker.

Yes, and because it's also a lot cheaper in the long run, even the good stuff. Teflon tape is quick and handy, and great for small jobs, but if you're doing a lot of piping, it gets expensive. And if used by an apprentice, dope is easier to install properly; just brush it on.

With tape, make sure that it doesn't hang over the ends of the male threads; best to keep it back about 1/8" so it doesn't get inside the fitting or fluid stream. And if you disassemble, remove all old tape and redo for the same reason.

 

[ray66v]

I think the reason the pros use the dope is because it's just easier and quicker.

I have seen pro's use just dope, just tape, and both together. Everyone has their own preference. A professional can put tape on so fast, that time is not much of a factor. Dope does have at least one down side, its messy.

I have used both together, for about 10 years now, and never had a leak.

 

[RickB]

I realize you are probably speaking of conventional home water line plumbing, but thought it might be worth clarifying;

Tractor hydraulic plumbing should not use teflon tape on the threads. Instead use the paste with teflon in the mix and be sure it is rated for hydraulic oils and pressures.


Also; when using teflon tape on water pipes, the direction the tape is wrapped onto the threads matters!!

One more thing; gas pipes use a yellow teflon tape and water pipes use white teflon tape.

Curious that Kubota has included teflon tape with their hydraulic accesories for years and years. Tape is fine if used correctly on tapered threads.

 

[CFHartman]

I would like to get my two cents into this. I think if you read the fine print that comes with the tape you will see that it is a lubricant. The threads are supposed to do the sealing. I have used the tape in industry for 40 years. One caution do not use it on hydraulic or oil lines.

 

[kenmac]

anybody else prefer pipe dope over the tape?

i bought a decent size bottle of the white pipe dope/putty and have never looked back. on the can it says it is good for water, air, natural gas, propane, hot/cold, just about anything except strong oxidizers.

whenever i've watched a plumber, they almost always seem to use the dope and not too many choose the tape option.

just curious if this is the norm or if there is some good reason to go with one over the other.

amp

As a master plumber / gas fitter for the past 20 yrs. I never use teflon tape

 

[kenmac]

I would like to get my two cents into this. I think if you read the fine print that comes with the tape you will see that it is a lubricant. The threads are supposed to do the sealing. I have used the tape in industry for 40 years. One caution do not use it on hydraulic or oil lines.

All thread compounds are just lubercants for the threads

 

[JDeereman]

All thread compounds are just lubercants for the threads

I do not disagree with those who say this. i have heard it and read it many times as well. but why then can't we just use a little oil or grease when connecting threaded fittings (other than in potable water systems of course)? if all we really need is a temporary lubricant during tightening and the threads are supposed to seal perfectly against themselves, why doesn't this approach ever seem to work?

Theo

 

[Egon]

Threads don't seal perfectly, they are more like a labyrinth seal. The tape or dope will fill small gaps making an effective seal.

There are quite a few other metal to metal type seals out there that do not require any additional assist in sealing.