As prevention is certainly better than cure in this case, for any plumbing joints that are hidden or hard to reach such as those being kitchen units, it’s not a bad idea to add some PTFE tape to ensure no leaks occur at any point in the future as in most cases you’ll never find a leaking joint until the damage has already been done. Clean all threads: The first task is to clean everything fully and remove any dust, debris or grime that may be in any of the threads. The presence of even the tiniest spec of dust can cause a leak. Using a clean, lint-free wrag dust off any debris from in and around the threads of both sections of the joint. Where any heavy soiling is present you may need to use a specialist cleaning or degreasing product. The best tool to use is a wire brush or if you have one, like we have used here, a brass wire brush. 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. Create a tight seal between water lines and sinks with plumber’s tape. Wrap plumber’s tape 2-3 times around the male threads of all the fittings underneath a newly-installed sink before you attach the water lines. This will ensure a tight seal so there aren’t any leaks when you’re running water from the faucet at high pressure. [6] X Research source 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

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! PTFE tape works by sealing and filling any gaps in the threads, no matter how minute they may be, that can cause a joint to leak. PTFE tape is more of a preventative measure employed to help minimise the risks of any leaks forming in the future. Robustly resistant to pressure, which makes it suitable for fuel injection systems and other high bar applications. 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 Of course, there are more uses to Teflon tape than just sealing pipe threads, and it goes by many names, too. What is Teflon Tape?

Where Should PTFE Tape be Used?

A few wraps of thread sealant tape is all it takes to make a leak-free connection! If you follow these steps, you’ll find that Teflon tape is a breeze to use and does its job well. Take the end of your plumber’s tape and place it on the second thread from the pipe’s end. Hold it there with your finger or thumb. The tape should sit flat over the threads and not bunch up. Extend it perpendicularly to the length of the pipe. Ensure joints are clean, dry and free from any debris: Once you have cleaned off all the major crud and debris from your joints ensure they are fully dry as the presence of any moisture can cause leaks. Use a lint free cloth to remove any remaining dust and moisture and for a fine clean a can of compressed air (also known as an air duster) can blow away and remaining dust or moisture

For products that actually create a seal in pipe joints products called “Jointing Compounds” should be used. Commonly known in the UK as “Portable Jointing Compound” and in the US often known as “Pipe Dope” these products are also used to help seal up threads in pipe joints. With double the density of white tape, yellow PTFE tape is made for fuel lines and gas lines. Green Tape Playing plumbing valve hide-and-seek? We will help you locate your main water shut off valve so you can close it and turn off your water.White Teflon tape comes in a single density. It’s made for water pipes that measure ? inches or less. You can also find it in silver color, on occasion, which is made to match the color of the pipe. Red Tape Don’t use any more than 3 layers of PTFE tape on a given joint as this can cause leaks Which way do you Wrap PTFE Tape on a Joint? Keep the first two threads of pipe free of any PTFE tape. This will allow the pipe to engage the fitting and easily start your connection. Chemical inert, so it won’t react with other elements. That makes it ideal for applications where solvents, gases, or acids may be lurking.