What is Plumber's Tape?

There are two common references to plumber's tape: one that should correctly be called Teflon tape, and one that is more correctly referred to as metal strapping. In both cases, the product is referred to as plumber's tape since it is most commonly used by plumbers. The plumber's tape more properly called Teflon tape is used to seal pipe threads against leaks. It is a thin, white tape that fills in the gaps between the pipe threads in order to seal against any leaks. It also acts as a lubricant for the pipe threads when tightening the fittings together. This type of plumber's tape is not an adhesive tape and cannot be used to fasten things together. There are some basic steps to using plumber's tape or Teflon tape. Start by wrapping the tape around the threads at the end of the pipe. Do not go beyond the end of the pipe, or small pieces of tape may break free and eventually clog the system. Put a couple of loops of tape around the end of the pipe, then proceed to wrap all of the ...  more