Hey man I got started as a maintenance technician a couple years ago and I could not believe that your content was free, you're the reason people at work think I'm some kind of plumbing genius and I owe my career to you. Your content is invaluable and you're an absolute saint.

I started this video thinking, "how could you possibly make a video this long about...PTFE?", and was humbled to learn something fundamental in the first few moments. Well done.

BRAVO....I've been an industrial troubleshooter for 50 years. When plumbing is involved, it is very common to find small pieces of tape lodged in control valves, etc. I quickly learned that it was a very bad idea to put tape on the very first thread, and I have been teaching practice to everyone that I have come in contact with. However, you are the first one that i have every encountered on the web that was wise enough to also teach this practice!

Its very rare to find such a thorough and intelligent coverage. I did a 4 year apprenticeship 40 years ago, using lots of thread taped joints, and was an engineer using small pipes for 30 years in the offshore oil industry. New to me are the different types of tape available. The most important thing (you mentioned it) was to leave the first thread bare. That single fact resulted in THREAD TAPE BEING BANNED in offshore and petrochemical pipe applications, because even "trained" technicians couldnt always be trusted to do it, resulting in small fragments floating around and blocking tiny measurement / control orifices, causing shutdowns. Since about 20 years ago they are only allowed to use special jointing fluid instead. Great site. Keep it up. Schaun.

I often use a single wrap of white Teflon on plastic fittings in underground irrigation. Grey pvc has pretty strong friction with itself and the tape lets you get much better thread engagement, and way better control when you need a fitting pointing in the right direction. It never occurred to me that the lubrication was kind of the point for all pipe threads. Great video!

There is also Carbon impregnated tape as well - It is used where electrical conductivity is needed

Hi! I just wanted to thank you for all your tutorials videos. Especially the ones on copper soldering. Because of these I made multiple succesful reparations in my house that was built in 1961. I never made a single solder before and now I am getting good at it. Thanks again! Great videos!

im a commercial plumber and this channel is incredible i show it to all the trainees and apprentices!

Thank you for this good presentation. And KZfaq suggesting this video. I learned something. I also applied Teflon tape on many occasions ignoring 95% of what was explained here.. till now. Not mentionned in this video is the reaction of Teflon tape to tightening-loosening-tightening again. It seems that Teflon tape is not designed for this and that it gets unreliable in such a situation. I was told by plumbers who dislike Teflon tape for this reason and prefer to go for classic hemp or flax instead.Because flax allows the user to screw a pipe in and out again without diminishing the capacity to seal pipes of the flax. We have such situations when something like a water tap must be positioned in a certain angle and readjusted slightly when the last turn is done and it turns out that a turn backwards of the tab is required. By the way I discovered "Locktite" sealing cord which I definitely prefer to this Teflon tape and recommend it because it also allows the parts to be moved in and out without diminishing the sealing effect.

I liked the video and I learned a few things even thought I've been doing plumbing repairs for many years. Three comments: 1. I've never used anything but the cheap white tape that Home Depot and Lowes sells on water lines. I've never noticed any problems except when connecting threaded pipes to plastic sprinkler system valves. Maybe a different tape would make a difference or maybe more or less wraps. I don't know. 2. I believe the primary purpose of Teflon tape is to fill the spiral hole that exists in a male pipe to female pipe connection. If you don't use pipe dope or Teflon table the joint will leak through that spiral. I do like the fact that the Teflon tape lubricates the joint. I think it makes it a little easier to figure out when the joint is sufficiently tightened.because the rise in torque when the joint is sufficiently tightened is more obvious. 3. I always use the yellow tape on gas joints but I have noticed professional plumbers just using white tape although I have also seen them using pipe dope and the while tape on the same joint for gas joints.

just got a fresh job at a plumbing company in Ottawa and really focusing on watching your videos now since I know you're a Canadian and a fellow Ontario resident!

Thanks for the comprehensive information regarding Teflon tape. Your taking the trouble to back your comments with definitive data technical publications is much appreciated as is your straight forward presentation style. Cheers!

G'day, My father saw a demonstration of PTFE tape in the 1960's, every joint leaked. It took another 15 years before he used it. He puts it on so thick that you cannot see the thread form (20+ layers). He says the tape is cheap but a leak will be expensive to fix.

Another safety note on heating/burning teflon is that it can act as a powerful oxidizer. If finely divided and mixed with metal shavings (particularly aluminum or magnesium) it can go off like flash powder. Even if it's not that violent, having bits of it in with metal filings can create an unexpected fire hazard.

Maaaan, I can’t believe I didn’t think of the pen trick myself......thx buddy

I never knew there were so many different colors and types of teflon tape. Great video.

Another fine video, especially, as mentioned by others, the advice to keep the tape off the first pipe thread. I once had an air stapler malfunction when a tiny piece of PTFE tape lodged in the stapler’s actuator valve. The best way to remove tape is compressed air, so long as you don’t mind blowing the stuff all over your shop or wherever. And, along the lines of keeping the tape off the first thread, make sure you clean the female part of the fitting of the tape shards that inevitably remain there.

Well done, thank you.. In irrigation we use the white tape for all pipe sizes, I've never even seen the pink for sale. Also, we like to use tape to avoid contaminating the systems with paste, because there are small orifices in the valves and nozzles. Even if the tape is improperly applied and causes a clog, it is easy to remove; whereas paste will gum things up.

Due to the hydrophobic nature of Teflon, when used in water pipes, it does end up having an important sealing effect.

I'm not a plumber and I hardly ever do any plumbing at home ( when something breaks) but somehow I still watch your videos because it's well made and fun to watch. Keep going.

Strange fact. My parts washer was put together with white regular tape and developed many leaks. I had to redo the whole thing with yellow to get it to be leak free for many years

So it's Thanksgiving night, I didn't get to eat a lot of turkey this year so I'm not as tired as I usually am after stuffing myself. I decide to watch some KZfaq to wind down. A video about ptfe tape is recommended to me, why idk lol. I just lost my father a few weeks ago and he was in the maintenance field and I can remember him telling me some about the colors so I watch the video. You sir have gained a new subscriber! Thank you for the memories!

Everything you ever wanted to know about teflon tape but were afraid to ask. Very informative video. Thanks

3,3,3,3 rules. When cutting the threads on a blank pipe the depth of the thread dies should be adjusted (this could be tested using a scrap piece of the same type/diameter) so that after threading (releasing the dies after the end of pipe comes past the plane of the end of the dies) the end of the pipe a fitting should have 3 rounds of teflon, be able to turn by hand 3 revolutions, be tightened 3 rounds, and have 3 threads showing when finished. This would be the ideal procedure/method. Deviations from this ideal will work, but the better method should be aimed for.

Just a quick tip from out of left field; when working with thin or soft material, grip it back away from the actual joint to keep from distorting the connection. Great video regarding the tape type & application. I generally use Mil Spec white tape except for yellow on gas connections.

This video helped me yesterday in a D1 lab inside a cannabis facility. Thank you sir I really appreciate the help 🙏🏽

When applying teflon tape to 316 machined stainless npt fittings, you dont want to skip that first thread as you would typically with steel or black iron fittings. The stainless fittings will gal or coldweld together upon torquing and will be ruined if disassembly is ever necessary. -16+ year hydraulic technician. Great video!

In our high pressure oil pipeline in the larger sizes we have had problems with joints seeping. Our line is operational to 1100 psi at places. We often apply pipe dope, 3 minimum wraps of tape, then sometimes another thin pipe dope. In the largest sizes you need to apply dope to the inside of the threads too. That way the joint doesn’t get starved of dope while tightening

Always learning something new, all I ever used is what I was given to work with, but I always backed up the tape pipe dopa recto seal, just felt better doing it, any , no leaks😁

When a pipe "galls" it is pronounced as "fall" as in a waterfall or falling off of a cliff. Thank you for the great informative video!

I am about to embark on a DIY project knowing nothing about plumbing. Your video gave me the knowledge necessary for me to wing it. 😁

Metal on metal without T-tape can cause "galling" like when spark plugs are installed without anti-seize compound, the bare metal can weld itself together by oxidizing (rusting) and if you ever have to remove a galled pipe you know what I'm talking about, get out the cutoff saw! T-tape or the messier older brother Pipe Dope make installation and if necessary removal at a later date much easier!

This was a very useful vodeo ... it never crossed my mind that there are different types of teflon for different applications .

Dude. Duuuuuuddddeeee. Literally never heard this until now. Out of the countless hours of watching experts and how tos and PBS never once was it mentioned.

Hey everyone, when you burn the tape you get "Organic Vapors" not "Fumes", fumes come from burning metal. Good to know when choosing the correct respirator cartridge. Black is Organic Vapors like smoke and paint smell, Magenta is welding for example. Use a combo filter for (aerosols) like spray paint because its both chemicals and drops of paint floating in the air.

I always thought the tape acted as a sealant. Never realized it was actually a lubricant! Somehow I've been lucky --- I've always wound the tape clockwise --- never considered what would happen if it were applied counter-clockwise! Makes sense!

In the oil patch we use Jet Lube brand. It’s on an orange roll, made in Edmonton. It’s pretty thick stuff.

I'm one of those grannies who have learned bits n pieces of info to help ask the pro in order to determine if he is "well schooled" when I need professional services for maintaining hvac, etc. Little things I can do on my own. I have used Teflon tape for decades, but no one has ever told me or explained there were colors n types/grades. Thanks for the tips, especially in wrapping in tight places. NM

We plumb liquid propane threaded connections. We've always uses Teflon tape and pipe dope. Our design criteria is 350 PSIG working with a 5 to 1 safety factor. Because some people don't adhere to what you've stated regarding leaving the first thread bare, we find strings of Teflon tape lodged in downstream valves and controls.

I'm a hydraulic repair man. I use npt to test cylinders all the time. The pen trick blew my mind. I will definitely be using it in the future. We use mill spec white stuff. It holds to 10,000 psi. (On ⅜ npt) I've used it on 4 inch npt. Not long term, just a 15 min test. Keep in mind hydraulic fittings are (usually) smoother than black pipe threads.

We have an orange tape here in Canada too. It's basically heavy duty yellow. It can be used for fuel service, acid/alkaline fluids, H2, nitrogen and other non medical gasses. I like to tape and dope all my fittings for peace of mind.

Great video. been doing plumbing for 6 months now and I cant wait for you to post more.

Before I thought Teflon is all the same usage. Thanks for the ideas you have shared God bless

WOW. Without doubt one of the best, no nonsense, informational, and to the point, videos available. Just great. Thanks so much. Btw, great accent, I'm Canadian, eh! I immediately knew I was viewing the right video when the very first shot is of an actual plumber's hand, beat up, and "who cares?"!

For those on the metric system, a US "mil" refers to 0.001 inches (25.4 microns).

You can also "scratch" the treads to make "hooks" to fasten the tape better on slick treads. In Sweden most couplings have this scratches made in produktion

This definitely was everything I needed to know about Teflon tape. Thank you.

How Does PTFE Tape Work? PTFE tape creates a tight-fitting skin or seal around the threads of various joint types in ductwork and piping. In addition to working as a deformable filler and helping to prevent leaks - where the tape is dense and thick enough - it also lubricates the joint threads. PTFE's very low surface friction causes this lubrication effect. In fact, PTFE has one of the lowest friction coefficients of any known solid! The correct PTFE tape application can allow pipe joint threads to be more tightly mated and should also prevent them from seizing up if they need to be unscrewed in the future.

Yellow also works better on pipes for water than the white tape. Yellow seals better and prevents leaks.

In Holland we have the color Red. We use it for everything!!!!!

In property maintenance. We use strictly gas tape for gas plumbing (obviously and its natural gas) and for every thing water. For water 2 wraps works perfect. For gas, 4 wraps minimum! Some of our guys call the yellow tape "speed tape" because of how easy it is to handle and it only needing 2 wraps for water piping.

Good video. I am located in Georgia. Around here the tape we see is blue. I have seen inspector write ups because the tape on the gas lines were not "blue." Another way threads are sealed is by blocking the root of the thread path. This includes pipe does. You could show the trick to making the tape narrow for smaller pipes. Tear off a piece and hold it up and let it hang. Grab it at the top with two figure of one hand on one side then grab it with two fingers of the other hand on the other side and pull down quickly and it will split the tape.

I can't believe I thought Teflon was the sealant lol. fwi, I would just put more white on. I love these videos man. Learning so much. Keep them coming please

Yours is by far the BEST plumbing channel I've seen on KZfaq. Can you do a video on covering random code topics from the OBC at all?

Your vids are very excellent! I watch all you vids & really helps with my work as an hvac tech!

Another common pipe fitting that most don't know about is NPTF. Also know as "Dry Seal" It doesn't require teflon tape or paste. NPTF is the thread that is on most hydraulic hose pipe thread fittings, and adapters. It's a one time dry seal. If reinstalled, it must have thread sealant.

Technically, teflon tape does serve as the sealing mechanism in an NPT system where Teflon tape is used. Due to the imprecise nature of the threads which you rightly touch on, they can't be relied upon for a metal to metal seal as is relied upon in a flare type sealing system. That having been said, applying too much tape makes no more sense than using an oversized o-ring in a joint which relies on an o-ring to seal. And overtightening is also a concern, in much the same way that overtightening an o'ring can result in over-compression of an o'ring to the point where it loses it's elasticity, leading to premature failure under extreme conditions especially of temperature.

I recently switched from the white stuff to the pink Oatey tape. I could not believe how much better it as. I tried to see how many threads are required for 1/2 inch ips to be water tight. So I pressurized a closed loop I had soldered up and gradually started to un-thread the fitting. I figured it would gradually start to leak like when you un-screw a garden hose. Nope ... when it got to the last thread, it sounded like a gun shot and boy did I get wet. The compressed tape must have been expanding to fill the gap ... well worth the extra 5 bucks ... I can not imagine it ever leaking under normal use.

As a plumber, yep tape is way better but, but, but, one more but, you need to start it half to one thread in. If not you’ll get tape in what ever you are threading together. Great vid bro.

Yellow Teflon tape is also use in automotive applications. such as Oil pressure sensors, and occasionally in oil cooling line connections. (you might want to pin this comment because it adds to the knowledge of Teflon. And someday someone out there is likely going to be tryin to figure out Which kind of tape to use on their car. And most likely will end up here.)

Super useful video! I never knew about the different grades.

Great video! I would have liked to see a warning about the types of threads that require PTFE tape (like NPT), and the types that should never use it (like compression fittings). I see that error way too often!

Man, I thought I could apply teflon tape like a boss, but now I see that I wasn't doing it well. Thanks for the video!

I dig your accent, it's super unique! Very informative video, I never thought about the tape's primary purpose being to lower friction instead of sealing the threads itself!

I've switched to pipe dope many years ago. It is messy but easier to use. I'm not a pro but haven't had any troubles yet.

Caution , when applying Teflon tape onto fittings that screw into aluminum housings , do not over tighten . The tape puts less resistance on the fitting and mechanics may have a tendency to over torque , cracking an aluminum housing .

Very cool I had no idea how Teflon worked to prevent leaks I always thought it just fills in the gaps in the metal to prevent leaks.

As a mechanic. I love pipe dope and tape. You have to use both for Hydraulic without o rings. Nice video!

Damn I'm glad I found this video. I had absolutely no idea there was even different types for different applications

I always use blue monster Teflon. Never had a leak, I also add paste after applying the Teflon.

Thanks a lot. My first time in my life to aware different types of thread tape.

I like Blue Monster (Blue) tape for almost everything. I do use yellow gas tape for propane and natural gas and green for oxygen lines. While I like tape due to cleanliness I do use dope when I’m tying in or reusing old pipe. One thing to note on newly cut thread is to make sure to remove the cutting oil or lubricant as it can degrade some tapes.

As a safety precaution, people should be careful with pipe threads, as they can cut your fingers. Stainless pipe threads are very sharp.

You can thank the Manhattan project’s uranium enrichment for all of the fluorine chemistry that lead to the development of PTFE.

An old plumber told me about that stuff years ago: Teflon tape is for rough thread and pipe dope is for sealing against leaks. That's why pipe dope is used on gas lines, but teflon tape is forbidden. (In my area, teflon tape of any kind is still forbidden on gas lines.)

Im obsessed with PTFE thread tape. Its so satisfying to wrap on threads and screw shit together. It has that slick, smooth, dry but oily feel. And it's $1 for 40 feet of it. I want to wrap PTFE tape on everything

Great video. But you said that the tape seals the joint to *some* extent. I believe that the tape seals the joint to a great degree by filling the interstitial spaces between the metal male and metal female NPT threads. Rock on, good sir!!!!!

The "gas" being referred to on the yellow tape is natural gas, not gasoline

Very good explanation. Here in México I have never seen the green teflon one.. keep going in your good videos

Absolutely brilliant video on a product that is often overlooked but is so important in making connections work, Thank you!

I can’t wait to show my wife this video. She makes fun of me and my Teflon tape!

Learning a new thing every day! Great tips! Thank you.

I’ve seen too many noob apply it counter clockwise. Very good tutorial mon ami.

Great info! Thanks! I work in a hardware store and I didn't know this. Now I can pass it on to my customers.

45 years ago I was developing a chromatographic process to enrich fructose syrups. The vessels had dozens of 1/2 316L sch 40 stainless threaded connections. Due to galling it was almost impossible to get all of the joints leak free. I don't think specialized stainless spec thread tape was available at that time. It was so troublesome that we ended up tig welding the fittings in installing a number of unions as well as replacing some of the schedule 40 pipe with swaged tubing.

another superb video! what a gift your content is to KZfaq!

As with your other videos, very clear and useful information. Thank you very much, I am learnign a lot with you.

I don’t know why I watched this. I know all this. This was very well done. Kudos.

I found it interesting that the lower end of temperature range for teflon tape is -450 F or just 10 degrees from absolute zero. That's pretty damn cold.

The seal is created by deformation that is why they call them " malleable fittings "

Great explanation, as long as i know Color is just a color and for fun. Never know they have a specific uses. Thanks

Thanks for sharing your expertise in teflon tapes sir. 😊

You forgot one very important tip.. As you are applying the tape your should stretch it, that will seat it on the treads even better

What’s your favorite Teflon and pipe dope? I use blue monster

Stainless steel pipe and most stainless steel is very soft!!! Great video as always my friend!!!

Thank you very much for giving Useful ,important and detailed knowledge .

I been using that cheap tape for awhile. It always leaks 😂 I got some of the yellow tape when I thought I had a small gas leak. I’ll just use that from now on.

Thanks, but this assumes all your pipes are made of metal, as in meant to last for many years. Meanwhile here in Thailand almost all plumbing is done with PVC tubes where threads are easy to strip with too much pressure, and we just use teflon tape so it hopefully doesn't leak just about when the installer guy gets paid and goes home. ;-)

Unique infos on Teflon tape. Using but never knew about its in/out. Thanks

PTFE tape doesn't just act as a lubricant to allow threads to get further on, and it's easy to show this. 1) I put on a fitting and it turned until it bottomed out on the thread and still hadn't sealed. I added PTFE tape and now it doesn't bottom out any more, so it's not on as far, but it does seal. 2) it also seals non-tapered threads, in which threading the fitting further on doesn't improve a seal. 3) most lubricants don't seal pipes.