92% of Homeowners Use Teflon Pipe Tape Wrong - Here's Why it Leaks

Using Teflon Pipe Tape wrong causes leaks & reduces flow. Learn how to use Teflon Pipe Tape like a PRO but in a way you can do yourself for leak free connections everytime & avoid the most commn plumbing mistakes.

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Silver Cymbal assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Silver Cymbal recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Silver Cymbal.

[SilverCymbal]

What plumbing tricks have made your life easier?

[masejames]

Another tip is to reverse the way you held the roll so you can get better/easier tension while wrapping the threads. It makes a much tighter wrap.

[esqueue]

I've been a pipe fitter for over 20 years and have never used a special thread tape for Stainless. I've used your normal PTFE brand whether in a white, red or, blue cover and the tape is either white or blue for all normal fittings. We use paste or yellow tape depending on the chemicals that run through the pipe. Many different kinds of PTFE pastes are also used.

I also was taught to hold the tape 180° different from how it is being held in this video. This allows me to control the tension then putting on the tape especially if the pipe is smaller than the roll, you don't need to keep on manually spinning the toll to build tension, just hold the roll to build tension and have it pull past the friction to tension the tape automatically. You are virtually making an S with the Roll, tape and tape roll instead of a C as seen in this videol

[quantx]

What did I learn today 1) there is more than one kind of teflon tape 2) wrap the teflon clockwise around the threads 3) wrap the teflon around the threads more than once, two to three layers is ok for threads in good condition $) for stainless steel fittings, there is a specialized tape. Your videos are extremely helpful. Thank you 🙏

[dzymslizzy]

When I use teflon tape, I run the tape clockwise, as per your video, but...I run it "backwards" from the spool. This helps me control the unrolling better, while keeping tension on the tape; and if I do have a fumble-fingers episode, it's much easier to recover than if you're running it forward off the spool, and if you drop it, it's liable to roll 10 feet away, unspooling as it goes.

[simongchadwick]

Here are the two plumbing tricks that have made my life easier:

1. At the hardware store, buy way more parts, and of different types and sizes, than you think you'll need for a project. This saves repeated trips to the store, and you can always return what you didn't use. I now have a mini plumbing department in the garage ...

2. Because a pick axe can be used to locate buried sprinkler pipes, keep plenty of repair pieces on-hand, along with the necessary tools and solvents.

[gregorypancerev]

You're holding the roll of tape backwards. Flip the roll so the tape is being dispensed from the the other side and you'll find it's much easier to control the tension.

[JCWren]

To a certain extent, the color is to indicate to the inspector that a sealant tape has been used, and is compliant for the application. For example, gas inspectors will look for yellow. White tape is not rated for gas or propane. I use the D. N. Group Enterprise pink tape for almost everything as it's rated for propane, natural gas, water, most chemicals, hydraulic lines, air, and sewage lines, for metal and plastic up to 1.5" diameter. Another good brand is Gasoila. However, unlike the D. N. Group pink tape, Gasolia pink tape is only rated for water.

[LFTRnow]

That was a great way to mention "Like and Subscribe". Not even a pause, no wasted time, just a simple easter egg. Been watching several of your vids, time to sub.

[Leonardokite]

I knew enough not to put tape over the end of the pipe, but it did not know the leave the last two threads bare trick. Thank you sir!

[jubjubm]

All I can say is that the tape is good...but that RectorSeal No. 5 Pipe Thread Sealant stuff is so awesome.

[YoungVeteran]

Mr. left handed here, thanks for saying it out loud.
CLOCKWISE

[jackharle]

Love the useful nature of your videos. Probably won't ever buy an automated electric lawn mower, but your pragmatic view has its own value.

[nicoleibundgut]

I have never had leaks because i used a metal brush on plastic threads. For the folks that don't like to use teflon use hemp with grease (special grease for that) a bit tricky to use especially for smaller threads but by far the most reliable thread sealer because it also can seal when you move the thread by up to 45 degrees after thighten. This is the go to for most of Heating, Waterpipe worker here in switzerland.

[TexasScout]

I have been using stainless steel tubing fittings for over 45 years. 1/4”-2”. I have only used USA made PTFE thread tape. I make 2-4 wraps and I have never had one leak even though they were subjected to THOUSANDS of pounds of pressure.

[gboy]

I thought Teflon tape was not for sealing. I thought Teflon tape was used to decrease friction resistance so you can properly tighten metal fittings to the pipes by FULLY engaging the threads and being able to make them properly tight.

[asterixky]

Pros unroll the tape with the roller on the other side. with the roller on the outside, hard to explain but keep up the great work. Thanks

[drider]

I knew about the proper direction and the 2-3 layers, but never knew to avoid the 1st 2 threads. Thanks for the informative video!

[RT-qzci]

I switched to pipe dope years ago for all my amateur plumbing projects. Haven’t had a leak in years. It’s messy but worth it

[wileymarmt]

You are the first person in all my search results that mentioned special tape for stainless steel fittings. Thank you!