6 Plumbing Mistakes DIYers Make with Teflon Tape

Most DIYers don't even realize they're making these simple but impactful mistakes when using Teflon or PTFE Tape for plumbing. Learn how you can level up with these six tips! #plumbing #diy #mistakes

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00:00 Mistake 1 - Sealing the End
01:07 Mistake 2 - Wrapping In the Wrong Direction
02:35 Mistake 3 - Tape Where You Don't Need It
04:39 Mistake 4 - Loose Wraps
06:24 Mistake 5 - Not Enough Tape
08:09 Mistake 6 - Missing the Dope
09:27 Bonus Tips

[blzohbd]

All of this was good advice but one thing was wrong.. When wrapping the tape onto the pipe, the tape should start from BACK to FRONT of the threads in a clockwise motion., stopping just short of the end of the pipe.. This lets the tape overlap itself allowing the tape to flatten and seal itself as you tighten the joint... If you start at the front going back to the pipe, the overlaps can get caught on the fitting and get pushed off the remaining layers, possibly creating a leak situation..

[jimmy-chan]

I am a Hong Kong resident. Here is the 1st city to use salty water(sea water) for toilet flushing. Some of the tube and device are made of plastic for the anti- rusty reason. For here local plumber, they recommend 30 warp, and rolling it thin at the front(loosening direction) while thicker at the screwing end(tightest end) . For me, I will roll like that but only5-7 warps. I understand that they do not want to re- do, so 30 warps as their practice. (partly due to the thickness of tape). As I said, some tubes and devices are in plastic(nPVC), be watch-out if warping too much for cracking the screwing. Also, if with a rubber pad, we can consider it as water tighted enough, try without tape. If dropping, then fill the tape a little bit 6 rolling warps around.

[swarkey]

Fantastic video. Straightforward, comprehensive and comprehensible. Thank you.

[lcklkul]

U r so articulate, such great speaking skill with amazing voice. Funny thing is, I find listening to u while watching is somehow very therapeutic, I can listen to u whole day every day 😂

[GoodlyEarth]

Nils, you hit on one of the most important points when using Teflon tape. When you have a rubber seal, don't use the tape. I made that mistake so many times years ago when I started out as a contractor. You run the risk of not getting the fitting tight enough to seal against the rubber seal. Great video, as always, and I can't wait for your future videos.

[WRWhizard]

At last! Someone who uses Teflon tape and knows what he's doing. I just retired after 35 years as a plumbing / HVAC tech. So many of these You tubers don't know what they are doing.
Lest you think I leave without a criticism, he did not mention that you should always use paste dope on gas lines, never Teflon. It may be different in your jurisdiction, but the gas company does not allow tape dope here in Pennsylvania. He did show several instances where you ought not dope at all. That upped his cred with me. I will say, a light coat of paste on some troublesome compression fittings has gotten me out the door and on to the next job.

[jamescox]

6 or 7 wraps is way too much all you need is like three or four ... Too many wraps will cause the tape to tear in places and it will cause it to leak once it gets 200 lb of pressure on it because that's what most municipal water companies use and if you ain't got no pressure regulator it's gonna blow, ,.... Yes I'm a retired plumber did it for over 42 years

[flyinglpranch]

Missed one important "mistake" -- use the CORRECT Teflon Tape for the purpose. The white is for basic water line work. I also use it on bolts (see below). They make "Yellow" tape for fuel (Gas, Oil, et cetera); they make "Green" for Oxygen Lines.

[lfidarraga]

Thank you. The first tip is especially important since teflon tape can leach PFAS into the water.

[RJSearson]

Great video! I looked for this because I've been dealing with the installation of a whole-house sediment filter, and the threads will NOT stop leaking. I felt like I had done everything, but I think maybe I was just scared to put on too much tape, like you talk about here. I've been doing exactly 3 wraps every time without deviation. I will definitely try a few more!

[mobilelegendsaccount]

Good scientific explanation, video is not riddled with ads, straight to the point. Overall, it is great video.

[Maxid]

I'm in my 60's and have done plumbing all my life (not professionally). I've never used teflon and dope together. I've used them separately but it's never crossed my mind that you could use them together. If I used dope, it's always worked alone and the first try. Probably after teflon had failed.

[garynicholls]

Hi Gary from the UK here, I'm a plumbing and heating engineer for way too long, on compression joints I put a smear of joint compound so the olive has something to seat against and don't over tighten the joint, if it needs a little nip up then you have a bit of wiggle room if you have a leak

[blindluck]

I was taught to always start the Teflon tape at the end of the thread that's furthest away from the opening. That way the overlaps don't face the fitting as it is screwed on.

[metricdeep]

Teflon is a lubricant, not a sealant. It reduces friction so you achieve the seal the tapered threads are designed for. ...And yes, you can use it to stop a dripping (low pressure) connection on straight threads...but anything with water resistant "bulk" will do the same.

[gravydog]

I think the simplest rule of thumb is that Teflon tape is only for tapered pipe threads. It lubricates the threads and then fills the microscopic gaps and imperfections between the threads as they are wedged tightly against each other. I can't see the logic of ever using it on a straight thread as there is never a point where it is compressed into a tight seal.

[GenXGlampingGuy]

So glad I found your vid. I was wondering if I needed to apply plumber's tape to plastic valve screws for my Airstream water pump replacement. Now I know it's not necessary. Thanks for producing the video.

[jasonlanza]

Great video, with important information, as usual. As a relatively new homeowner, I love this channel.
One method for applying PTFE tape that I learned years ago is to first tear off a small length of the tape long enough to wrap around the pipe several times. Twist it up long-ways, into a string, if that makes sense. Then wrap that string around the section of pipe you'll be taping, making sure it's seated down inside the threads of the pipe. Once that's in place, then apply the PTFE tape as normal like you explained. I learned that it gives a bit of an extra 'sureness' to the seal. I've always done it that way, since I learned it, but I'm not sure it's really necessary to do.

What's your opinion? It seems to be cool to just use the tape properly without the added step.

[vickycaramat]

I do the replacing of faucets. I learned how to put teflon tape properly bcuz sometimes I do the reverse direction. Thank you so much for your video. God bless

[jasoncorbitt]

When Wrapping Plastic(PVC) Fittings DO NOT WRAP MORE THAN 3X or Your Fittings May Crack.
Definitely do not wrap 6 to 7 times around.