How to Apply Teflon Tape/Plumber's Tape like a Plumbing Pro!

Applying teflon tape (aka PTFE Tape, or plumber's tape) is something you'll do a trillion times during your plumbing career. Since you'll be doing it a lot, I want you to know how to do it right. This isn't a hard step, but if done wrong, it can cause leaks. So make sure you pay attention and leave your questions in the comment section below!
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Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, LEED AP, The Expert Plumber and welcome to my channel. On this channel I teach homeowners how to save money on their plumbing by doing DIY plumbing projects. I also teach plumbers and plumbing company owners how to be the best plumbers in their area and run successful plumbing businesses. My goal is teach you everything you need to know about plumbing.
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[@brianstell4779]

I found it intersting and helpful that you started on the back side, wrapped about 1/2 turn, relieved the pressure on the tape, and then moved your finger to the front before continuing. That allowed you to hold the tape while wrapping over the starting point. Great tip! Thanks!

[@Yoda19611]

Thank you so much for showing people how to do this properly. It continues to amaze me how many wrap the PTFE backwards, have half of it run out, and can’t figure out why they have leaks. Unfortunately, I’m not talking about homeowner here, I’m talking about professionals that should know better. Thanks again!!

[@plympytheplumber4605]

I work with guys that have been in the trade for a long time who still apply Teflon the wrong way but I don’t have the heart to correct them, this is the first thing I teach apprentices

[@FlaschDJ]

Roger is articulate - doesn’t say “um” - a pleasure to listen to. Thank you 🙏

[@annewhitney3030]

I can’t listen when the speaker is constantly saying “um”

[@ricdonato4328]

@@annewhitney3030 Yeppers, I agree. Also, when the writer uses the dreaded word, that, ad nauseum, to me the same as a speaker saying constantly saying "um",

[@NicoMarcucci]

That’s just editing but it is cut very well

[@Fireship1]

I tape and dope most fittings today. Blue monster tape and megaloc dope. All fittings made in China now with worn out dies. They don’t make fittings like years ago. Ward, Nibco, Stockham all made good fittings. Times sure have changed!

[@Sunvaqud00]

Your video quality is awesome! Impressed with the quality! Didn’t know someone would have a channel on plumbing so well put together! 👏🏽

[@MacheteBushcraftAustralia]

I always use pipe dope over teflon tape. It's a great tip. I had an old plumber pass on that trick to me and it has not let me down. All the fittings just glide together. The only time I ran into problems is on Rural Poly style fittings as it's a little too easy to over tighten them. I just go a little easy on them now. I also use plumbers pipe dope as a really weak locktite on bolts that I need access to regularly (eg, pto clutch on a tractor).

[@markosborne2650]

Rodger, I was born, and raised a plumber. My dad, my granddad, my uncles, brothers, and son, all plumbers. When I was a kid,(I'm 63 now.) my dad would make me go to seminars. One of those seminars was with the man that invented t tape.( I can't to this day remember his name.) It was an 8hr seminar, and he could have talked another 20hrs if we would have set there. You are exactly right. I used t tape a lot during my career on almost everything. Thank you for setting young plumbers straight.

[@regista8164]

T-tape then dope = no leaks. thanks for coming to my ted talk.

[@jusrobington]

Good video. I swear by the blue monster PTFE tape I've even uses it on some threaded electrical fitting to protect from corrosion (nothing in direct contact with water just for future ease of dismantling). Keep a small triangle file in your tool bag/box for the occasional damaged thread on pipe. Trust me it will save you some headache.

[@ledzepedus]

After trying for about an hour I found your video… extremely helpful and everything worked as it should after watching your video….thanks!

[@Britishdude1]

I'm an engineer. Teflon tape is only needed in the following situations: -Pipe threads are significantly damaged. The tape helps fill the severe pits and chips. -If the threads are straight cut and not tapered. -If you are joining pipes made of dissimilar metals. The tape will help slow (not prevent) galvanic corrosion in the threads. -If You can't get full thread engagement due to dimensional limitations, then it might help. Taper threaded pipe is designed to self seal. As the threads are being fully tightened, the threads slide past each other with so much force that they create a mechanical bond between the two surfaces. Pipe dope acts as a lubricant to aid in tightening the joints to achieve the correct amount of thread engagements. A pipe with undamaged threads that is leaking through the threads of a joint is a pipe that was not tightened enough when installed. The reason why that engineer told you to use pipe dope combined with teflon tape was because without the pipe dope acting as a lubricant, it is easy to make the mistake of thinking the joint is fully torqued when it is not. When you apply teflon tape to a tapered thread and then fully tighten it down, the threads cut through the tape to the point where metal to metal thread engagement is achieved. This creates the seal. If there is an imperfection on that surface, the teflon tape won't do anything to seal it. Applying teflon tape (especially teflon tape without pipe dope) can fool a plumber into thinking the joint has been fully tightened when it hasn't been. This is usually why a telfon taped joint can leak. Using hemp thread wound into the valleys with pipe dope (as they did before teflon tape was invented) is a superior way to seal threads. If there is an imperfection in the threads that does not seal completely, the hemp thread will absorb the water and expand into the imperfection creating that seal. I've never had a hemp thread+pipe dope joint leak regardless of thread condition. I've had a handful of teflon taped joints leak. Teflon tape is faster, but not really the correct method for anything other than straight threaded joints.

[@enlightenedchild8373]

Great tips …. thanks!

[@truly3743]

Thank you very clear and concise instructions. Thanks for leaving out music playing in the background!!

[@marvinostman522]

The way I had it explained to me was that the sealant or tape served two purposes. One it acts as a lubricant to allow the threads to go together smoother and further which is tighter on tapered threads. It also prevents Gaulling (sp). That is why even on brass or copper I will still use thread sealant of some sort. I had people tell me not to use sealant on brass because it is soft enough to seal. The other reason for using sealant is to fill the root of the threads. I know, if the threads are perfect there is no gap at the root of the threads. Those fitting either you can't find them or you can't afford them. You also have to think about the fact that at some time you may have to take that joint apart. Going back to the brass or copper you can get them to seal without sealant but your odds of taking it apart are going to be very slim. The method of using tape and dope is benificial if you overshoot tightening an elbow and have to back it off slightly (don't tell me you've never done because I will call you a liar to your face) the pipe dope will fill backing up better than tape alone.

[@radioedit2]

Thanks so much for your great videos on plumbing best practices!

[@nathantaylor9998]

When I was pursuing an apprenticeship in plumbing the occasions when we did use teflon tape and pipe dope we're similar to how you did it but some circumstances we just used the tape. The blue teflon you're using is awesome looking I would like to get some like that.

[@brandonkhan277]

Here in Canada we leave the first 2 threads bare on gas piping. You touched on the reasoning, you don't want anything caught up in a reg. etc. Reference: B149.1-15 Code Book (Natural Gas & Propane) Section 6.9.6 My entire career I always T tape then dope. Leaks are extremely rare.

[@jjinmisang]

Thank you, Roger! What an informative video

[@boby115]

Roger, there are a lot of Teflon tapes on the market in different shades and colors that will pass all the criteria for the gas industry but you must understand the color yellow is there to assure us the proper tape was used. So my question to you is if I hold up five different pipe nipples, one with dark blue tape , one with light blue tape, one with chartreuse tape, one with white tape and one with yellow tape and I want you to tell me which ones are approved for gas, how do you tell me without a lab test?

[@paulmarsdensr8199]

Great video Sir. Thank you for making great videos. Stay safe brother.

[@samspry9452]

Yellow PTFE, in the UK at least, specifically states on the wrapping that it isn't WRAS approved. Therefore, CANNOT be used on any water supplies (copper/plastic/steel). All fittings for use in water systems, have to be WRAS approved

[@ssmatthews]

Just the right level of detail in the explanation. Thank you!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Every man needs a couple of rolls of this in his EDC tool kit. Amongst other things, I have used it for ... Installing a valve on an inflatable mattress when I had no rubber glue Guaranteeing a perfect seal on a respirator filter converter Fixing a leak on the seals of a pump spray bottle .... and many many more things. Its basically the "gaffer tape" of gas and water problems.

[@jonathanhathaway7796]

Thank you Roger. You have a nice style of presentation.

[@richreeder1786]

Thank you, beyond your info, which I agree with, you have tied into the internet potential - tell me your knowledge, experience, that will move all of us ahead much faster than any time in the past!

[@kylefogle6022]

When I saw the title I was skeptical, but you made a few good points I hadn't considered, particularly starting from the back to front. I've also heard certain types of tape for certain pipes and applications, but never saw a manufacturer reinforce that. I have come across and almost used dope which wasn't allowed on propane systems (pro dope I believe). It's also worth noting how much the quality of pipe varies these days, some pipe won't take a thread without chipping even with a brand new die. Seems like pipe made 40+ years ago was manufacturered to a higher quality standard. I've taken apart old systems and the threads were so good they probably didn't even need dope or tape. I personally prefer dope then tape just because it's less messy, but as you mentioned, it's a personal preference, neither way will leak. We once had a spider web in a section of pipe from storing material outside, thing was so strong it wouldn't let gas pass through it. Talk about a head scratching troubleshooting nightmare! Needless to say, I always check the inside of the pipe now!

[@dannykeane6565]

i believe old sch 40 pipe was made from recycled ships and tanks, todays pipe is recycled cars and crap

[@boby115]

Kyle and Danny no doubt about it. I worked for the gas utility in St Louis, Missouri for 35 years and today's steel pipe cannot hold a candle up against the old stuff. I will say the fittings made by JP Ward out of Pennsylvania and McDonald out of Iowa are still top notch ( far superior to the stuff made in China and Mexico).

[@joem5332]

Bob Y ward quality is starting to become suspect. My thing is I always told my helper I never get leaks on gas pipe, this year already I’ve got a sand hole in a 3/4” tee and 2 1”elbows that leaked. Needless to say I wasn’t happy. It broke my 11 year run without a leak on gas

[@boby115]

@@joem5332 , nothing POs me more than when you do a perfect job and it doesn't hold a pressure test due to a sand hole ( and of course it is never near a union). 3 fittings in 6 months may not seem to be a lot to some people but when you go for years and install miles of fuel run without one bad fitting to you and I we know three is a lot.

[@danieldawson222]

Bob Y., couldn't agree with you more! Been in the industry most of My adult life and am noticing the difference between gas pipe and Fittings today are cheaper than hell. I take care of my threaders and dies but even with that the steel cuts differently than the pipe I used back " in the day", keep up The good work Rodger!

[@2dthoughts]

You wouldn’t think you’d need a video for applying Teflon tape but, I’ve met a bunch of plumbers that don’t even know which direction to role it. You should do a video about how to hold Channel Locks I’d say about half the people I’ve worked with through the years had no idea that it mattered which direction they faced when using to keep them from slipping

[@jorgeguzman9592]

Good thought this recommendation would help me as an apprentice

[@Gh0zT-777]

Yep my people constantly say "turn them things around"

[@bugattivi7110]

Bro but in all honesty all plumbing mechanics hate the way each other work and if you ask a master plumber a question each one will give u a different version of how something is done right lol

[@atlasfueloilinc.2421]

No you don’t have to tell an installer to turn wrenches around , just say “ how many years you doing this” gets the point across.

[@atlasfueloilinc.2421]

Even these videos don’t clearly show the correct way to install Teflon. I explain the way I learned and why. Never had to show the same person twice. That is the difference between showing and teaching

[@gigmandrew8975]

Thank you for this video Rodger!

[@Mike_Seymour]

I like Blue Monster tef tape and pipe dope. I do 3 wraps also followed with pipe dope. I have very few leaks. I used to use yellow tef tape for gas fittings until I snapped a water heater gas valve. From then on I use just pipe dope on gas fittings and always bubble test when I'm done.

[@elizabethguerra2379]

100% right! Teflon tape first then pipe dope! Never had a leak when done that way! Im a fan of blue monster products.

[@ianhall622]

what you say makes sense I use blue monster on everything because it seems like a superior product and that's what I was taught but the gray Hercules tape is a close second but that is just a personal preference thanks for the information it was helpful

[@IlicSorrentino]

Very useful tip sir, thanks!

[@RogerWakefield]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ZackCase]

Rodger knows his stuff. Thank you for the help and tips!

[@RogerWakefield]

You bet!

[@scarface8975]

Thank you for this video

[@bobbie92969]

Thx, I now know to start at the back go counter clockwise to the front with only leaving a thread showing. I used the oatey grey fasttape.

[@averageman6779]

Hay Roger im a 1st year apprentice for a new construction non union company my question is when doing gas pipe i was told to use teflon tape and key tight insted of pipe dope whats the difference? What do you use?

[@ericnorton4045]

I am a plumber and I love your videos. I have diligently researched the code book and I also cannot find any code on color?

[@Zacharyr222]

I’m a sprinkler fitter and I always dope the threads, but never have it too thick. My main goal is to have a light layer of dope inside the threads. Then 4 wraps of tape. Larger pipe I may add an extra wrap or 2 and put some dope on the outside. Sometimes I even dope the threads in the fitting on pipe sizes like 4”

[@TIEightyThree]

plumbing designer here. (Virginia DC Maryland area) the yellow is most likely based on international fuel gas code 401.5 and 404.17.3 401.5 requires yellow labels with black letters on them 404.17.3 requires tracer wire to be yellow more than likely people have interperated as yellow everywhere to make life simple.

[@fh2832]

In the UK we are taught to leave the last couple of threads bare and to clean them so you can see that the thread is in to the right depth. Hear in Canada nobody cares what their joints look like

[@joeloberholzer2354]

we are doing the same in Switzerland

[@DDunc1020]

Here

[@emp._.infinteguns163]

Awesome roger

[@karanjesrani6889]

Nice info. Was fixing my toilet fill valve, did not need any teflon in it.

[@finecutpost]

I've been trying to install a dishwasher pressure reduction unit using the T piece and nipples 2 male and one make to brass flair. To get it flush with the wall a can't tighten all the way as the whole system needs to be flat. I've tried using tape the way you described it but always the joints that are not fully tightend leak. I'm tearing my hair out. Thanks for the very clear video though

[@danieldawson222]

Which way is "clockwise" I have a digital watch.

[@tinman1955]

Clockwise on a digital watch is always left to right in the northern hemisphere and right to left in the southern but it may vary depending on which end of the pipe you're on and which direction us considered "up" in a given jurisdiction. In Australia, for example, up is down, left is right and right is wrong. Wrap the tape clockwise for standard pipe threads and anticlockwise for metric but always in the same direction as the Coriolis effect except in the typhoon season.

[@danieldawson222]

Tin man,does this mean I should stop putting pipe dope in my coffee?

[@danieldawson222]

@@tinman1955 the dope gives it the flavor!

[@louielopez1638]

@@tinman1955, don't forget to use a lock washer....😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@razdva402]

I'm using a red gasket maker together with tape. For example in the case of hydraulic oil pipe without a pressure.

[@andyplumbing9760]

This is best idea 👌

[@HardRockMaster7577]

THANKS!

[@flyguille]

Starting from the edge vs starting from the end? In the video he started from the end? Any advantage?

[@waguespackc]

Not a plumber, just needed help with replacing a shower head. This is helpful. I did it and the thing leaks. Now i know what i did wrong, fixing it when everyone gets up later.

[@maggiehgs3144]

What did you do wrong? I have the same issue... I changed my showerhead and now it leaks. 😕

[@waguespackc]

@@maggiehgs3144 i was putting the tape on wrong.

[@generfeld]

yeah wrap the tape 3-4 times SAME DIRECTION as the showerhead will be tightened...should be clockwise if looking straight at the pipe end. if you wrap opposite way, the tape just bunches up and unravels when tightening the showerhead

[@waynecurr9569]

Love the grey monster tape on finish . Teflon usually tells you a minimum amount of times , I always go a few more . Tape and dope is awesome , but I don't have problems with just tape , personally .

[@arinasan247]

Thank you

[@IceyIcey2023]

Your channel is awesome!!

[@RogerWakefield]

Thank you so much!

[@IceyIcey2023]

@@RogerWakefield yes, I have a leaky shower head and I see I threaded the end too far with extra tape thinking more is better. Going to scrape the threads too .

[@iansmellios1122]

I used the white teflon tape on a natural gas line in my house and within a month or so the tape had "liquified" and started leaking gas into the house. I bought the yellow tape and it's been sealed for about 3 months now. I don't know if the tapes are different or not, maybe my white tape was old, if teflon tape can get old. I'm just a homeowner, not a plumber or anything special.

[@triscits6069]

If I ever have a nipple in some stucco or concrete I will tape and dope like normal and do one very light wrap of tape on top of it all to help protect the dope from dust and debris. Generally here in California I have not ran across any specific tape we have to use for whichever systems we are working on its mostly been personal preference I like the hercules and blue monster tape, have had the best results with both brands and I usually have a jar of Pro Dope brand pipe dope. Love the videos Roger keep it up bro!

[@wcsd9577]

I don't know what the code is but I've personally been told by an inspector that the tape or dope has to be yellow for gas fittings or he won't sign off. Maybe he's throwing his weight around, I don't know, but I need his signature and arguing with him isn't the way to get it.

[@ah7027]

it probably falls into the same reasoning we have different colored fuel containers. Realistically a gas, diesel and kerosene container are functionally the same but for safety standards someone decided to color code so no one mistakes them. Its dumb but id imagine this is similar and the tapes are all the same just different colors.

[@wcsd9577]

@@ah7027 that makes sense, and even just that alone I agree with. It is kind of dumb seeing as how most of the regular pipe dopes sold in my area say they can be used for natural gas but the inspector wants only yellow... yet the gas company uses green dope. Whatever. Yellow stuff works just fine and I'd rather keep it separate from the one I use on potable water anyway.

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

One idiot disliked this video And no it wasn’t me I clicked the like button

[@benweaver7455]

It's always the same idiot and he's always the first one on the video lol

[@paulwachira7679]

I gave you a like too,did you notice?

[@GREENPATRIOT99]

Ok I need some advice. I have tried to fix a leak at the back of my shower head. It’s just a small drip but it’s annoying. I used 1/2 in tape from back to front but it keeps leaking. Not a big or serious problem just want to fix it. Any ideas?

[@gabrielmoran4919]

Is it possible to use between the tube and conexion a "O" ring and teflon to stop leaking??

[@bigrick7108]

I only use tape on fittings that I know will be taken apart. I use Rectorseal #5 And have tested almost every other kind extensively. I had a pipe fitting on a team boiler one time that I had to cut apart and working by flash light cut into the female thread. I thought for sure I was screwed. I put it together with #5 and no leaks 10 yrs later. This was saw all slot wiping out almost all female thread. The worst dope are the Teflon ones that I tested. If I do tape I use the thicker stuff like Blue Monster. They are quicker and easier to put on. Edit. No manufacturers suggest combining dope and tape. That combo also failed my tests miserably at high pressure.

[@juanangel6642]

Is their a reason you put the Teflon tape back (exposed side) on to the pipe instead of the inside that is protected all the time ?

[@jimmcmanus7911]

Most of the guidance I see is you start the tape from the smaller end of the tapered pipe You wrap 2 - 3 wraps at the small end of the pipe and then spiral wraps with overlap to the end of the thread We use a helium leak detector to verify the leak tightness of the joint. We can achieve joints with leaks less than 1 x 10-9 std.atm.cc-sec-1

[@chikmagnet106]

I usually only do about 5 wraps of white teflon tape on non pressurized systems. But for pressurized systems, I do 5 wraps of the white teflon tape and add pipe dope on either the teflon tape or the female threads. I haven't had leaks doing it this way

[@michaelcatalanottohandyman]

I bought and used a few shark bites and noticed they don’t have the white insert anymore. Which was a relief to me because they get jammed up real easily if you don’t line it up perfectly.

[@katieblade7083]

Real question, is plumper's tape the same as threading tape? I use the white stuff-"threading tape". Good show as well, i use that steel wool and a dry old cloth i keep for my car stuff.

[@bubblekuku5992]

For thermal installation-radiator pipe with wrap or teflon tape?

[@salemnights8236]

What we do is PTFE tape for small pipes like 1/2" or 3/4", but for larger we do stag then hemp then stag again.

[@geowilson1587]

is it possible to go from fine thread stem cart thread to rethread to coarse thread..

[@wallychambe1587]

That was procedure at our plant also, Teflon tape then Teflon pipe dope on top of the tape!😁😁

[@AaronzDad]

The yellow tape is slightly thicker - which doesn't really matter much as you can simply use another wrap of the white to match - but the yellow also has some acid resistance because propane is slightly acidic. If you're working with NG it doesn't matter which one you use. Also I wish you'd covered when to use and when NOT to use tape/dope. I can't tell you how many times I've seen experienced licensed plumbers putting tape on the threads of compression fittings. I'm really baffled by the faucet/toilet/dishwasher supply lines that come with a cute little roll of teflon tape in the bag. Idiocy at its finest.

[@TheBTEAMwins]

I’ve been putting these water meters in these homes for a newly built subdivision. And had 2 back to back homes where the 1” inch tail pieces (brass) were leaking with the copper female sodder joints. Cranked on them too. Tape, dope, then tape didn’t matter. Plumber had to remove the old sodder put a deeper threaded one IN. Then it sealed. So my point is. Make sure you’re getting enough thread coverage and that sucker is going in quite a bit

[@ricdonato4328]

My pipe dope of choice is T Plus 2, Teflon enriched thread Sealant. It says it is good for potable water, DWV, natural gas, and industrial gases. It is not for oxygen service. Never gave it a thought to use pipe dope and Teflon tape in conjunction, I will give it a go.

[@tallbrian100]

Tape spread out inch wide and a you may get 1/2" to 5/8" engagement, 1/2" tape ends up 5/8 wide after 3 wraps is plenty. I do threaded stainless all day long and 1/2" tape and dope gets the job done.

[@tomdavis6225]

Fine, when you have a section of threaded pipe mounted horizontally directly in front of you. What about when you have to contort your body, hands, arms reaching into tiny cramped spaces (such as under a small sink cabinet) and the tape repeatedly rolls up or folds up on you and a number of pipes or other objects are in your way?

[@chadgrady864]

Just a question I'm always used to using pfte pipe dope and hardly ever use tape except on galvanized threads that are in terrible shape. What exactly the pros vs the cons of using pipe dope vs Teflon tape?

[@RogerWakefield]

I actually use both...

[@mr.deveaux2671]

Im sure this helps those who are totally clueless about plumbing but would love to see more advanced tips and tricks coming from a master plumber

[@shauntampa]

I rap the tape around 4x and use pro dope on top. Always works great.

[@khmer540finest08]

Got it.... so just to confirm, if your tightening left, you wrap the Teflon tap close wise; and if your tightening right, then you're wrapping counter clock wise. Correct??

[@David-zg5oc]

Love being a plumber !

[@FlaschDJ]

Yes. You’re a fine speaker. My old shower head began leaking (“internally”, not where it screws in). I just bought a new shower head… I just removed the old head. There’s still (old, white) tape on the threads. I assume I need to remove that old tape before putting on the new tape. I have no dope. Only tape. BTW: the old pipe leaked where it swiveled, NOT where it screwed into the pipe.

[@stevetheplumberbreeding7402]

Those gloves are cute😅Just joking Roger!! I usually go around 4 or five times and leave the first thread uncovered also I use the white Teflon tape and the white Teflon paste second! I heard that the yellow Teflon tape is thicker in case you overlap the end of the pipe it doesn't Fray as easily and get into potential orifices in gas runs😀👍🇺🇸

[@Cynsham]

I don't think there's any major noticeable differences between the colors, I think it's just like different diesel/kerosine containers that are just color coded for the sake of identifiability and safety precautions.

[@paulhughes3961]

Tephlon tape also adds lubricity allowing for easter threading and full thread depth.

[@AdmiralBob]

Interesting I had not heard of dope over tape. I've always just used dope for NG and tape for air and water.

[@briangaudet7661]

Chesterton 800 GoldEnd® Sealant Tape is the best tape i have ever used very pricey but by far the best

[@tankkgaming6811]

I'm in HVAC and also do a ton of other mechanical service. We always do tape and then pipe dope on any water piping. Gas we just use dope though.

[@eggmanfryer]

You say you are going to put a link to where I can find additional information on several of your posts. (This one [at 2:42] you said you will link to where I can find the place manufacturers state the proper amount of tape to use and which products can be used with Gas, water ECT.) but I have yet to find even one. Please tell me where these links can be found on your posts. I love to watch your videos for the great information and sometimes the funny things you add to the videos. So far I haven't gotten flushed. I'll see you on the next video.

[@RogerWakefield]

sorry about that...cleanfit.com/blue_monster_ptfe_thread_seal_tape_70885.shtml here is a link from one of the products I use..I hope this help...and don't get flushed

[@StoneysWorkshop]

As a technician, not a plumber, I also frequently use tape then dope on steam/water. Sometimes the dope makes the fitting lubricated so depending on situation it might not be helpful.

[@Dantoro45]

How do u take off old teff tape?

[@williamgates4399]

FYI only. I use yellow so that I know that the pipe is a gas line. Just to identify the pipe and what is flowing through that pipe. Especially in new construction where there are many different pipes going in various directions. My 2cents worth.

[@akivabornstein7322]

Loctite 55 is pretty good. Easy to use and never leaks. More expensive though.

[@NoahKuzel]

I am an auto mechanic. I have blue and I have yellow. Honestly I just use the first one I grab. Both blue monster and blue monster gas guard are petroleum products rated, with the only difference is the gas guard has a temperature rating.

[@1988dgs]

If your mixing metric and imperial fittings can you use ductape and brute strength?

[@kathyern861]

only if the ratio of brute strength to duct tape is 3:1 😁

[@isiaac5715]

Does anyone know do you have to move your solder all the way around on joints or can you leave it in one spot ?

[@danieldawson222]

Isaicc, yes you can leave the solder in one spot and it should roll around the fitting if the pipe and fittings are clean, But I like To like to touch the solder all the way around the fitting. If I'm not 100% sure if the weld is "solid" I Use an inspection mirror to check It out!

[@pedrosmits]

Teflon tape is great for iron pipe and all kind of plastic materials. Stainless steel is something else, the treat is very sharp. We prefer liquid sealant when we need to seal stainless. We also have a rope kind of tape made by loctite (loctite 55) very handy for smaller parts. Loctite 5331 is our ultimate saver, apply it before tape or rope, guaranteed a waterproof seal.

[@RogerWakefield]

Great point!

[@joshcowart2446]

When I first learned 20 years ago, I was taught that you couldn’t use pipe dope (unless it was the Teflon reinforced door) on pvc. So connecting to pvc was really the only time we used Teflon. It was pipe dope for everything else. Of course the only Teflon we had was the really thin white stuff they sell at the hardware store. Later I learned that you can use it all pretty much interchangeably. That plumber was a good plumber but he’s now in his 80s so I was curious if this no dope on plastic came from how older pipe dope was or if it’s just something he learned incorrectly. I do it with tape then dope and it does really good. Unless it’s 3/4 or smaller then sometimes I’ll use only dope. I was taught never to put dope and then tape because the tape will float and push out and be useless.

[@weslywillis4life]

Josh Cowart you don’t want to use tape and dope on plastics because both are thread lubricants and the thought is by using both you’ll make the joint up to much and crack the fitting.

[@joshcowart2446]

tyler luht I don’t, I should have been more specific. I just mentioned plastic because I was differentiating ways we used to use different sealants. On plastics I’ve done a 180. Where I was originally taught only to use tape (or ptfe dope when it came out), I now use only dope. I didn’t think about specifying how I do plastics now because it’s rare that I ever use plastic threads. I do mostly new construction so about the only time I see plastic threads anymore is when I occasionally have to fill in on service and it’s schedule 80 nipples so I probably could use both. We run new yard lines in pex.

[@joshcowart2446]

tyler luht something I was told recently that I never knew or considered about why not to use tape on plastic was expansion. I was told if you use a metal male to pvc female don’t use tape because it will expand and split the fitting. I’m not sure about this because for years we did this (of course it was always the cheap thin white tape) and never had issues. Especially when we’d always use metal male to pvc female because pvc males were so prone to breaking.

[@THETANKGINGER]

Sprinkler guys use dope then tape. Works fine.

[@joshcowart2446]

@@THETANKGINGER interesting, I’ve never seen the sprinkler guys use dope. It just seems like they only use tape and that super thin tape to boot, though they wrap it a hundred times. I assume you’re talking about fire sprinklers. Anyways I assume it works fine, I was just taught not to do it so it became a habit not to. I guess the way I mentioned would only apply if you globbed on the dope super thick and then wrapped it with tape. In that case I could see the tape sort of getting pushed off. I probably wouldn’t do it because it seems like a mess. The only thing I want to do after applying dope is make up the fitting otherwise it seems like you’d get it all over your hands and everywhere else. Frankly, I’d say tape, dope, or both, it all works. I worked for years using only pipe dope. We rarely used tape and we never had any issues.

[@TheFunkeyfish]

I actually use hemp fiber and gasket sealing compound on bad threads (air and water connections)

[@natekoyle9356]

:58 Teflon does help to seal the pipe but it’s main job is to help in thread engagement which is the way NPT threads seal.

[@mattlevault2526]

Ahh the ole Harley-Davidson draid plug sealent 👍👍

[@irishpotato8786]

also, make sure you have teflon tape covering the first three threads of the pipe because those are the "sealing" threads! the rest of the threads are important but not as important as making sure you have adequate pipe dope and teflon tape on the first three threads. Great video, thank you roger. You're helping me be the best plumber i can be

[@THETANKGINGER]

Depends on the pipe, tapered pipe isn’t sealing on the first 3 threads.

[@MB-us8dk]

My old boss love teflon and pipe dope even for a bathroom sink drain we used that shit everywhere never had a leak after installing or repair.

[@danieldawson222]

Wow,this seems to be a highly Contraversial subject!

[@mastersfan04]

Talking to plumbers about this kind of stuff is like Chevy vs Ford, it can go in circles for years