Shower Head Replacement? Try This PRO PLUMBER TIP For PTFE Tape! (Plumber's Tape/Thread Seal Tape)

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Shower Head Replacement? Try This PRO PLUMBER TRICK With PTFE Tape! (Plumber's Tape/Thread Sealing)
PTFE tape is a Teflon-like product that plumbers use to assist in sealing threads on male-to-female plumbing connections.
PTFE tape is also known as Plumber's Tape, Thread Sealing Tape, and Pipe Fitting Tape.
PTFE tape helps create a seal in plumbing fixtures by filling in threads and grooves with a soft, water-proof membrane. It's also very SLICK, which helps with fixture removal later!
Pipe Dope is a similar product, but it is actually a liquid lubricant rather than a material sealant. (It is often used for threaded gas lines.) Some pro plumbers install pipe dope and PTFE tape together, but this isn't always necessary.
Check out the video for Brent's pro tip for applying PTFE tape!
Thanks for watching!
The Honest Carpenter

[@marinablueGS]

I would add to the pro tip about winding the tape around the pipe....give it a twirl near the end and leave it loose so you can peel it off without it separating in a lot of small strips.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Clever addition, Barry 👍

[@serpentinefire921]

Easily avoidable with a copper cleaning brush. Tricks of the trade brother

[@johnburnitin1027]

Good to see someone finally applying tape with the roll in the right direction. Cleaning the old tape off is essential to get a seal. I always use a small wire brush. It's fast and takes off old corrosion, as well. Double doping is usually not necessary, unless screwing 2" and above aluminum fittings. Aluminum and stainless tends to gar. Double doping in that case, provides extra lubrication. Do not use tape on compression fittings. They will never seal, if the tape gets on the sealing part of the ferrule. A little teflon paste just on the top part of the ferrule allows lubrication to get proper torque on those fittings. Good video!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

All good tips and info-thanks John! 🙂

[@Robin35758]

Thank you for the helpful video H.C. Plumbing only looks easy until you try it so a video that provides insights from a professional is a blessing.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

So true, Robert. Thanks for watching!

[@skigglystars9525]

I've worked in the chemical plants and refineries for many years with countless applications for pipe tape. This video is spot on with 3 wraps and the upward on the end pro-tip.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks skiggly!

[@dwayne7356]

35 years ago, I was told that 3 wraps were required to meet some an ANSI standard in the nuclear industry. Don't know if it is true, since I am not a plumber, but I am glad that someone was told this too.

[@thelogician1934]

The upward wrap is unnecessary and serves no purpose.

[@camerongunn7906]

Brent just changed my whole game with that Pro Tip. Impressive sir, great video!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Cameron! He showed me a bunch of crazy tips like this while I was up there 😁

[@anneoreilly4900]

I’ve always struggled with that flimsy tape. I’m glad to have an alternative. Great plumbers tip.

[@annettesurfer]

I've always just called it teflon tape and it has a color code: -white is single density for low pressure residential plumbing, -yellow is double density for natural gas/butane/oxygen, -pink is triple density for high temperature and pressure hot water lines, -green is for medical gasses, -blue has 5x the strength of white for up to 10,000 PSI water lines. For cleaning the old tape off the threads, I use a small wire brush. Cleaning the threads one groove at a time would seem painfully slow. I wonder what kind of damage was done by those channellocks.

[@billystink4611]

I know, this dude seemed kinda sloppy.

[@andreazehnder2404]

I have a black shower head. Any slip and you see the chrome beneath. I used a cloth and I'm not even an expert (by any means!!!)@@billystink4611

[@progressprogress]

That’s a good solid tutorial. I’d love to see a tutorial on how to adjust home toilet handles/chains to get the best flush without the flap staying open or too little water going into the flush. I manage a couple of homes with older toilets and it seems no one can ever hit that balance.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

We’ve got that exact video coming up later this year, Jeff!

[@roxydog2004]

Jeff most of that info can be found right here right now on KZbin

[@DanKoning777]

Good stuff Ethan; I think anyone who watches your videos whether novice or journeyman, we all walk away with something to use in the future. *God bless.*

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Dan! 😄

[@billm.8220]

I’ve been using this for years. Wouldn’t do without it. Great instructional video as always Ethan.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Bill! 🙂

[@Marychange]

I needed to know how to use the tape for putting in shower filters. Pretty simple for most people , but not me. I didn't know that we needed it on the shower insertion. Thank you. This was very clear to a female that never cared about plumbing! Very appreciated.

[@heldtheflashlightfordad6728]

As a master plumber, I would not recommend using channel locks on any finished fixtures. He most definitely scraped all the finish off using pliers.

[@juliansestito4160]

My thoughts exact. Hard to listen to the destruction noises as he destroyed it

[@corbinparsons9606]

Hands down the best plumbing contractors I’ve ever delt with as well. We had them do some work for us back in 2020, and would recommend them to anyone in that area!

[@samuelwright7499]

Love these videos. Great information and presentation. Thank you sir

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Samuel!

[@LoraineGilbreath]

Excellent video. You are very articulate and professional. I am 74 and living in a new house trying to be a DIY person. I don't like the two shower heads installed by the builder so I purchased two new ones and needed to know how to use the plumbers tape prior to installing the new fixtures. Thank you for the information.

[@danalaniz7314]

The tip to continue wrapping the tape up the shower arm is genius. I wish I had known that trick years ago.

[@ohgary]

I remember decades ago when “plumbers tape” was a perforated strip of soft iron that would be used to secure pipes to lumber in framing. You would wrap this stuff around a pipe and fasten the ends to a wall stud or joist in the basement and drive a screw or nail through the perforations.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I’ve seen tons of that strapping in older houses, Gary!

[@mathiasanderson554]

Often referred to as pipe strapping or, in some circles, holey tape!

[@jakeszafranski2494]

"Band iron"is the new term for it.

[@mathiasanderson554]

@@jakeszafranski2494 I think it's like "soda" or "pop" and it's a regional colloquialism.

[@kennethney4260]

Yeah, that's two totally different things...

[@danielbowman4395]

Might want to mention that you don't want the tape to hang over the edge of the threads. That little bit will cut off inside the shower head and block water.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

That’s a good point, Daniel. And Brent also said that the first three threads are really the most important 👍

[@roxydog2004]

I just mentioned that as well

[@hannahshepherd9073]

Thank you Thank you Thank you, as a senior widow living alone this really helped give me enough confidence to try my repair.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Good luck, Hannah!

[@johndill6594]

Instead of channel locks with teeth, I really like Irwin vise-grip adjustable pliers with smooth jaws. It's perfect for these kind of protect the finish type jobs. Instead of sediment, I've had flakes of what I think is exfoliated PVC cement accumulate on my shower head intake lowering water pressure. It may have been a side effect of building a new house. After a few years, the flakes grew less frequent where now I haven't had to clean it out, but definitely learning how to DIY this to save some money on easy plumbing calls.

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Wow did you see how badly marred that fitting was😱 I'd rather see the tape😂🤣😂

[@kevincarlson6183]

These plumbing videos are awesome

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Kevin! 😄

[@emmakai2243]

3:58 Can anyone explain "pro tip" for the extra wraps around the shower stem? Seems to be cause a bit extra work, no? I'd just grab a piece of waste thin plastic and scrape the threads. 4:40 "cut free"...proceeds to use tool that risks scratching finish.

[@G-gnome]

It’s not a bad idea to wrap tape around the jaws of wrenches, vise-grips, and channel locks that are dedicated to plumbing fittings so it doesn’t mar/scuff/damage the finish.

[@ollieh8010]

That was great instruction. The pro tip on taping the shower head was great. I have a project coming up and that will be useful. Thanks!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Ollie!

[@gloraLOBO]

The Cresent wrench is the correct tool to avoid marring the soft chrome finish on the shower head nut...thanks

[@richardstrada212]

Loved the tip about applying the "plumber's tape." I also just helping my son erect a shed from a kit. I used some of your hammering and nail removal tips

[@briansteiner6136]

I tried cheap regular PTFE tape 2 times (once with 3 turns and once with 5 turns) and had small drip leaks both times. Then I went and bought the blue monster that you recommend and it solved the problem. It stopped the leaking and it was much easier to work with because it wasn't so flimsy. Your tips are well done and very helpful. Thank you!

[@paddlesmcbean2366]

I’m in Western Australia and although your rules are very different to ours your tips are very useful.

[@mariahs1123]

Recent subscriber here! Are you reading my mind? First you change my mind, leading me to buy a jigsaw instead of a circular saw, now you're addressing the very minor leak I have from a recent bidet install. I have the tape, but didn't put it on all connection points, and I'm thinking I may have applied it backwards to the one I did put it on. Thanks for helping out us normies!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Always happy to help, Mariah! 😁

[@juliehenderson1672]

Thank you! Perfect timing. I'm changing mine!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I try to be timely, Julie 😁 Good luck!

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

That's a very handy trick! Thank you guys! Now, I have a rainshower head that will NOT come off. I've had 3 different people try to get it down and it won't budge. Even the pipe it's attached to won't move. I don't know if it's just a LOT of lime scale build up, or if the people who used to own the house literally GLUED it on. Any ideas?

[@sociopathmercenary]

Have your tried heating the connection with a propane torch? Sometimes the expansion from heating it will break loose whatever is holding it together. Worst case scenario. Clamp some vise grips on the shower head and use a cheater bar on the handle for more leverage. If it's stuck that bad, you may unscrew the pipe going back into the wall but you can replace that with a new one

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗👍👍GREAT ADVICE ETHAN …. AND even though I am retired..I watched the whole video …TO LEARN FROM A PRO 🤗😁 also I didn’t have blue Teflon but I used the best of all things to get the BEST RESULTS…💰 money well spent and saved time and no leaks 🤗 ALWAYS A GOOD THING 👍💚💚💚

[@ApartmentMaintenancePro]

Im gonna try that plumbers tape trick. amazing!

[@margaretderen2082]

Horrified that he didn’t use some (cloth) protection on the fixture before using the channel lock!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

We were just flying through Eco plumbers U talking about stuff, Margaret. Brent is also the person who taught me how to not mar fittings with tools. Filming doesn’t always quite simulate how the pros would do everything in a house-the momentum is just too fast. That’s why I brought up the marring.

[@Xealtor]

Great video! Especially about the direction to wrap the tape (learned that through trial-and-error as a homeowner). Here in Trinidad and Tobago it's commonly called thread seal and I've discovered that it's also used by automotive mechanics and electricans.

[@ifiwooddesigns]

As a water plant operator, we are not allowed to use plumbers tape anymore and have to resort to pipe dope. The PTFE shows up (although very minimal) in our state water quality tests.

[@narlycharley]

Forever chemical too. It's sad that it'll only get worse with time.

[@narlycharley]

I picked up some Blue Monster from Menards and have been loving it since.

[@mariacifuentesmarrero8938]

As usual great ideas and content!!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Maria! 🙂

[@tedspens]

Use a small wire brush to remove old tape and dope quick and easy. Wrapping the new tape up the pipe is genius. Thanks for the tip! 👍🏻

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Ted!

[@spankymagee]

When worried about making it look perfect with no blue showing, he sure did scar up that faucet nut part real good using those channel lock teeth. Most of them have flat spots for Cresent wrench, but if it's circular and not able to use a wrench, I use a rag if I have to use channel locks. You can use rubber band type wrench too so it won't tear up the faucet if no flat spot to grab.

[@spankymagee]

Not only does it look terrible using teeth, it will also rust because you take the chrome off. Really surprised to see that done that way. And when I say rubber band wrench, it's like a oil filter wrench but you can get them in many sizes. My 8yo loves those because i keep one in the kitchen for her and she takes lids off of soda bottles and even big pickle jars because you can make it as big or small as needed. But it can do a lot of cool things if you just need medium amount of tension and don't want to damage anything.

[@harryl7946]

We will always need good plumbers.

[@rebeccarodriguez690]

Thank you so much for this info

[@2skyman]

The seal is actually made with the rubber on sediment screen. There's no need for Teflon in this situation.

[@LarryB-inFL]

What I have always wondered/worried about is how to KNOW that the shower arm pipe joint inside the wall is well sealed and not dripping. Lots of good shower heads come with a replacement, matching arm....but this is one of the rare times when you are installing a new threaded pipe without being able to see if it leaks!

[@MBMCincy63]

Always good information. Thanks.

[@andreazehnder2404]

Thank you. My shower still pushes out water from this connection, however, even after applying this tip and following the directions on here. Wondering if that is OK or do I not have the correct fittings?

[@JohnThomas-lq5qp]

Like to use Teflon tape and blue colored pipe dope purchased from a local plumbing supply especially on water heaters.

[@chrisnash2154]

I had never heard of mini monster. Gonna buy some!

[@findlayhunter4934]

Brilliant tape end tip!

[@tjtampa214]

Nicely done, thx.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, TJ!

[@boscobaracus1823]

Here's an even more pro tip - shower head connections have a gasket and are designed to seal without ptfe. Think of gasketed connections like flare connections, ptfe can impede the fitting from sealing properly. But hey, what do I know, I'm just a master plumber.

[@michellegaza7740]

I use a piece of leather in my vice for better squish contact for small, thin things but also slightly protective. Could you use a thin piece of leather around the teeth of the channel locks between the metals? It wouldn't affect the grip, theoretically.

[@valborchardt3596]

Brilliant video Ethan….thanks so much……wish we could get that ptfe tape here, we just get the narrow one…..take care from South Africa

[@justinkeller4008]

Dayton resident here. Can't say I've heard of them but I'll look them up if I need something. Thanks!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

👍😁

[@damnhandy]

I used to work as a Plumbing Pro at Lowes, and here's a useful tip. Both Lowes and Home Depot will give a 10% discount on their entire purchase to anyone who asks. Just ask any Sales Associate for a discount, and they should walk you up to the checkout, where they will tell the cashier to give you 10% off. If for any reason the cashier won't, just ask to see an Assistant Manager, who certainly will. This will work whether your purchase is a dollar or thousands of dollars.

[@Jimc4007]

My attempts at doing any plumbing absolutely sucks! I always end up with a leak (or two!) I don't even try it anymore. There's a reason why I went into the electrical business!

[@JamieE76]

Good tips! :)

[@demetria1768]

Great tip. Thank you.

[@pianomanpj]

Just ordered some tape. Thanks for the heads up! 😁

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Sure thing, Roger! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@eyepodoblivion1189]

Boy that extra tape up the shower arm that made him potentially scratch the finish with his can opener was a great idea. 🤪 “the pro finish customers are looking for” Using a channel lock to just ruin the finish of that shower head too……top notch for a video that will last forever on the internet. Why in Gods name would you not demonstrate it the right way? Also, pro tip- use tape and dope for the shower arm into the earell in the wall but only use tape for the head.

[@MarkoSpeaks]

Shut off water at main or just the shower handle?

[@chefspenser1480]

"Holy Crap!?!?" "Who Knew?!?!" "Thank you!" Cheers.

[@Wolfsheim23]

Ha that didn't come off as smooth as they expected!

[@mr.g937]

Teflon tape doesn't prevent leaks. It lubricates the threads allowing you to tighten it more. On the other hand, pipe dope does prevent leaks.

[@xxakli]

you got it!

[@xxakli]

and it is amazing how everyone is raving about how informative this video was and how they did it wrong at their house and will change it asap, seriously!?!

[@davidunwin7868]

The biggest benefit of PTFE tape is that it let's you tighten the fitting to a tight fit without friction. If you didn't use the tape, you would need to use more force to get a tight fit. It's Teflon as you said, so nothing grips to it. It acts as a lubricant in the threads, and the real seal is made by the fitting getting snugged up. It also prevents metal on metal contact between the M and F fittings. When two different metals come in contact there's always a risk of corrosion occurring due to electronegative potential differences in the metals. The tape is a non reactive barrier between the two, and stops any corrosion.

[@xxakli]

I don't know about the 'electronegative potential differences' (difference of potential its the definition of voltage). I don't think shower heads on pipe is a source of electricity. But I totally agree that Teflon tape is primarily for lubricating the threads for a more complete connection. I use the tape in conjunction with dope. But that's just me, it seems . . .

[@davidunwin7868]

@@xxakli electronegative potential is a voltage difference caused by different metals. The corrosion is "galvanic corrosion" where one will sacrificially corrode. This is why you don't drop you lead sinkers into your aluminium runabout. The sinker will corrode through the hull and you'll sink.

[@charlesviner1565]

👍great video

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Charles! 🙂

[@sndygskylr]

93yo house (old pipes too),has No shower in bathtub/bathroom. I tried to take tub faucet off but it will Not budge. Yeah, F at 74, I thought I could do this. How can I get that faucet off? #2- will I need to tap into old pipe (underneath house) and direct it high enough to go through a hole in the bathroom wall. This I would connect a shower head. Now I’m wondering WHY would I need to remove the tub faucet? Duh. Thanks for all of your informative videos!

[@MasterBojangles]

If it's a fixture behind the wall might want to add plumbers dope/paste as well (not plumbers putty)

[@michaelinminn]

lol 2:23 Great capture of the sediment screen falling out.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Unexpected things happen on video shoots, Michael 😆

[@michaelinminn]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Unexpected things happen on the job all the time. You showing it, in action, was instructional.

[@shannawallace7855]

Water is still spouting out of the connection even with plumber's tape. Is there anything else I can try?

[@goinbananers]

Should mention that there are more than one type of ratings for Teflon tape,

[@Mpafanai46]

Like your contents

[@danielhammer7148]

I’m sure because the camera was on the tape was sticking when he was showing high end finish. :)

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I call it the video effect, Daniel 😆 You should see the stuff that messes up on me when the camera is on!

[@mpxz999]

If it's the drop ear inside the wall where you attach the shower arm then you always use tape + dope. If it's the shower head to shower arm, you can use both too, but it is not mission critical to do so. Adding pipe dope onto tape is never going to hurt anything. I always say that if you want to save a buck, then don't dope + tape. If you want to avoid a callback to a customers home, even if it's one callback per year, then always tape + dope. For the shower head inside the wall, most home owners will be willing to take the risk of a leak, if it means avoiding another trip to the hardware store to buy tape. For shower heads to shower arms, you should always be able to hand tighten them. If it's difficult to turn, then you're probably cross threading it and irreversably ruining it. To avoid cross threading, try not adding your PTFE tape to the first 1-2ish threads, then you can gently thread on the head in REVERSE just until you feel it 'click' slot into place on the proper threads where it belongs. If you do feel the need to use a tool for that last 1/4 turn, a strap wrench isn't a bad tool cheap tool to have laying around, so long as you mind your own strength and don't go overboard. A strap wrench will not marr your chrome/nickle/cheap plastic the way channel locks will. It will also come in handy if you ever want to change an oil filter in your vehcile(it's sometimes advertised as an 'oil filter wrench'.) Just keep in mind that if you DO marr the finish - Your wife will never let you hear the end of it. Ever. Fantastic taping advice and video overall

[@KeeveSinger]

Love your tips. I never seem to be able to connect a garden hose to the tap outside and also the hose to a sprinkler. Would love to see a video on that

[@jakeszafranski2494]

Spin it on backwards till you feel the first thread seat, then tighten

[@KeeveSinger]

@@jakeszafranski2494 Will definitely try. Thanks

[@philliplarson2155]

Hope there is a boot that goes over the freshly marred chrome fitting.

[@seymoarsalvage]

Does anyone know a 3M version of that extra thick ptfe tape?

[@CzKaa]

Teflon tape is history. Pipe sealing cord is much much beter. Something as Loctite 55, Tangit, etc. :)

[@thebigoaktree8401]

Great tips. Needed to know how to do this!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, big oak! 🙂

[@jeffdyrland2795]

The whole clockwise wrapping is something that used to give me pause every time. In the past, I would always just guess and think ehhhh I’ve got a 50-50 chance. But no, it’s more like 90-10 that you’ll be wrong lol

[@danielrandolph9170]

How can i secure the shower arm if it moves in & out from the wall with out having to cut a hole in the wall sheet rock?? Thanks Daniel from central Mississippi

[@sewerrat7612]

Can't should have lug elbow on back

[@trainerjoe9469]

Any chance you could have them show us how to replace a shower cartridge too?

[@zanderday4466]

my plumber friend told me to use the PTF paste instead . . . . says it works better than any ptfe tape any thoughts on the PTF paste??

[@canebro1]

If you want to use channel locks without marring the metal, just put an old rag between the teeth and metal.

[@pqrstsma2011]

in my (DIY) experience, even 3 rounds of PTFE tape might be too much; this is one of those things i've found, that need to be in that 'just the right amount' Goldilocks zone to work really well and provide a secure connection

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Do you feel like it makes it hard to get the fixture on, pqrs?

[@pqrstsma2011]

@@TheHonestCarpenter too little and the fitting continues to drip; too much and the fem end doesnt screw on to the male end completely to make a good seal.... of course, it could also be the cheap fitting themselves, when something needs to be changed in my apartment, i don't always have the budget to get a high-quality replacement so i search for the cheapest thing on ebay or home depot love your channel btw Ethan! it's also good to get information from someone like you with knowledge of local codes here in NC

[@tonyhemingway7980]

A lot of the DIY replacement showerheads are plastic. If you use too much tape, you can crack the fitting.

[@pqrstsma2011]

@@tonyhemingway7980 agree

[@paulparoma]

None of this is necessary if you have a shower on a hose, which is just SO much better. And, if using a wrench on a shower head or any plumbing fixture, you need to tape the jaws so as not to damage the chrome. Always.

[@Bapuji42]

Even a hose shower head has a fitting to the supply pipe, doesn't it?

[@paulparoma]

@@Bapuji42 It certainly does, but a rubber gasket is sufficient. No need for plumber's tape. Come to think of it, I don't remember ever using plumber's tape on my old shower head, but it never leaked.

[@Bapuji42]

@@paulparoma I guess it depends on the particular fitting. With those cheap heads with plastic threads, I often get a dribble with tape AND a gasket. Just can't tighten it enough without it cracking.

[@paulparoma]

@@Bapuji42 I don't think I've ever come across one with plastic threads. I've replaced a few shower heads and hoses over the years, but all have been metal. So I suppose the conclusion is to stay away from plastic. It's sort of the opposite with garden hose connectors. Good plastic ones work very well, but the brass ones I've tried were not good at all.

[@Bapuji42]

@@paulparoma Hmm... I've found that plastic hose heads leak too.

[@toddf4796]

Good tip honestly, but ironically it was negated when you destroyed the metal with channel locks. Pro tip was spot on. Basic tool usage was lacking.

[@johnborges5938]

I had to look away when he started scraping at the tape on the chromed shower arm with his Leatherman tool. Seems like nearly every plumber leaves his marks on the obscenely expensive metal finishes, when all it takes is a piece of cloth between the tool and the fixture to avoid damaging the finish. If I had paid through the nose for good quality hardware I'd be fuming.

[@Phamtom009]

Shower heads are easy. Shower arms are difficult. Any tips on that?

[@sewerrat7612]

Teflon tape then paste should have been stubbed out prior to wall being installed to ensure everything straight. If talking about existing hopefully it's attached properly in wall

[@world_100i]

Hi, have been living in an older apartment building for over 10 years. My unit has 6" shower arm with 1/2" connection with IPS thread and shower head with 1/2" connection with IPS connection. All new shower arm and heads I found has NPT connections. IPS connection and NPT connection do not match. But can I take out my current IPS connection shower arm and install NPT connection shower arm? Like I was thinking of getting rid of both the old 1/2" IPS thread shower arm and shower head first. then install a new 1/2" NPT threading shower arm with teflon tape to prevent water leaks and NPT shower head. Is that possible if the wall holes accommodate? Is it even recommended to replace IPS shower arm with NPT connection in an older apartment unit? Can anyone please help with answers? Thank you

[@itsmetynice]

How do you remove a pipe that has been put on with Teflon tape? I'm trying to change out my shower head but it was put on with Teflon tape and I can't get it off

[@smittyone66]

great video thanks

[@smittyone66]

Hello did you send me a message saying congratulations you have been selected as a winner send me a message? There’s a lot of scams going on with KZbin i think just checking

[@jeffmuller1489]

I think I've got a problem with the pipe fitting behind the wall. I'm very familiar with pipe and stuff, and I discovered that the shower arm was leaking behind the wall. I took it out and discovered it was only screwed in about 2 or three threads. I tried reinstalling, but that's as far as it would go in without really feeling like I was going to damage something. I installed a different metal show arm, but same thing. I temporarily installed a PVC (irrigation) pipe and attached the shower arm to that and that doesn't leak and seems to screw in normally. I used tape on all applications, but only the PVC pipe seals to the plumbing behind the wall. I wonder if there's an adapter or something available because in order to screw this arm on to get it to (maybe) seal, I would have to go another 360° and it just won't go around again. Help?

[@offertunatea]

If there's a rubber sealing inside the showerhead you don't have to wrap the thread with plumber tape.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

True, gasket fittings will generally seal themselves 👍

[@Bapuji42]

This is all good, but I gotta say that with the newer cheap shower heads that have metallized plastic threads, I often can't get a perfect seal even with proper application of tape. The plastic is so weak you just can't tighten it enough without cracking it.

[@roxydog2004]

That pipe is tapered for a reason, you don't need to start wrapping it at the end of the thread the tape is there to keep it from leaking at the connection if you start that low some of the tape that is hanging off the tip of the pipe thread can eventually rip off and clog the screen. And you don't need to go that far up past the threads to get a clean finish it took you so long to remove the tape you had to stop shooting a minute .

[@darkodjogo96]

We use the same tape in Europe but in Serbia we just call it teflon tape. Btw, I can still remember my uncle and dad puting some mixture of wool and synthetic fibers to make plumbing waterproof... Sliver should be an English name of it.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I’ve seen folks use dope and string, darko! Cool to hear about Serbia!

[@darkodjogo96]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Thank you, you are so helpful and instructive! Great tips!

[@fabiozapletal_FZ4U]

There’s nothing compared to Loctite 55 when it comes to thread sealing. It is definitely the end of your problems. Try it and forget the other options

[@mikel5582]

That's a good trick for those last wraps of tape. I replaced some bathtub/shower fixtures between the time you posted this video and the time I watched it and could have used this info . Oh well, there's still more plumbing work to be completed.

[@manofausagain]

Teflon tape was originally designed to reduce friction of the threads. As the fittings became cheaper we now have to use it as a seal. Pretty much when they start referring to fittings on the DN sizes not the BSPT it all went pear shaped. Also covers mismatch of BSPT and BSPP, NPT and gas threads, and the use of PVC and poly threads. Just crappy thread strength.

[@garryheinlein2183]

Should Teflon tape be used on plastic shower heads?

[@eyepodoblivion1189]

Just leave the first thread unwrapped so it can get a good bite and then don’t over tighten. Don’t use pipe dope on plastic threads. It messes them up over time. (Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do though)

[@sewerrat7612]

Only if they don't have rubber washer inside

[@eyepodoblivion1189]

@@sewerrat7612 I’ve had it leak with a rubber washer. Still had to tape it