| There are certain tools that can be found in every | | | | the pipe fitting into the other end. It is the male end into |
| plumbers repair kit. Teflon tape, also referred to as | | | | the female end. You will then tighten the two |
| plumbers tape, is a common tool used by plumbers | | | | connections. It must be tight enough so that it is |
| and homeowners to stop pipe connections from | | | | completely secure. If you have to take them apart to |
| leaking. This tape is stretchy to maximize tight | | | | adjust the fitting, it is easy to do as the Teflon tape |
| connections, thin, white, and is effective at stopping | | | | acts as a lubricant. |
| leaks because it does not gunk up in the plumbing | | | | In most cases, Teflon tape is used to wrap around |
| connection threads. | | | | threads of pipe fittings when there is low water |
| You can buy Teflon tape in the form of a roll at | | | | pressure and around pipes that transport oil into the |
| plumbing supply stores, hardware stores, and home | | | | home heating system. It is also used to wrap around |
| supply stores. It is an inexpensive tape that is much like | | | | gas pipe fittings but will be wrapped more times to |
| a ribbon and is long lasting. It is used not only used for | | | | make it thicker. Teflon tape should only be used to |
| water leaks, but also to stop gas leaks. | | | | wrap around threads and not the actual pipe because |
| It is quite easy to apply Teflon tape to a pipe fitting | | | | just wrapping around the pipe will not stop the leak as |
| connection. You just pull the required amount of tape | | | | it is less secure and tight. Do not use white Teflon tape |
| from the roll and wrap it a minimum of three times | | | | on iron pipe gas fittings as it will degrade and cause |
| around the end of the pipe fitting. You must apply the | | | | leaks. Yellow Teflon tape is used for iron pipe fittings |
| tape to avoid wrinkles, bubbles, or creases in the tape | | | | because of their double density. Green Teflon tape is |
| which can cause bubbles. It should also be wrapped | | | | used on copper which is used with pipe threads or |
| securely to ensure it is completely leak and air tight. As | | | | bolts in mechanical devices. If you are unsure about |
| well, when wrapping and handling the tape, your hands | | | | the leak and whether applying the tape will fix the |
| should be clean of any dirt, debris, and grease to | | | | problem, you should enlist the services of a qualified |
| prevent tape degradation. Once the tape is securely | | | | plumber, especially if you have a gas leak which can |
| wrapped around the fitting, it is important to press | | | | be dangerous. A professional plumber is trained and |
| firmly to ensure a complete firm and secure fit. | | | | certified to locate the problem and provide a quality |
| Once you have the tape firm and secure around the | | | | repair that is quick and efficient. |
| pipe connection threads, you will then place one end of | | | | |