Leaking Threaded Pipe Joint – Use Plumber’s Tape
While most pipes in our homes are joined by sweat soldering them together, we frequently find threaded connections at end fixtures to ease the effort required to replace them. The most common locations include sinks, shower heads, outdoor water spigots, water heaters, toilets, whole-house humidifiers, and refrigerator water lines. Of course, there’s no limit to where a threadedd joint might be installed. In fact, we intalled two removeable sections of pipe in our basement when we knew we’d need to take them out in the future for some joist work on the floor above.
While threaded joints offer the utmost in convenience (no soldering to replace the connection), they can also leak. For sweated joints, we use a flux compound and non-lead solder to seal the gap. For threaded pipes, the material of choice is teflon tape (aka thread seal tape, or plumber’s tape).
Teflon Plumber’s Tape
Teflon plumber’s tape comes coiled in a 2″ diameter spool and is very easy to work with. Simply wrap a healthy amount of tape around the threads of the male end of the connection, and tighten the adjoining pipe or fixture. Voila! Teflon tape usually results in a water tight seal immediately. If a seal isn’t achieved on the first time, you might need slightly more tape. (In a worst case scenario, for instance if the threads are mutilated or the pipe is no longer circular, the joint may need to be replaced).
Note that while plumber’s tape is called ‘tape’, it isn’t actually sticky. The joist will not be difficult to undo if you need to replace the fixture later. In fact, Wikipedia notes that plumber’s tape actually lubricates the joint, which contributes to the overall seal.
While teflon tape is used most frequently in indoor applications, it’s also great for outdoor connections (e.g., where the hose connects to the house), if you are having trouble getting a leak to completely stop. Most hoses include a rubber washer inside that wears out over time. Even new washers may not provide a 100% seal. Teflon tape can be used to augment the washer to fix this problem.
What do you think? Do you have experience with plumber’s tape?
Image courtesy of our bathroom shower head, which I just fixed for Kim.
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6 Responses to Leaking Threaded Pipe Joint – Use Plumber’s Tape
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February 23rd, 2009 7:29 am
Great post Fred. One tip for your readers. When you install the teflon tape be sure to wrap it in the direction you’ll be tightening the female threads (I’d say clockwise but some threads are reverse). This helps keep the tape in place and creates a great seal.
February 23rd, 2009 10:13 am
I LOVE this stuff!
It’s a good temporary quick fix for a minor/medium leak ’til you have a chance to do the real job.
I’ve also used it lots of times outside plumbing applications.
February 23rd, 2009 6:19 pm
Love the stuff. I’ve used it for everything from plumbing to fixing a hummingbird feeder!
July 31st, 2009 11:08 pm
I agree this is a great product but it is important to note that you need to wrap it in the direction the threads are going in to keep it from unwrapping.
April 28th, 2010 9:43 am
If I were to use plumbers tape how many times do you rap the tape round the screw thread to get a good seal.
May 31st, 2010 10:29 pm
I’ve recently replaced all my bath tub faucets (in the wall). Now, the NEW water source attachment leaks where it is screwed into the new faucet fixture. I’ve used teflon tape. Still leaking. What next? hate to call a plumber now that i’ve actually accomplished all the hard work – what can i do?