What is Teflon Tape?
A leaky faucet or any other plumbing connection might be a common issue for anyone. In such connections, no matter how tightly you secure the faucet, it won’t be completely sealed without Teflon tape.
Teflon tape is made of a thin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and is produced with a thickness of 70 to 100 microns. This product is used for sealing connections and plumbing in buildings, as well as for any water supply systems. It is especially used in threaded and polymeric seals to prevent water infiltration and leaks in buildings.
The largest manufacturers produce and market this tape under the brand name “Teflon.” Teflon is a material used in the production of non-stick cookware to prevent food from sticking to the inside of the pots. Nowadays, adhesive manufacturers produce these tapes in various sizes and colors. The common lengths range from 5 to 10 meters.
How to Use Seal Tape
Before making the connection, wrap the tape a few times around the threaded end of the pipe while stretching it. Then, proceed with the connection. Make sure the tape is securely wrapped around the pipe, as pressing the two ends of the pipe together during the connection might cause the tape to bunch up and fail to seal properly.
The highest quality Iranian Teflon tapes available in the market are known as Dena, Tab, and Chinese products under the names Siko, Denix, DN, and NV. These products have special features for sealing, including a chemical paste-like adhesive structure that seals cracks and prevents the buildup of deposits.
Why Use Teflon Tape?
- Lubricating connections
- Sealing connections
- Improved performance quality
- Cost-effective
- Flexibility of the tape
- Less need for a wrench
What is Liquid Teflon?
Another method for sealing threaded connections is the use of liquid Teflon, which has recently replaced paste and hemp fibers. Using this material is very easy and hassle-free, as well as inexpensive and widely available. One of the features of liquid Teflon is that it stabilizes connections since it dries within 25 minutes, requiring no wrench or tool for tightening.
The advantages of using liquid Teflon include its ability to quickly penetrate into the threads of the pipe connection, ensuring a 100% seal. In older methods, several connections might be made in a single line, and by tightening one part of the pipe with a wrench, another part could loosen and turn in the opposite direction. However, using liquid Teflon solves these problems.
Over-tightening a pipe with a wrench can sometimes cause the pipe to break or damage the threads, but liquid Teflon eliminates these issues. One of the capabilities of this adhesive is securing the pipe without the need for a wrench.
