Plumbers tape which direction

Just keep in mind that a compression connection join does not need Teflon tape. What do l mean my compression connection. That is any thing that requires a gasket or a cone that compresses into a fitting does not need Teflon tape. For example under your sink the trap has a gasket.

This type of connection does not need Teflon tape as the concave gasket provides the watertight seal. The threads on these connections are not designed to create the seal.

It's real important to apply your Teflon tape in a clockwise direction which coincidently is the same way you thread on most of your fittings..

If you apply the tape in an anticlockwise direction it will unravel as you screw on the fitting which will render it useless. To apply , this is what l find the easiest. Pull the tape tight to break it and separate the roll from the tape on the pipe. Pinch the tape between the pipe threads and the roll tightly between your fingers.

Pull it to stretch and tear the tape. Press any excess tape tightly onto the threads. Method 2. Shut off the water supply, place a container under the water lines to catch any water in them, and disconnect the lines. Reconnect everything and turn on the water supply, then test the faucet.

Shower heads and arms, which are the metal tubes that shower heads attach to, are another area that tend to have problems with leaky connections. It will bond to the outside of the pipes and contain the leak for the time being. Just patch them up to contain the problem until you can replace the leaky pipes to provide a long-lasting fix. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Make sure you always use white Teflon tape for plumbing applications.

Yellow and green Teflon tape are for gas and oxygen tubes. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Related wikiHows How to. How to. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: 3. Updated: July 28, Categories: Plumbing. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 12, times. This obviously renders the PTFE tape completely useless and highlights exactly why you should wrap it around the thread in a clockwise motion.

After putting on the PTFE tape, you can apply a liberal amount of jointing compound around the thread and smooth it round with your finger. The combination of the PTFE and the compound really helps to enable that the joints will not leak. Most plumbers will recommend using the PTFE tape and jointing compound on any new heating installation.