Wrap it around the male thread in the same direction that the fitting will tighten. This reduces the chance of the tape unravelling during assembly.
Thread-Sealing Tape for Water and Heating Connections
Plumbing tape is used on compatible threaded joints to fill small gaps between mating threads and reduce the risk of leaks. MacBlair groups these products with its wider plumbing equipment, so tape, jointing items and installation supplies can be planned together.
Choose a tape approved for the service, temperature and pipe material. Standard water-service tape and products intended for gas or other specialist applications are not automatically interchangeable. Gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Apply tape to clean male threads in the tightening direction so it does not unwind as the joint is assembled. Keep it back from the first thread and the pipe bore. Use the number of wraps stated by the tape manufacturer, then tighten without forcing or cross-threading the connection.
PTFE tape is not normally placed on the olive of a compression joint because the seal is formed by the olive itself. Compare compression fittings, threaded black iron fittings and the full pipe fittings selection before choosing a jointing method.
Plumbing Tapes FAQ's
Follow the tape manufacturer's instructions because thickness and application vary. The tape should fill the threads without covering the pipe bore.
It is not normally applied to the olive, where the seal is made by compression. If a threaded adaptor is present, treat that threaded joint according to its instructions.
Only use a product specifically approved for the gas and application. Gas work must be completed and tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Yes. Remove old tape and debris, inspect the threads for damage, and start again with the correct tape on clean, dry male threads.