What Is Thread Seal Tape?

It is a special type of film, made from a synthetic substance called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE seal tape is both water-resistant and malleable and when wrapped around the male, or convex, end of a pipe, it is able to connect pipes together using the power of friction. The friction generated causes the thread seal tape to create an airtight seal that ensures the pipes are adequately jointed. It is suitable for tapered threads only. You can easily identify a tapered thread as its diameter will increase or decrease along the length of the thread. Thread tape is able to function as a sealant as it self-lubricates upon meeting with the friction generated by tapered threads. Types of Thread Seal Tape It is available in a range of colours, densities and thicknesses, designed to reflect its use for specific purposes. For the majority of basic plumbing projects, standard, white thread seal tape should suffice. However, if you need to complete gas line work, you may require specialised tapes. At Cobas UK, all of our tapes have received approval from the British Standards Institution (BSI) Group or BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing Institute in Berlin. Applying Thread Seal Tape Thread seal tape is most commonly used in pressurised water systems, such as central heating systems. When using thread seal tape, it is essential to wrap the tape around the pipe in the opposite direction of the thread. You should also take care to use only the amount required for the task at hand. If you fail to apply the tape correctly, you may not be able to screw the pipes together.

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