The steps to a perfect seal
Cleaning the thread: First of all, make sure the threads are perfectly dry and free of dirt residue, oil, or old sealants.
Wrapping direction: This is the crucial point of the entire operation. Holding the fitting with the thread facing towards you, wrap the tape clockwise, that is, following the screwing direction.
Why is this so important? If you wrap the tape in the opposite direction, it will come loose and bunch up during the screwing of the fitting, completely compromising the seal.
Tension and overlap: Start from the end of the thread and work towards the base. Keep the tape under slight tension so that it adheres perfectly to the thread grooves. Overlap each wrap by about half the width of the tape.
Optimal thickness: Don't overdo the number of wraps. Generally, 5 to 10 wraps are sufficient, depending on the pipe diameter and the type of fluid being carried (for gas, denser tape or a greater number of wraps are often needed). The thread profile should remain visible under the tape.
Quick tips:
Once the fitting is screwed on, do not unscrew it even half a turn to align it: the seal could be compromised. In that case, remove all the tape and start over from scratch.
Always verify that the tape is certified for the specific use. For gas, for example, the tape is usually thicker and yellow in color, or identified with a different coding compared to the one for water.
What is Teflon
Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE) is a self-lubricating plastic material capable of withstanding high temperatures up to 300 °C. Accidentally discovered in 1938, it is now an indispensable component in both domestic and professional plumbing to ensure the seal of threaded joints.
