The answer is YES! Plumbers tape is essential for ensuring a watertight seal on any threaded connections. Without it, you run the risk of water leaking from your shower head and causing damage to your bathroom.
Plumber’s tape is a type of adhesive tape made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is used in plumbing and electrical applications because it is resistant to heat, water, and chemicals.
Other names for plumbers tape include:
- Teflon tape
- PTFE tape
- Waterproof Tape
- Thread seal tape
- Thread sealant tape
What are the Different Types of Plumbers Tape?
There are two types of Plumbers Tape:
- PTFE Tape – This is the most common type of Plumbers Tape. It is made of 100% PTFE and is used in applications where a strong seal is required, such as in plumbing and industrial applications.
- Fiberglass Tape – This type of Plumbers Tape is made of PTFE and fiberglass. It is less expensive than PTFE tape and is used in applications where a less strong seal is required, such as electrical applications.
Color Codes of Plumbers Tape and Their Uses
Plumbers Tape is available in a variety of colors, each of which has a different purpose:
- White – This is the most common color of Plumbers Tape. It is used in general-purpose applications where a strong seal is not required.
- Yellow – This color of Plumbers Tape is used in gas lines. Most building codes require it.
- Red – This color of Plumbers Tape is used in oxygen lines. It is required by most building codes.
- Green – This color of Plumbers Tape is used in potable water lines. Most building codes require it.
- Blue – This color of Plumbers Tape is used in swimming pool and spa applications. It is resistant to chlorine and other chemicals.
- Purple – This color of Plumbers Tape is used in food and beverage applications. It is FDA approved for use in contact with food.
Are there Different Grades of Plumbers Tape?
There are three grades of Plumbers Tape:
- Standard – This is the most common grade of Plumbers Tape. It has a working temperature range of -65 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- High Temperature – This grade of Plumbers Tape is used in applications where a higher working temperature is required, such as in automotive applications. It has a working temperature range of -65 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Extreme Temperature – This tape is used in applications where an extremely high working temperature is required, such as aerospace applications. It has a working temperature range of -100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to use Thread Seal Tape for Shower Head?
To use Thread Seal Tape/Plumbers Tape for the shower head, wrap the tape around the shower head clockwise until you have gone around the entire circumference of the shower head. Make sure that the tape is tight and there are no gaps. It would be best if you wrapped the tape around the threads 3-4 times. Then screw on the shower head and hand-tighten it. You don’t need to use a lot of force, just enough to create a snug fit.
FAQ’s
Yes, using the plumber’s tape on all threaded connections is a good idea to prevent leaks.
No, you should always use fresh tape for each connection.
You run the risk of water leaking from the connection and causing damage to your bathroom.
The size of Teflon tape for the shower head is 3/4 inch wide and 260 inches long.
If not installed properly, the plumber’s tape can cause leaks. It is also difficult to remove once it has been applied
The most common color of Teflon tape is white. White Teflon tape is used for general purposes like water pipe sealing.
Conclusion
Plumbers tape is an essential tool for any do-it-yourselfer or a professional plumber. It helps to create a watertight seal on any threaded connection, preventing leaks and protecting from water damage.
