How to Use PTFE Teflon Plumbers Thread Seal Tape to Stop Water Leaks ?

This article is going to look at the standard white plumbers tape that is used for preventing leaks from joints, for example on radiator valves or taps.

The correct way to apply the plumber tape to stop leaks is to follow the direction of the thread, as if you were tightening up the nut. 99.9% of the time, nuts tighten up clockwise, so this is the way you should also apply the PTFE tape.

For the sake of proving the point, you could wind the tape anti-clockwise onto the thread. If you are right-handed, you will probably find it quite awkward to do, but more importantly, when you try and screw the nut on, you’ll find that the PTFE will start to come off. This obviously renders the PTFE tape completely useless and highlights exactly why you should wrap it around the thread in a clockwise motion.

When applying the tape clockwise, it’s recommended that you wrap it around the thread three or four times. This is thick enough to prevent leaks, but not too thick that you can’t get the nut on. When putting the nut on over clockwise-wound tape, you’ll see if fits over easily and the tape does not start to come off, in contrast to when it was wound anti-clockwise.

If you are installing a new central heating component (like a radiator or a radiator valve) then it’s advisable to use plumbers tape stop leaks and some silicone-based jointing compound, to make the joint completely watertight.

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. You don’t need to put too much on and you can wipe off any excess before putting on the nut. The combination of the PTFE and the compound really helps to enable that the joints will not leak.

Most plumbers tape to stop water leaks will recommend using the PTFE tape and jointing compound on any new heating installation. This is because it’s so much easier to do it first time round, rather than draining everything down again in order to apply it. Better to get it right the first time, rather than create a headache for yourself further down the line.