PTFE Tapes

PTFE tape is a high-performance sealing solution essential for a wide range of plumbing and pipework applications. Its primary function is to quickly and effectively seal pipe threads and joints, creating a watertight connection that prevents costly leaks and water damage.

Commonly used by plumbers and heating engineers, this versatile tape is also widely known by other names, including plumber’s tape, Teflon tape, and thread seal tape.

What is PTFE Plumbers Tape & How does it Work

PTFE stands for Polytetrafluoroethylene, a tough and flexible material known for its wide temperature range and excellent chemical resistance. This durability makes it a long-lasting solution for sealing pipes.

When wrapped around pipe threads, the tape works in two main ways. Firstly, it acts as a deformable filler, moulding into the gaps between the male and female threads to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks. Secondly, it serves as a lubricant that reduces friction, allowing the joint to be tightened more easily while also protecting the threads from wear, making the joint easier to disassemble in the future.

Key Benefits of PTFE Tapes

PTFE tape is a staple for plumbers and engineers due to its unique combination of properties. These benefits ensure a reliable, long-lasting, and easy-to-create seal on threaded joints.

Excellent Sealing: The tape's primary benefit is its ability to create a strong, reliable seal. It presses into the thread gaps to prevent water, air, and other media from leaking through.
Thread Lubrication: PTFE is naturally very low-friction. This lubricates the threads during assembly, allowing for a smoother, easier tightening process and a more secure joint.
Chemical and Temperature Resistance: The tape is chemically inert and resistant to most common chemicals. It can also withstand a wide range of temperatures.
Corrosion Prevention: By creating a barrier between the male and female threads, the tape prevents them from being in direct contact. This is particularly useful when joining dissimilar metals, as it helps to prevent galling and galvanic corrosion.
Easy to Apply and Remove: Supplied on a convenient spool, the tape is simple to wrap onto threads with no mess or waste. Unlike liquid sealants, it does not harden or cure, which prevents the joint from seizing and makes it easy to disassemble for future maintenance.

What Types of PTFE Thread Seal Tapes are Available

While all PTFE tapes serve the same basic function, they are available in different grades to suit specific plumbing and industrial needs, with the main variations being in the tape's density and colour.

Tapes come in multiple thicknesses; higher-density tapes are more robust and are used for more demanding, higher-pressure applications. They are also available in a range of colours, such as white, brown, black, grey, and translucent, which allows for the colour-coding of different pipe systems.

How to Select the Right PTFE Tape for Your Needs

Choosing the correct grade of PTFE tape is essential for creating a durable and leak-free seal. To ensure the best performance for your specific task, consider the following factors.

Thread Size and Type

The width of the Teflon sealer tape should correspond to the size of the pipe fittings you are working with. Standard widths like 12mm are suitable for most common domestic and small-bore pipework. For larger industrial pipes with coarser threads, a wider tape (e.g., 19mm or 25mm) provides better coverage with fewer wraps.

Application Environment

The environment where the pipework is located is a critical factor. For standard indoor plumbing, most PTFE tapes are suitable. However, for outdoor applications, you should select a tape with UV resistance to prevent degradation. In industrial settings, ensure the tape is rated to withstand any chemicals it may be exposed to.

Temperature Range

Every PTFE tape has a specified operating temperature range. Ensure this range is compatible with the temperatures of the media flowing through the pipe. Using a tape outside of its rated range can cause it to fail, leading to leaks.

Tape Density and Thickness

PTFE tape is available in different densities. Standard, low-density tape is sufficient for most general-purpose plumbing. For high-pressure systems, gas lines, or pipes with rougher, coarser threads, a thicker, high-density tape is required.

Material Compatibility

While standard white PTFE tape is compatible with most common pipe materials like steel, brass, and PVC for water applications, specialised tapes are required for other media. For example, yellow gas-rated tape is denser and approved for natural gas and propane lines, while green oxygen-rated tape is grease-free and safe for use with oxygen systems.

How to Use PTFE Tape or Plumbers Tape

Applying PTFE tape is a quick and simple process, but doing it correctly is the key to achieving a reliable, leak-free seal. Follow these steps for a perfect application every time.

Clean the Threads: Start by cleaning both the male and female threads to remove any dirt, grease, or old tape. The surfaces should be clean and dry for the best possible seal.
Wrap in the Correct Direction: Place the end of the tape on the male thread and wrap it in a clockwise direction (the same way the fitting will tighten). This ensures the tape pulls tighter into the threads and does not unravel as you screw the joint together.
Apply with Tension: Keep the tape under slight tension as you wrap, overlapping each layer by about half the tape's width to help it mould tightly to the threads.
Break and Smooth the Tape: Once you have completed the wraps, pull the tape firmly to snap it. Smooth the loose end down into the threads before assembling the joint.

Industry Applications of PTFE Tapes

PTFE tape, often called Teflon tape, is an essential thread sealer for plumbers, heating engineers, and maintenance professionals, providing a quick and reliable method for sealing threaded joints in commercial and industrial settings.

Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems: In manufacturing and automation, PTFE tape is used to seal threaded fittings on pneumatic and hydraulic lines, ensuring the airtight and leak-free operation.
Process and Fluid Transfer Lines: For chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants, chemically resistant PTFE tapes are used to seal pipework. This prevents leaks, protects product purity, and ensures the safe handling of potentially aggressive chemicals.
Utility and Infrastructure Pipework: PTFE tape is critical for sealing threaded connections in utility infrastructure, including water treatment plants, power stations, and gas distribution networks. It ensures the integrity of pipes carrying water, steam, natural gas, and other fuels.
General Plumbing and Building Services: In all commercial and residential facilities, plumbers and maintenance teams rely on PTFE tape for countless general plumbing tasks, from sealing taps and radiators to maintaining compressed air lines and ensuring the leak-free integrity of fire sprinkler systems.

Your Trusted PTFE Tapes Supplier & Manufacturer in Australia

Ensure a leak-free seal on your next plumbing project with high-quality PTFE tapes from RS Australia. As a leading supplier of plumbing and pipework components, we stock a comprehensive range of Teflon tapes for sale from trusted industry brands like, 3M, Klinger, Tesa, and our own RS PRO range. Explore our full online catalogue to find the perfect PTFE tapes, pneumatic pipe fittings and check valves for all your professional and DIY needs.

Placing an order with RS is quick and straightforward. Simply browse our selection, add your chosen items to the online basket, and proceed to our secure checkout to finalise your purchase. We offer a variety of payment methods to accommodate your business or personal accounts. For detailed information on shipping, delivery options, and our service coverage across Australia, please visit our dedicated Delivery Information page.