Differences in Plumbing Tapes

Teflon Tape

• Teflon plumbing tape is a thin, usually white strip of Teflon that comes in a roll similar to the kind of tape you might use for wrapping gifts at Christmas. It is not adhesive like other tapes and is unable to hold things together. Instead, Teflon tape is a silky-feeling material that is wound around objects and clings to itself.

Teflon Tape Uses

• Teflon plumber’s tape is used to add a thin layer of Teflon around the threads on the male end of a pipe that needs to screw into another pipe or fixture. The tape adds lubrication to the threads, making it easier for the tightening and loosening of the pipe, and it keeps the separate parts from rusting at the joint. In addition, it fills in the gaps around the threads and prevents leaking. This is especially handy when putting together pipes or other plumbing fixtures that may be susceptible to leaks.

Metal Strapping

• Another type of plumbing tape is very thin metal straps that have a series of perforations drilled down the center. This type of plumbing tape obviously does not fit the typical description of tape in that it is not an adhesive in any way. Often this type of plumber’s tape is 3/4 inch wide and is made of 24-gauge steel. This flexible but sturdy material is used by plumbers and also by other people who have come up with endless creative uses for it.

Metal Strapping Uses

• For plumbing purposes, the metal strapping type of plumbing tape is used to mechanically secure pipes and other plumbing fixtures to support them and prevent them from shifting or moving. The tape is simply applied by wrapping the straps around the object that is to be secured and nailing it or otherwise attaching it to nearby stationary objects such as beams inside a wall. Hot water heaters and other heavy and fragile objects are sometimes supported by this type of plumbing tape to prevent damage to them in areas where earthquakes are common.