Can You Use Plumbers Tape On Gas Fittings?

Can You Use Plumbers Tape On Gas Fittings?

Plumbers may sometimes work on gas lines, provided that they hold a gas safety certificate, so it makes sense that they might choose to use some of the same equipment for both aspects of their job. PTFE tape, which is sometimes called Teflon tape or plumbers tape, is a common accessory for plumbers all over the world. But can you use plumbers tape on gas fittings?

It is not uncommon for plumbers to use PTFE tape to seal gas pipes and other gas related applications. However, it is critical that when doing this, you always make sure that you are using the right type of PTFE tape as different colours are designed for different things. 

Where gas fittings are concerned, you must use a gas-rated PTFE tape. This is widely available and is a little more dense and thick than other types of plumbers tape. This means that it will not be as prone to degradation as might be the case when attempting to use the thinner PTFE tape designed for liquid plumbing. 

Furthermore, tape designed for liquid plumbing tends to be much more porous which may cause leaking when used for gas fittings. Therefore, you should always ensure that you are using a more heavy duty option when sealing gas joints. In terms of colour coding, you should be looking for yellow tape for gas fittings. 

Can You Use Plumbers Tape On Plastic Fittings?

Most good plumbers will tell you that Teflon tape is not designed to be used with plastic fittings. Usually, it would be used for metal fittings and pipes which are far more difficult to tighten than their plastic counterparts. The problem is that they tend to gall without using something like PTFE tape to lubricate them. However, plastic does not need additional lubrication.

If you were to wrap PTFE tape around a male plastic thread you would do nothing more than add stress and strain to the component. Although, there are plumbers out there that will do this and increase the strain as well as making the joints much more slippery. The same can be said for a Teflon paste so this should also be avoided. 

Can You Use Plumbers Tape On PVC?

If you use PTFE tape or a Teflon paste on PVC fittings then the results will be very similar to using them on plastic. You will find that it becomes far easier to over tighten the fittings so it’s imperative that you use the correct type of sealant.

In the case of PVC and other plastics, you should opt for something that won’t harden and will not make the plastic slippery. Something that doesn’t harden will be forced by the pressure of the water into points where a leak may occur. This then creates a strong seal. When using something like a tape or a paste, this will set and leave potential leak points open. This risk is made even greater when repairs are made or with temperatures rise and decrease. You’ll see on the packaging whether it is compatible with plastic or not and this is something you should always adhere to. 

Can You Use Plumbers Tape Instead Of Putty?

Plumbers tape and plumbers putty both have similar jobs in that they seal a joint but this does not mean that they can be used interchangeably. In fact, we would highly recommend against using one in place of the other as you won’t get the results you are looking for. 

PTFE tape, or Teflon tape is designed to provide a reliable seal on a threaded pipe joint that will house liquids and gases and that may be under a considerable amount of pressure. On the other hand, a plumber’s putty will create a water resistant seal between two components, typically a work surface and something like a tap. However, it will not hold up very well under pressure. 

Can You Use Plumbers Tape On Copper Pipe?

Since plumbers tape is designed to be used with metal fittings, it is perfectly acceptable to use it on a copper pipe. Many plumbers will use this together with pipe dope for an even greater seal.

It is, however, essential that you remember to wrap the tape in the correct direction for the greatest effectiveness. You should put the tape on in the direction of the male threads; in most cases this is in a clockwise direction. 

Once applied, the Teflon tape will create a watertight seal which is incredibly reliable. That said, getting it right can be a bit tricky for inexperienced people. You need to remember that the threads are what make the seal and the tape simply upholds this. Also keep in mind that if a fitting has a rubber gasket, you may not need to use the tape as well 

Can You Use Plumbers Tape As Electrical Tape?

Electrical tape is designed with electricity in mind and will go some way in insulating a wire and protecting the user from shock. However, PTFE tape is not designed in this way and so will not offer the same protection or effectiveness. 

When working with electrical installations and wiring, it is highly recommended to only use tape that has been designed for this purpose. Plumbers tape is not heat rated and so will not hold up well with electricity. Moreover, the Teflon will not offer adequate shock protection. Instead, you should use electrical tape or wire nuts. 

Recent Article: What Tools Does A Plumber Need

Conclusion

Whether you’re just starting out in the plumbing trade and want to know when and how you can use different pieces of equipment or you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to make the most out of the tape you currently have, it’s important to know the difference between plumbers tapes. 

Yellow PTFE tape is much thicker and denser and designed to stand up to the challenges of a gas joint. Using any other type of plumbers tape for this kind of work is fraught with risks and should always be avoided.