You wouldn’t realise how important the pipe leak tape can be until you experience a leakage in your own plumbing system. FYI, it’s kind of a staple in the complicated world of plumbing as professional plumbers in Australia find it highly effective to use in their daily jobs.
If it so happens that a minor pipe leak occurs in your home and you just want to DIY-fix it, you need to know what type of pipe leak tape to use and how to apply it in the right way. But before you even think of fixing your own plumbing issues by yourself, here are some things you need to know about this plumber’s best friend – the pipe leak tape.
What You Need to Know About Pipe Leak Tapes
There are two types generally used in leaking pipes:
Pipe Thread – Known by many names such as Teflon tape, plumber’s tape, thread seal tape, or PTFE tape, this type is used to produce a watertight seal between plumbing joints, aside from providing lubrication to joints so that threading can become easier.
Silicone –Known as self-amalgamating or self-fusing tape, this type sticks to itself, as the name implies and not to the pipe, therefore you need to bind it around a pipe leak so that you can create a watertight seal.
Between the two, using silicone tape is more of a temporary waterproof seal to hairline cracks or leaks that are not coming from the joints. The pipe thread on the other hand, more or less provides a semi-permanent solution to loosened connection or leaking joints since such type is durable and can last for longer.
There’s also what we call fracture leaks or those that are found in the middle and not along the joints of the pipe that are best fixed using silicone tape. To keep the leak from getting worse, or to prevent wasting more water, the silicone tape is the right option. That being said, never assume it to be a permanent remedy. Call the plumber nearest you for a long-lasting fix.
Remember, if it’s a leaking joint, use the pipe thread. If it’s a hairline or fracture leak, use silicone tape. If you happen to use the wrong type, then your plumbing issue is not going to be resolved. The right tape applied in the right manner can bring you success. By and large, pipe leak tape, whatever the type, is the most sensible and most effective relief to numerous plumbing glitches.
How To Use a Pipe Leak Tape
Make sure the water has been shut off. Remove the worn seal from the joint then disconnect the connection. Apply the pipe thread tape on the leaking joint wrapping it around from four to six times. Wrapping should be done in the opposite direction to the direction in screwing the pipe back again. Once the pipe end has been fully wrapped, connect the pipe back into the joint. Now, check for leaks. If this didn’t pull off, call a legitimate emergency plumber Croydon if you are living around the area.
