The Difference Between a Plumber’s Tape and Putty

Plumber’s tape is usually called a PTFE tape, which stands for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It also has many names, such as a plumber’s tape, Teflon tape or a thread seal tape. This type of tape helps to prevent leaks from occurring and is used around pipes and joints. For example, around taps or radiator valves.

A plumber’s putty is a soft sealing compound that is used for sealing taps or drains, as well as other plumbing materials. It is usually clay-like and was used frequently by plumbers years ago. However, it’s still one of the best options for plumbers in multiple situations.

What plumber’s tape and putty can fix and where they can be used

Plumber’s tape

• Leakages
  Plumber’s tape can be used to stop or prevent leaks, especially when an individual attaches two joints together. Doing this will ensure that there are no future leakages. However, a plumber’s tape is only used to solve problems temporarily and is not suitable as a long term solution.
• Gas pipes
  Plumber’s tape is also commonly used to seal gas pipes, but it’s important to select the right tape. Although gas-rated plumber’s tape is available to purchase, it is denser and thicker when compared to the usual plumber’s tape. If this is incorrectly used, however, it can result in leaking and degradation. This is due to the manufacturing process stretching the gas-rated tapes thinner than heavy-duty plumber’s tapes for natural gas ducting joints.
• For environments that use petrol and oil 
  Plumber’s tape is petrol and oil resistant, so it is frequently used for the sealing and lubricating of fuel line joints. Furthermore, it is also suitable for use in environments where petrol and oil are utilised, such as vehicle parts, since its design means it can manage under moderately high pressure and heat.

How to apply a plumber’s tape 

• You should first of all clean any duct joints before applying the tape. For any stubborn greases, you can purchase a pipe cleaner for help.
• You should then let the joint threads dry after cleaning them.
• Once they’re dry, you can then wrap the plumber’s tape around the threads. Start at the open end of a thread and work back towards the pipe. This will prevent any material that might break off from entering the duct and will also prevent any distortion.
• While working down the threads, the layers of tape should overlap about half of their width. You should also pull tightly while wrapping the threads to ensure sufficient tension.
• You should repeat this until you reach the end of the final thread. You can then cut and stick the last length of tape to complete the process. However, you should make sure that the cut end is smooth.

Plumber’s putty

Unlike plumber’s tape, a plumber’s putty is more commonly used for one thing:

• Leakages 
  A plumber’s putty is commonly used to stop leakages. It is utilised for sealing along the base of a tap or other sink fixtures, and can also be applied to the underside of a sink trainer and a pop-up drain for a sink or a bathtub. One positive attribute of a putty is its invisibility when the part is installed. However, if caulk was used instead of a putty, it will be difficult to access certain areas where caulk is used if you want to remove any parts.

How to use a plumber’s putty 

If you want to know how to use a plumber’s putty, here are the steps on how to use it.

• Scoop the ball out and then roll it back and forth between your open palms, creating a continuous rope.
• Roll out the rope to any length you need and to consistent diameter larger than the gap you’re filling.
• On the part you want to seal, lay the putty rope into place. You should then work in a continuous loop, rolling it around the part until you meet the starting point.
• Without deforming the rope, you should gently press it into place.
• You should then install the part you need, which will likely squeeze out the putty when the part is tightened. Tighten the plumbing part all the way, wiping any excess putty afterwards.

This is the difference between a plumber’s tape and a plumber’s putty, as well as where and how they can be used. If this is all too confusing, you should consider hiring a professional plumber from our list here to assist you.