A common question is whether PTFE tape oil-resistant qualities are strong enough to withstand heavy use. The answer is yes, they are. PTFE tape is oil and petrol-resistant due to its notable chemical inertness. That’s why it’s commonly used to seal and lubricate joints around fuel lines in automotive applications.
Another frequently asked question is how to use Teflon tape properly. Plumbers tape is very easy to use, making it one of the easiest ways to improve a plumbing project. However, there’s a right and wrong wayto apply it. How do you apply Teflon tape correctly? The trick to getting plumber’s tape right is to wrap it around the pipe in the proper direction. The friction of the pipe turning could unravel or ball up the tape, so wrap the tape in the opposite direction as the threads twist. Start at the open end of the pipe and move away from the opening so the tape partially covers where you started.
This will help the tape settle further into the threads. When the pipe is turned, the friction of the mating threads should tighten the tape around the pipe rather than work against it. Each twist will help make a tighter seal.
Note that by applying the tape this way, the tape will most likely come off when you remove the pipe later. This is not a problem since you should replace the Teflon tape whenever you refit a plumbing joint. The unscrewing action will catch the end of the tape and help loosen it so you can remove it and replace it cleanly.
