At your hardware store, you have likely seen pipe leak tape – often called Teflon tape or plumbers tape – which creates watertight seals while helping lubricate joints for easier threading. While plumbers tape is commonly used to repair leaky pipes, other forms of tape may also work effectively in doing this job.
Foil tape
Foil tape is an extremely versatile protective solution used in various industries and applications. Made of aluminum, copper or lead foil with strong adhesive qualities and offering superior shear/peel strength resistance properties; foil tape can withstand both extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals without succumbing to damage.
Foil tape can help protect copper pipes from corrosion by acting as a barrier between moisture and harsh chemicals, and their surface. Furthermore, foil tape comes in various widths and thicknesses to meet different needs.
Tape is often used in construction applications to seal or wrap insulation panels, and can be found at home improvement centers and hardware stores. Electrical grounding tape may also be employed as an EMI/RFI shielding measure in electrical applications – consult an expert if unsure which kind is appropriate for your project.
Insulation
Insulation can provide your copper pipes with protection from freezing temperatures and noise pollution, without needing special tools or skills to complete. Simply make sure that before buying materials for insulation you take careful measurements of their size as per manufacturer instructions for optimal results.
This insulation tape provides high performance insulation that stands up against extreme weather and temperature conditions, thanks to its rubber-based adhesive backing. Perfect for protecting pipe surfaces above and below ground. Resistant to soil acids, salt water chemicals and weathering.
This insulation tape is specifically designed to prevent sweating and condensation on refrigerant lines, cold pipes, ductwork and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Easy to install, flexible across a range of temperatures and chemical-resistant – it makes an excellent way of sealing leaks, repairing cracks and preventing corrosion in metal pipework systems.
Pipe thread tape
Pipe thread tape can help prevent leaks in pipes by sealing connections through lubrication. Wrapped around male pipe threads and covered with pipe dope, the tape seals them tightly against leakage while simultaneously tightening deeper into their fitting. However, any tape that overhangs or extends past its end could block openings and lead to leakage.
PTFE tape comes in various colors to match the type of pipe it’s used with, density options and purity levels, as well as various pipe profiles and applications. There are six main varieties of PTFE tape available with specific qualities ideal for specific tasks and environments.
To apply PTFE thread tape correctly, start at the pipe’s end and tighten tightly so as to not cover up male threads with tape. Wrap each individual thread clockwise before continuing your work.
Silicone tape
Silicone tape can help maintain waterflow for small leaks that have not caused significant damage to copper water pipes, while waiting for a plumber. Pipe thread tape doesn’t do much when dealing with hairline fractures and breaks in sealant material; for larger holes that need filling with latex caulk or plumber’s putty instead.
Silicone tape, also referred to as self amalgamating tape, self vulcanizing tape or fusible tape, is composed of cured silicone rubber that is flexible yet firm enough for stretching and wrapping around an object before bonding together in minutes or hours. Used often in high temperature/moisture applications like electrical insulation or weatherproofing applications.
Chemical resistant tape offers superior resistance against abrasion and chemicals, UV radiation, salt water acidification and other environmental elements that degrade conventional tape. Keep a roll handy in your toolbox or glove compartment to facilitate quick repairs in times of emergency.