subject: Difference Between Plumber's Putty And Teflon Tape [print this page] Plumber's putty is a pliable substance used to create watertight seals around plumbing joints and fittings. The putty is considered one of the basic plumber tools and is used any time pipes and plumbing fittings of any kind are replaced. Plumber's putty is also utilized to create seals around sinks, faucets, and other fixtures.
Another known tool of any plumber is a white thin tape called Teflon tape. It is also used at the joints of threaded pipes and gives sealing to them. Threaded connections of gas, water and air find a perfect seal in it.
While on the job, a plumber may require both the Teflon tape and the putty as well; these are used for different purposes. The Teflon tape is used for joining threaded pipe joints of gas and liquids where consideration is pressure where as the plumber's putty is used where water resistance sealing is the factor and not the pressure.
It is very easy to use a Teflon tape. Wrap it on the threaded area of the male pipe. It should be wrapped in a clockwise turns overlapping each other over about half the width of the previous one.
To obtain a complete sealing and the water resistance qualities, the female end of the pipe should tightened right up to the threaded area of the male pipe where the Teflon tape is in place.
Using the plumber's putty is sometimes messy. In the case of a drain, run a generous bead of putty around the underside of the drain's rim, and then place it in the drain hole in the sink. Tighten down the drain from underneath according to the instructions, and then wipe off the excess putty with a damp rag.
In case you need to apply putty on the faucets, it is better to run a thick bead of putty around the faucet's base. This would provide a firm grip to the faucet. Also, wipe off the extra putty from the surface of the faucet.
Different types and densities of Teflon tape are color-coded for different uses. White tape, which you will find in any hardware or DIY store, is suited for water supply pipes up to 3/8 inch in diameter. Yellow tape, which is twice as dense as white, is for use on gas lines. Red tape is for use on larger pipes---1/2 inch to 2 inches. Different brands of plumber's putty have different ingredients. But they are all water-repellent, and all remain soft and flexible for a long time.
