Replies

1. 
   inD47 | Sep 10, 2009 01:01am | #1

   two wraps is plenty fo 1/2" and 3/4" pipe.

2. 
   SamT | Sep 10, 2009 01:03am | #2

   One.

   SamT
   A Pragmatic Classical Liberal, aka Libertarian.

   I'm always right!
   Except when I'm not.

3. 
   popawheelie | Sep 10, 2009 02:03am | #3

   I read once that three were recomended. But it depends. Sometimes I do more to build it up.

   But usually I don't do less than three. Some tapes are thicker as well. I picked up some for gas pipes and it was thicker.

   "There are three kinds of men: The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."
   Will Rogers
4. 
   jayzog | Sep 10, 2009 02:10am | #4

   It is the kinda thing that only experience will tell. Sometimes its 1 wrap,other times its 7, 'pends on how it feels as you make em up.

5. 
   DaveRicheson | Sep 10, 2009 03:09am | #5

   Two and a layer of teflon pipe dope for most pipe if you get the heavier tape.

6. 
   rdesigns | Sep 10, 2009 05:22pm | #6

   First, a couple of definitions to make my story clear:

   Starting threads:  the male threads that go in first.

   Ending threads:  The last threads before smooth pipe.

   I always begin my wraps at the ending threads and use more wraps there (3 or 4), and then proceed with wrapping toward the starting threads, where I end up with 2 or 3 wraps. This way, each succeeding wrap covers the the front edge of the one underneath, so there's no tendency to push a layer ahead of the lip of the fitting, and the extra thickness at the ending threads makes the joint tighter on the imperfect threads that are the ending threads.

   This is assuming that you're using 1/2" wide tape, which is narrower than the length of the threads on even 1/2" pipe.

1. 
   RedfordHenry | Sep 11, 2009 04:13am | #13

   I was taught to hold the pipe to be threaded in my left hand, with my palm down and the threads pointing towards my right hand.  With my right hand holding the tape, start at the outside threads (your "starting" threads), and wrap the tape clockwise (same direction as if you were threading a coupling onto the pipe).  Working towards the end of the thread, each wrap overlaps the previous wrap by about half a tape width.

   Exactly the opposite of your way.

   I'm not aware of my way ever failing, and I'm guessing neither are you.

   Therefore, I conclude that it doesn't matter!

1. 
   rdesigns | Sep 11, 2009 05:14am | #16

   Probably not--the only downside I can think of with your method is that the front edge of each layer is exposed to possibly being pushed ahead of lip of the fitting as it advances on the threads. With my method, the exposed edges are at the trailing edge of the tape.

   But, as you say, maybe it's no big deal.

7. 
   MikeHennessy | Sep 10, 2009 07:36pm | #7

   Water or gas? For water, I find that the correct number of wraps is exactly 1 more than I used. I perpetually got S L O W leaks with taped joints on water lines. So I now use two wraps and a generous doping with RectorSeal. (Same for gas now.) No more leaks.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA
   Everything fits, until you put glue on it.

1. 
   JTC1 | Sep 11, 2009 04:28am | #15

   Your BI allows Teflon tape for gas? Natural gas? 

   Our county, and I think the whole state, allows only pipe dope on NG gas pipe --and you need to have the tube / can present at gas inspection so the BI can read that your dope is approved for NG.

   Might permit tape for propane - not sure.

   JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Sep 11, 2009 02:43pm | #17

   Dunno if it's technically Teflon, but it's the yelow, thicker tape that's made, and allowed, for gas. At least I think it's allowed -- it says "for natural gas" on the label and no inspector has ever called me on it.

   Now you got me wonderin'.Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PAEverything fits, until you put glue on it.

1. 
   JTC1 | Sep 11, 2009 03:26pm | #18

   I know exactly the yellow tape (all I have seen is Teflon) you are talking about and that it is labelled for NG -- also know it is unacceptable for use in the eyes of our building department.

   That is not to say that it will not work perfectly - just that it is not approved here.

   I even have a roll - works great for water lines -- seems a little thicker than most of the white stuff around these days.

   My Dad worked for DuPont (Teflon) back when the tape was being developed. I still have a roll or two from way back when........those rolls are considerably thicker than the currently marketed product.  Sometimes thick works for you, sometimes against you.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

   Edited 9/11/2009 8:28 am ET by JTC1

8. 
   Shacko | Sep 10, 2009 11:46pm | #8

   Normally I use three unless I have some of the imported tape, then I adjust depending how thin it is. Some brass fittings you have to wrap the hell out of it due to the poor quality of the fitttings, i.e. no taper. Copper fittings I don't use tape most of the time because they usually are theaded too sharp and the threads cut it out of the joint. If your joints are going in too easy, use more tape.

    

    

   "If all else fails, read the directions"
9. 
   mike4244 | Sep 11, 2009 01:21am | #9

   I use two or three at most.I recall reading somewhere that 2 wraps are all that is needed.

   mike

1. 
   inD47 | Sep 11, 2009 04:00am | #11

   that was what I said, great minds think alike.

10. 
    Mongo | Sep 11, 2009 03:46am | #10

    3

1. 
   mmoogie | Sep 11, 2009 04:07am | #12

   I'm paranoid about leaks. I use 5 or 6 wraps of tape and teflon pipe dope. Since I began with this routine, a few years back, I've not had a leak. But I don't do a lot of plumbing.Steve

1. 
   brownbagg | Sep 11, 2009 04:14am | #14

   till you run out of tape