Intro

On most jobs, thread leaks come from one simple mistake: using the wrong tape. White vs Yellow vs Pink Teflon Tape — the WRONG one causes leaks. Here’s the short version. Yellow is for gas. Pink is heavy‑duty for water. White is general purpose. Use the right width and wraps, and leaks stop. In this guide, you’ll learn which colour to pick, how many wraps to use, and the exact steps to seal NPT/BSP threads. We’ll also cover common mistakes, quick fixes, and a jobsite checklist you can use today.

Quick Answer

Pick the tape for the job: yellow PTFE for gas, pink high‑density for water and larger threads, white for light‑duty water fittings. Wrap 4–6 times for water, 6–8 for gas, in the tighten direction. Start 1–2 threads back. Pressurise and check for leaks for 10–15 minutes.

Table of Contents

• Why Colour Matters for PTFE Tape
• White vs Yellow vs Pink Teflon Tape: When to Use Each
• How to Apply White vs Yellow vs Pink Teflon Tape
• Tape vs Pipe Dope: When Each Works Best
• Common Mistakes and Fast Fixes
• Jobsite Checklist and Time-Savers
• FAQs

Key Takeaways

• Yellow = gas lines; pink = heavy‑duty water; white = light‑duty water.
• Use 12 mm (1/2"), 19 mm (3/4"), or 25 mm (1") widths to match thread size.
• Wrap 4–6 times for water, 6–8 for gas; always with the tighten direction.
• Start 1–2 threads back to prevent shreds entering the line.
• Pressure‑check joints for 10–15 minutes before finishing the close‑up.

Why Colour Matters for PTFE Tape

Colour isn’t just branding. It signals the tape’s density and intended use. If you pick wrong, the joint can weep under pressure or fail on gas checks. That’s why “White vs Yellow vs Pink Teflon Tape - The WRONG One Causes Leaks!” is more than a headline — it’s daily reality on site.

• Yellow PTFE is gas‑rated. It’s commonly marked for gas service. Use it on natural gas and LPG threaded joints where tape is permitted.
• Pink PTFE is high‑density. It suits potable water and larger or looser threads because it fills better.
• White PTFE is light‑duty. It works on small water fittings, but it compresses more and can under‑seal on worn threads.

Always read the print on the tape core. Look for approvals like WRAS (potable water) and EN 751‑3 or similar for gas. Standards vary by region, so follow local codes and manufacturer guidance.

White vs Yellow vs Pink Teflon Tape: When to Use Each

Use this quick comparison to choose fast and correctly.

Five quick rules you can trust:

1. Gas line? Use yellow PTFE tape or an approved gas jointing compound as permitted.
2. Potable water with bigger fittings (3/4"–1")? Pink high‑density seals best.
3. Small tap tails and shower arms? White PTFE works if threads are crisp.
4. Loose or worn threads? Go pink, or use paste that’s approved for the medium.
5. Don’t use PTFE on compression, flare, or parallel threads with washers; it’s for tapered or sealing threads only.

How to Apply White vs Yellow vs Pink Teflon Tape

Get the technique right, and joints pass first time. Here’s the simple method that works on NPT and BSPT.

1. Clean the threads. Wire brush or cloth. Remove oil, rust, and old tape.
2. Pick the right tape width: 12 mm (1/2"), 19 mm (3/4"), or 25 mm (1").
3. Start 1–2 threads back from the end to keep shreds out of the line.
4. Wrap with the tighten direction. On right‑hand threads, go clockwise.
5. Keep tension. Stretch the tape slightly so it bites into the root of the thread.
6. Overlap by about 50%. Aim for neat, even layers.
7. Wrap count:
   • Water: 4–6 wraps (white or pink).
   • Gas: 6–8 wraps (yellow).
8. Smooth it. Run a thumb around once to seat the tape.
9. Assemble finger‑tight, then wrench‑tight. Usually 1–2 turns after snug is enough. Do not over‑torque.
10. Pressure‑test for 10–15 minutes. Watch for weeps and re‑make if needed.

Tip: On most jobs, this takes 30–60 seconds per joint. That minute saves hours of call‑backs.

Tape vs Pipe Dope: When Each Works Best

Both seal threads. Both stop leaks. Pick based on the job.

• Use tape when you need clean, dry assembly. Great for chrome, wall plates, and tight spaces.
• Use dope (jointing compound) when threads are rough, big, or you need easy future disassembly.
• Use both? Only if the manufacturer says they’re compatible. Many contractors avoid mixing to keep it simple.

Rules of thumb:

1. Gas: Yellow PTFE or an approved gas paste. Follow local gas regs.
2. Big threads (1"+): Pink high‑density or a paste approved for the medium.
3. Plastic male into metal female: Tape helps prevent galling. Avoid over‑torque.
4. Parallel threads with a washer (e.g., some BSPP): Seal on the washer; tape won’t help.

Common Mistakes and Fast Fixes

Most contractors skip one of these steps. Don’t make that mistake.

• Using white tape on gas: Swap to yellow gas‑rated. Re‑make the joint.
• Wrapping the wrong way: Re‑wrap in the tighten direction so the tape doesn’t unwind.
• Too few wraps: Add to 4–6 (water) or 6–8 (gas). Test again.
• Starting at the thread end: Start 1–2 threads back to keep shreds out of valves and aerators.
• Tape on compression or flare: Remove tape. Reseat the olive or flare, replace if scored.
• Over‑torquing plastic: Back off. Re‑wrap and tighten to snug plus 1/4–1/2 turn.

If a joint still weeps after a clean re‑make, inspect the male thread. If it’s nicked or flattened, replace the fitting. High‑density pink or an approved paste can save marginal threads, but damaged threads often need new parts.

Jobsite Checklist and Time-Savers

Use this quick list before you thread up.

• Tape colours on hand: white, yellow, pink (2 rolls each).
• Widths: 12 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm for 1/2", 3/4", 1" fittings.
• Brush and rag in your pouch for fast prep.
• Test kit ready: gauge, soapy water, or leak spray. Hold tests 10–15 minutes.
• Local approvals: WRAS for potable, gas‑rated marking for gas, follow regional code.

Time‑savers contractors like:

• Pre‑cut 150–200 mm strips for repetitive joints.
• Mark the roll core with a sharpie: “WATER”, “GAS”, “HD WATER”.
• Log material choices on your job notes and proposals. It reduces disputes and callbacks. Tools like Donizo help you capture project details by voice or photo and turn them into clear, signed proposals fast.

If you’re also looking to streamline professional proposals, our guide covers practical templates and scope notes that prevent change orders. This pairs well with understanding project timelines so you can schedule pressure tests and client walk‑throughs. For contractors dealing with late payments, we recommend using clear invoice templates that state test results and materials used.

FAQs

Is pink PTFE tape OK for gas lines?

No. Use yellow gas‑rated PTFE tape on gas where tape is permitted by local codes, or use an approved gas jointing compound. Pink is high‑density for water and general plumbing, not for gas.

How many wraps of PTFE tape should I use?

For water, 4–6 wraps is usually right. For gas, use 6–8 wraps. Always keep steady tension and overlap by about half the tape width for even layers.

Which way do I wrap PTFE tape?

Wrap in the same direction you’ll tighten the joint. On right‑hand threads, that’s clockwise when looking at the pipe end. This keeps the tape from unravelling as you turn the fitting.

Can I use PTFE tape on compression or flare fittings?

No. Compression and flare joints seal on the olive or flare face, not on the threads. Adding tape can cause misalignment and leaks. Clean the faces, replace damaged parts, and re‑tighten correctly.

Is white PTFE tape safe for drinking water?

Generally yes, but check for potable approvals like WRAS on the tape. For larger or looser threads on potable lines, pink high‑density PTFE often seals better with fewer remakes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tape stops leaks before they start. Yellow for gas, pink for heavy‑duty water, white for light‑duty. Wrap with the tighten direction, use the right width, and start 1–2 threads back. Next steps: 1) Stock all three colours and widths, 2) Follow the wrap counts above, 3) Pressure‑test every joint for 10–15 minutes. When you document materials and test results in your proposals, clients trust your work. Platforms such as Donizo make it easy to capture details on site, send branded proposals for e‑signature, and convert them to invoices in one click. Use the right tape today, and cut your call‑backs tomorrow.