How to properly wind FUM tape onto pipeline connections

When assembling a pipeline and installing various plumbing equipment, it is necessary to firmly seal the joints of pipe parts in order to avoid water or gas leaks. There are various materials for this. One of the most popular tools for sealing is FUM tape. Its use has its own subtleties and nuances, so you need to know how to wind FUM tape correctly so that no problems arise during the installation process.

FUM tape Source wellmart.net

Where is it used?

Due to its properties and characteristics, FUM tape is used in most situations where sealing treatment is required.

Water pipes . The most important thing that FUM tape is used for is sealing water connections. The material is water-repellent, which makes it almost indispensable for fastening water pipes and parts during the assembly and installation of equipment.
Gas pipeline . The film can be made gas-tight, and it can be used to install gas appliances and meters. However, not every FUM tape is suitable for this purpose; you need to purchase a specialized tape for gas.
Technique . The material is characterized by resistance to various types of influences, therefore it is actively used to repair internal mechanisms of cars and various technical devices.

Heating pipes fastened with tape Source re-st.ru

What is FUM tape and its areas of application

The material for the production of FUM is a chemically produced synthetic polymer polytetrafluoroethylene (fluoroplastic F-4), which initially has the appearance of white flakes, which during further processing are sintered and pressed at high temperatures.

FUM tape - thin elastic strips of various thicknesses and widths made from fluoroplastic F-4, wound on reels, sold in the form of reels, sometimes additionally included with lubricant or glue.

Due to its physical and chemical properties, the tape is widely used in many household areas where hermetic insulation of threaded connections is required:

Water supply . It is well known to use tape FUMs for connecting sanitary fixtures, heating radiators, and connecting pipes made of various materials. Due to its water-repellent properties, the tape is indispensable when installing external water supply lines from HDPE pipes and sealing other types of polymer-based fittings.

Gas lines . FUM tape does not allow gases to pass through, therefore it provides reliable protection against leaks when working in gas lines; in everyday life, it is used to connect gas meters, gas stoves, boilers, cylinders and other equipment.

Automotive technology . Due to its high chemical and thermal resistance, FUM tape is used for repairing all types of equipment; it is not afraid of the effects of automobile fuel and oil.

The following colors are most often found in the retail chain:

white - designed for use in water mains;

yellow - designed for use in gas lines.

Rice. 2 Types of FUM

Pros and cons of using

The main advantage of choosing tape is its availability. FUM is sold at a low price, cheaper than flax tow and most other sealants used in plumbing.

The material is characterized by ease of installation. With proper skill, winding the tape occurs in a matter of seconds, but for this you should practice winding it on connections of different diameters for some time.

An important advantage of using tape is that the parts fastened with it can be easily disassembled. The connections do not freeze tightly; they can be disassembled even years after installation.

The main disadvantage of the material is that it is not the most reliable of seals, therefore, as a rule, it is not used for industrial installation. However, for household repairs the hermetic properties of FUM are quite sufficient.

Another disadvantage is that the tape often protrudes outward from the joints, so the pipes may look sloppy because of this.

Tape on thread Source sdelairukami.ru

How to wind fum thread correctly. How to wind Tangit type plumbing thread

To seal threaded connections of plumbing lines, it is rational and convenient to use polyamide or fluoroplastic threads impregnated with special lubricants, which give the threads moisture resistance and also protect the outer surface of the thread from corrosion. In addition, this is a modern, less labor-intensive and reliable solution to the issue of sealing threaded connections in plumbing.

For proper and high-quality sealing and sealing of a threaded connection, it is necessary to strictly follow the technological process for performing this operation, which otherwise will lead to leakage of the connection and its short service life. I place the tip of the thread at the beginning of the thread on the pipe, so that the thread lies completely in the groove between the ridges of the thread to its very bottom.

Tangit Unilok is a highly advertised imported thread. But unreasonably expensive. I use Russian analogues.

In this case, the fundamental factor is the direction of the thread. It is worth strictly considering that the thread is wound along the thread. In plumbing, this is an important factor, since depending on the connections made and connections of sanitary fixtures to water supply and heating communications, there are both left and right thread directions. Otherwise, when twisting the parts, the thread will simply be squeezed out of the connection by the screwed part. Having decided on the direction of winding the sealing thread, I lay it in a uniform, dense first layer along the entire length of the thread. Then, in three stretched turns, I return to the beginning of winding the thread, that is, again to the beginning of the thread, and repeat the operation.

By repeating the winding in this manner, I achieve the required layer of sealing thread sealant, which allows the operation of screwing up the threaded joint to be carried out with an interference fit. Having finished winding the last layer of seal, I return the thread to the beginning of the thread and cut it with a sharp knife. This action is important so that when starting the connection, the wound part initially tightly presses the end of the thread and does not allow it to relax further. Since, depending on the manufacturer of the thread, its diameters vary significantly in relation to each other, it makes no sense to recommend the number of wound layers and you only need to focus on the degree of density of the twisted parts.

Winding the thread crosswise, as in the instructions

The uniform and dense feeling of force during this operation indicates the result of a high-quality connection and optimal adjustment of the thread. When twisting the parts of a threaded connection with an adjustable or open-end wrench, you immediately feel a reasonable force during this action; the parts should in no way be screwed together by hand. Protrusion and squeezing of the thread from the connection indicates an excess of sealant and is fraught with the formation of a defect in one of the parts being connected; often the screwed part can simply burst. The lack of effort when screwing up indicates a lack of application of the sealing thread to the thread, and such a connection will definitely not be airtight and will be guaranteed to leak.

The apparent simplicity of this action at first glance actually requires a serious approach to its implementation. After all, the reliability of the entire system and the absence of emergency situations during its further operation depend on the quality of sealing.

Specifications

Let's consider the technical characteristics of the FUM tape, which determine its properties:

the material is characterized by resistance to damage;
has plasticity;
retains its properties for a long time and does not need regular replacement;
is environmentally friendly and does not emit harmful substances;
heat-resistant, able to withstand a wide range of temperatures;
the thickness is only two tenths of a millimeter;
has dielectric properties and gas impermeability;
elastic, capable of stretching almost twice its original length.

Using FUM for water connections

The use of sealed film for water connections has certain advantages compared, for example, with the use of flax tow and sealant

Taped water connections Source userapi.com

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in water supply and sewerage work.

When using sealant, depending on its type, the connection can be sealed almost tightly, and if dismantling is necessary, the pipes will take a long time to disassemble.

The advantage of using FUM tape for water is that it does not interfere with the dismantling of pipes, is sufficiently waterproof and is easier to use. It can also be used together with flax as an additional sealant.

Fum tape brands

A sealing film is made from fluoroplastic f4 by rolling out the fibers and drying them in a vacuum chamber. The bundles are wound into rolls, the width of which is 10–16 mm. Lubricants can be added to the composition of the material, which depend on the brand of fum tape.

FUM 1. Used for sealing pipelines that operate in aggressive environments, in chemical plants and oil refineries. Withstands high temperatures, which allows it to be used for heating pipes. Contains petroleum jelly as a lubricant.
FUM 2. Intended for use in systems in contact with an oxygen environment and oxidizing agents. It is used at gasified stations and oxygen shops. The sealed layer is durable and can withstand constant pressure. It does not contain any additives.
FUM 3. A mixture of the first two brands. Used in systems that come into contact with clean media. It does not contain impurities and lubricants.

Fum tape is also divided according to parameters. The width is in the range of 10–100 mm, thickness 0.1–2 mm. The choice of required parameters depends on the task to be performed. The larger the connection and the deeper the thread, the tighter and wider the application. But if you don’t have a seal of the required size at hand, these requirements are regulated by the number of turns: thin film can be wound more, thick film less.

Fum tape is also divided by color: yellow and white. The yellow one is intended for gas equipment, the white one is wound in all other industries.

Using FUM for a gas pipeline

To fasten gas pipeline parts and install gas equipment, you should use only special FUM tape for gas. It must be supplied with a certificate of conformity confirming its suitability for use on gas pipes.

The special film for gas is yellow. It is made wider - up to two centimeters in width.

Yellow FUM tape for gas Source megastroy.com

The use of the material is possible only when sealing can only be achieved using a sealant. In the case of rubber hoses, as well as metal hoses, the sealing function is provided by a special gasket. In this case, the additional seal will not add tightness to the connection, and may even break it, as it will interfere with the tight fit of the gasket.

What brands of tape are found in stores?

The tape is divided into classes:

1 class. This type of product belongs to professional materials;
2nd grade. It is designed to work with strong oxidizing agents;
3rd grade. This type is created for industrial use.

The first type of tape contains medical vaseline oil GOST 3164-78 from 17 to 20%. The second type of product does not contain such lubricant. But the third type is the components of classes 1 and 2.

But there is also 4 more types of tape, this is a simple tape, it is often bought by consumers, it naturally cannot withstand any aggressive environments, alkalis and solvents, but it is ideal for sealing taps.

How to use FUM tape correctly

First you need to prepare the surface for the tape. If the pipes are new, they still need to be treated with gasoline or solvent. If the pipes are old, then you need to thoroughly clean the threads and treat them with a solvent.

Once the threads are clean, start winding the tape. Make the twist along the thread. But do not twist the material, make a rope out of it, try to twist it so that the product fits into the grooves of the thread. And every second turn overlapped the first, that is, wind without gaps.

Wrapping must be done directly from the reel; do not cut off pieces of tape, otherwise the work will not be done well. Only by winding from a reel can you create the necessary tension in the material and wind it tightly. Then take the second part and start screwing it onto the resulting thread section. You will have a part that turns tightly, but make an effort. The tighter it is twisted, the more securely it will hold.

What actions should be taken when the tape is wound, instructions

First make sure that the part is tightened firmly. If you notice that it was easy for you, then you need to apply another layer of tape. Then tighten it and tighten it with a wrench. Now the spin has happened efficiently. Next, you need to turn on the tap and carefully check for any leaks.

Why is FUM tape so popular?

It's very simple: you wind the elastic material. When you start twisting the parts, the tape begins to fall apart and penetrate into all the hidden corners of the second thread, that is, the internal thread. As a result, it tightly seals all the cracks and there is simply nowhere for water to flow. This is an ideal material, easy to use.

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How to wind tape

In fact, to figure out how to properly wind FUM tape onto a thread, you do not need to have any special skills. However, certain operating features should be taken into account in order to protect connections from leaks.

Before winding FUM tape, you must first thoroughly clean the parts. All joints must be treated with a solvent and dried to prevent debris from getting under the tape.

Winding tape onto a thread Source sovet-ingenera.com

Rules for winding fum tape

Before using the film, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the threads from dirt, scale, and rust. After this, it is degreased with gasoline or some other solvent.

It is impossible to determine the number of turns by eye. This depends on many factors: thread size, type of connection, brand of seal. Therefore, a beginner should practice winding the tape before winding it onto the finishing tape in order to avoid subsequent depressurization.

In the process of winding the fum tape, the reel must be wound. Otherwise, with each turn the tape will unwind and lengthen, there will be no necessary tension, folds and wrinkles will begin to form. This has a bad effect on the quality of sealing.

It is necessary to correctly wind the film in the same direction in which the part is screwed. If you wind it in the opposite direction, compaction will not occur.

If you have a narrow tape at hand for a wide part, you first need to fill each turn of the thread with a twisted film into a bundle. Only then roll the sealant over the entire width.

Things to consider

When working with tape, it is necessary to take into account some of its characteristic features.

The tape is quite slippery, so you need to wind it carefully so that the strips do not move out of bounds. It is advisable not to allow the edge to fall out into the inside of the connection.

How the tape should be positioned on the thread Source abro-ind.ru

Once the film has already been wound, it cannot be unwound and re-wound - this will break the tightness. Try to process it carefully right away, otherwise you will end up wasting a lot of material.
Also, the tightness will be broken if there is a need to loosen the connection. In this case, you will also have to rewind the material.

Liquid fum tape. Review: Liquid fum Santan - Liquid fum Santan we liked working with it

Advantages:

Convenient, reliable

Flaws:

Not discovered yet

Usually we use a simple fum tape, which every owner is familiar with. This summer we worked on the irrigation system. When installing the injector, we were faced with the fact that ordinary fum tape is not very suitable for us. We went to the store looking for something to replace it with. We were offered Santan liquid fum. We paid 38 hryvnia for a 10 ml bottle. but judging by the prices on the Internet, they overpaid. Liquid fum from this manufacturer is sold in a plastic bottle with a pipette. There is only one sticker on it. There is very little information and it is in too small a print, so you need to look for additional information on the Internet.

Used for sealing threaded metal connections. I am pleased with the wide range of temperatures at which you can work with it from -55 to +180 degrees. It is a liquid, on the Internet they say blue, but in our case it is yellow-green. We used it when working with cold water pipes. A couple of months have passed, everything is fine. During this time, nothing leaked or dripped anywhere. They write that it can also be used for pipes with hot water, gas and other substances; it dissolves only in acetone and trichloroethane. But we didn't try. It's very easy to use. You just need to apply liquid fum in a circle on the thread (on a turn), making sure that the “ring” is closed. Then you assemble the connection (tighten it) and wait for the product to harden. It is recommended to wait 2-3 hours; it hardens completely after 12 hours or a day. But we didn't expect that much. As for dismantling. There will be no difficulties with small diameter pipes. You can unscrew it using a key or a pug. But with a larger diameter it is a little more difficult. Dismantling can only be done by heating; it won’t be possible to unscrew it just like that. It is spent quite sparingly, at least we had enough for everything we needed and even had some left over. Stored well. It is written that it can be stored for at least a year, the main thing is that the temperature does not exceed 28 degrees. Overall, we liked the product and can recommend it.

Other seal options

Of course, FUM tape is not the only existing option for sealing joints. Among others, linen tow should be highlighted, along with which various types of sealants, as well as plumbing thread, are used to fasten pipe parts. Let's consider their advantages and disadvantages in comparison with FUM.

Flax tow

Linen is also one of the most popular materials. Just like FUM, it is customary to wrap tow in a dense layer.

It is important to wind the tow carefully and tightly, filling the thread completely along the turns. The outside of the fibers is additionally coated with paint or sealant. This leads to the main disadvantage of this material. It should be borne in mind that if paint is used, the connections cannot be dismantled and the pipes will be unsuitable for repair.

Flax tow Source ytimg.com

Also, the disadvantage of this material is its relative fragility. Unlike tape, flax is subject to gradual decomposition under the influence of moisture.

The main advantages of tow in comparison with FUM are:

Adjustability. After winding and securing the connection, it is possible to unscrew it at a slight angle without loss of tightness and the need to replace the sealing material.
Reliable sealing, high degree of tightness and ability to absorb liquid.
High resistance to various types of physical influences.
Easy to disassemble the connection.

If you have to choose what is better to use – ribbon or linen tow, then there is no definite answer. As a rule, it is recommended to use tow for intermediate pipeline connections. The tape is more suitable for securing taps, meters and mixers.

Sealants

When using flax tow, for a better fit and seal, the joint is additionally treated with a liquid sealant.

Liquid sealants Source ad-cd.net

Advantages and disadvantages over tow

Flax fiber remains one of the widely used materials for sealing joints on threads, but in many cases it is being replaced by FUM tape due to the following advantages:

Unlike tow, which is saturated with water and requires additional protection (painting, putty), the fluoroplastic strip is waterproof and does not require additional consumables during installation.
Sealing with fluoroplastic tape is characterized by simplicity and high speed of work.
It is almost impossible to detect joints using flax fiber that have an aesthetic appearance - tow often protrudes beyond the dimensions of the joints, being located on the surface, has an inaccurate shape and is painted in conspicuous colors. The connection with the FUM is usually hidden under the fittings and is invisible to the eye; if necessary, it can be easily cut off or left on a light plastic pipeline without disturbing the decorative effect.
Linen is a natural material and, when saturated with moisture, is susceptible to rotting and destruction; fluoroplastic can work in the system for decades without losing its physical and chemical parameters.
For the reasons given above (painting after winding), the connection with a fluoroplastic insulator, unlike flax tow, is quick-removable - easy to dismantle without further work on cleaning the threads and surfaces of the parts being connected.
When sealing tow, it is necessary to exert significant physical effort using plumbing wrenches - this can lead to destruction of the surface of fittings, adapter couplings, and union nuts. Due to its plasticity, when using fluoroplastic tapes, the applied forces are much less and allow you to connect parts even by hand.
The commercial advantages of FUM tape should also be noted - it is easily accessible, it can be purchased at any building materials store or on the market, and the cost is comparable to the price of flax tow.

Rice.
3 Metric and pipe threads Despite the rather significant advantages, FUM tape has not completely replaced tow for the following reasons:

The material has insufficient mechanical strength, that is, when used on a metal thread, its surface can be easily damaged (cut) by the sharp edges of the teeth during winding - as a result, the tightness will be broken and the connection will begin to leak water. This drawback limits the use of FUM tape, which is not recommended for use on triangular metal threads with sharp teeth (Fig. 3); the most suitable types are pipe, trapezoidal and any type on plastic products made of polymers.
The tape is more demanding on the thickness of the winding layer than flax tow; if there is an excess, the surface of the fluoroplastic sealant breaks, while the flax simply compacts.
Despite its high heat resistance, FUM tape is not recommended for use in heating systems with steel pipes - due to thermal expansion, it is strongly compressed or squeezed out of the thread, and when cooled, it does not completely seal the connection, resulting in a leak.
FUM should not be used when joining fittings that are subject to vibration during operation.

Note: When using FUM tapes, you must understand the following: it is more suitable for connecting threaded fittings made of polymers, with good skills - with metal trapezoidal and rounded threads, and is excluded when installing steel pipelines in which the threads are triangular in shape and applied using technology Soviet times or independently with dies.

Rice. 4 FUM brands and their characteristics

Briefly about the main thing

FUM tape is one of the popular and effective sealing options. It is affordable, easy to use, and does not create problems during subsequent repairs.

There are several simple rules on how to wind FUM tape onto a thread:

the winding area must be cleaned;
the tape is wound along the thread - how the nut will move along it;
When winding the tape, you need to tighten it a little;
Usually four layers are enough, but sometimes more are required;
After winding the tape, the thread relief should be palpable.

What is tow and how to work with it

Before fum tape appeared on the market, plumbing tow, which was flax fibers, was used to seal threaded connections of pipes. Optimal results were achieved by coating the layer of tow wound on the thread with a small amount of oil paint. Such a connection was difficult to disassemble after several years.

Now sanitary linen in the form of long silky threads is used along with new sealing materials. Only now a layer of sealing paste is applied on top of the winding, ensuring a reliable and durable connection. The paste protects the flax from rotting and makes dismantling easier if necessary.

Flax fibers are long, thin, strong, fit tightly into the grooves of the thread and do not deform when screwed