Teflon tape colors are a makers’ convention: white PTFE tape is for water-line threads, yellow is for gas, and pink is a denser water-line grade Oatey also lists for plastic threads. Yellow can go on water threads too, but gas threads need a roll its maker rates for gas, and Oatey claims no gas use for its white 31199 roll. Teflon is only the trade name; what you are buying is PTFE. Here’s exactly what to buy.
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| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| RectorSeal 35942 PTFE Tape | Best for Water Lines |
| Harvey’s Yellow Gas Line Tape | Best for Gas Lines |
| Oatey 31402D Pink PTFE Tape | Best for Plastic Threads |
Best for Water Lines
RectorSeal 35942 PTFE Tape
Check the RectorSeal 35942 PTFE Tape on Amazon →
White PTFE tape is the standard for water supply connections — faucet supply lines, hose bibb adapters, shower arms, toilet supply connections. RectorSeal lists its 35942 tape as pure PTFE, 1/2 in. x 260 in., for all metal and plastic threaded pipe joints. (We used to link Oatey 31199 here; on 10/3/2026 its Amazon listing was sold by a third-party seller, not by Amazon or the maker.
The Oatey white-roll figures in the pink-tape section below are Oatey’s own, for its 31199.) Two to three wraps clockwise around the male threads is all you need for a tight seal — more isn’t better and can prevent the fitting from threading fully.
- ✅ Standard for all water supply connections
- ✅ Pure PTFE, per RectorSeal
- ✅ For metal and plastic threads, per RectorSeal
- ❌ For fuel-gas threads, use a tape its maker rates for gas
Pure PTFE tape · 1/2 in. x 260 in. · for metal and plastic threaded pipe joints (per RectorSeal)
- The standard for every water-supply thread — faucet lines, shower arms, hose bibbs
- Pure PTFE, which RectorSeal says resists most liquids and gases
- RectorSeal lists it for all metal and plastic threaded pipe joints
- For fuel-gas threads, use a tape its maker rates for gas, such as the yellow roll below
- Does nothing on compression or slip-joint fittings
- Over-wrapping actually prevents a good seal — 2–3 wraps is plenty
Verdict: The tape to keep on the truck for every water connection.
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Best for Gas Lines
Harvey’s Yellow Gas Line PTFE Tape
Check Harvey’s yellow gas line PTFE tape on Amazon →
Yellow PTFE tape is made specifically for gas line connections, and the color coding is intentional — visual confirmation the correct tape was used. The fuel gas code in Georgia does not name a tape color. Its section 403.8.3 (the 2024 IFGC with Georgia amendments), and section G2414.8.3 of the residential code Georgia applies to one- and two-family houses and townhouses (the 2024 IRC with Georgia amendments), both in force since January 1, 2026, require only a thread sealing material that is nonhardening, resistant to the chemical constituents of the gas, and compatible with the pipe and fitting materials.
Yellow is the tape makers’ convention, and what stands behind it varies: Oatey’s page for this Harvey roll says “Yellow color designates use on gas pipe” and that it is designed for gas lines up to 1-1/2 in. diameter, and the Harvey catalog calls it “UL listed,” while Electro Tape’s page for its yellow gas-line tape names no UL or CSA listing.
So use a tape its maker rates for gas, and follow the appliance maker’s instructions too: A. O. Smith’s residential gas water heater manual calls for “pipe joint compound or Teflon tape marked as being resistant to the action of gases,” and Bradford White’s gas water heater manual says not to apply pipe dope to the gas valve inlet. Important: gas supply line work requires a licensed plumber in most jurisdictions.
- ✅ Its maker designs it for gas lines up to 1-1/2 in.
- ✅ Yellow gas-line PTFE — listed as meeting Federal Specification T-27730A
- ✅ Color-coded yellow for identification
- ✅ Chemically resistant to gas compounds
Yellow PTFE tape · Fed. Spec. T-27730A · rated for fuel gas
- Gas-rated yellow PTFE made for fuel-gas threaded joints
- Yellow color is visual proof the correct tape was used
- Rated for natural gas, propane and butane lines
- Overkill on ordinary water lines
- Gas work often needs a licensed pro and a permit
- Still pair with approved pipe dope where local code requires it
Verdict: The tape to put on gas threads: its maker designs it for gas lines up to 1-1/2 in., and the yellow marks the joint as gas.
If your threads are nicked or worn, paste beats film — see the pipe dope picks.
Best for Plastic Threads
Oatey 31402D Pink PTFE Tape
As of September 29, 2026, the Amazon listing for the Oatey 31402D pink thread seal tape did not meet our seller and stock rules (its featured seller, a third-party store, had 3 left), so there is no buy link here.
Pink tape is not thicker than white — both are listed at 3 mils. Being listed for plastic is not the difference either — the white 31199 is listed for “plastic, brass, copper, aluminum, galvanized steel or black iron piping” as well. What actually differs is density: the pink is listed at 1.20-1.50 grams per cubic centimeter against 0.709 to 0.825 for the white, on each roll’s own Oatey technical specification sheet.
The spec numbers look like a second difference and they are not one — the pink is listed as complying with MIL-T-27730A, a military specification the Defense Logistics Agency’s standardization record shows was cancelled in 1998 and superseded by A-A-58092, which Oatey lists for the white roll on its product page — and Oatey’s technical specification sheet for that same white roll claims T-27730A as well, so both rolls carry the same paperwork.
The temperature range is not a difference either — Oatey’s specification sheets give both rolls -450 to 500 degrees F. Reach for the pink when you want the denser roll, not for extra bulk or a different spec, because there is neither.
- ✅ Denser roll at the same 3 mils — listed at 1.20-1.50 g/cc
- ✅ Temperature rated from -450 to 500 degrees F — the same range Oatey gives the white roll
- ✅ Listed by Oatey for metal or plastic threaded piping up to 1-1/2 in.
- ❌ No thicker than white tape — both are listed at 3 mils
Water-line PTFE · 3 mils, same as white · 1.20-1.50 g/cc vs 0.709-0.825 for white · MIL-T-27730A, same as white
- Oatey lists it for metal or plastic threaded piping up to 1-1/2 in.
- Rated from -450 to 500 degrees F, the same range Oatey gives the white roll
- Denser tape resists tearing while you wrap
- No thicker than white tape — both are listed at 3 mils
- Not a substitute for gas-rated tape on gas lines
Verdict: Worth reaching for when you want the denser roll — not for extra thickness, because there is none, and not for the spec, because T-27730A is claimed for the white roll too.
How to Apply Teflon Tape Correctly
- Start at the first thread and wrap clockwise (when looking at the end of the fitting). This ensures tape tightens rather than unwraps as you thread the fitting.
- Overlap each wrap by about half the tape width as you move toward the end of the threads.
- Apply 2–3 wraps for white or pink tape.
- Press tape into threads with your thumb so it seats into the grooves.
- Tear and press the end flat. Thread the fitting immediately.
Plumber’s tip: If a connection leaks after applying tape, don’t add more tape on top. Remove the fitting completely, clean the threads, and start fresh. Layering tape over a leak rarely works.
Tape is not always the right sealant. Threaded plastic, compression joints, and sink drains each want something different — Teflon tape vs pipe dope vs plumber’s putty lays out which one belongs on which joint.
Plumbers Tape Colors: What Each Roll Is For
PTFE thread sealing tape is color-coded so the joint can be identified later. White is the general-purpose roll for potable water threads. Yellow is the color tape makers use to mark their gas-line rolls. Georgia’s fuel gas rules (IFGC section 403.8.3, and IRC section G2414.8.3 for one- and two-family houses; 2024 editions with Georgia amendments, in force since January 1, 2026) name no color: they require a nonhardening sealant that resists the gas and is compatible with the pipe and fittings.
Pink is sold as heavy duty, but both pink and white are listed at 3 mils — density differs, thickness does not.
FAQ
Can I use Teflon tape on compression fittings?
No — compression fittings seal via the ferrule compressing onto the pipe, not thread sealant. Using tape on compression fittings can prevent proper seating. Use tape only on tapered NPT pipe threads.
What’s the difference between PTFE tape and pipe dope?
Both seal threaded connections. Tape is cleaner, easier to use, and removable. Pipe dope provides a more robust seal and is preferred for larger diameter fittings and high-pressure applications. For most homeowner repairs, tape is fine.
Do I need tape on every threaded connection?
On tapered NPT threads, yes — always use tape or pipe dope. On straight threads that use a rubber washer to seal (like garden hoses), tape is not needed and may prevent the washer from seating properly.
Can you use yellow gas tape on water lines?
Yes. Harvey’s yellow gas-line tape is listed as a leakproof sealant for lines carrying natural gas, propane and butane, and for water, oil and chemical installations. The rule only runs one way: yellow on water threads is fine, but on gas threads use a tape its maker rates for gas, and follow the appliance maker’s instructions.
Do you use Teflon tape on water supply lines?
Only on tapered pipe threads, such as a shower arm or the pipe-thread inlet of a hose bibb. The nuts on a braided faucet or toilet supply line seal on a compression ferrule or a washer, not on the threads — Sioux Chief’s own instructions for its compression and swivel-nut parts say not to put pipe dope or thread sealant on those threads.
Bottom Line
Keep a white PTFE tape such as the RectorSeal 35942 in your toolbox for all standard water connections. Add yellow tape if you have gas appliances, and reach for pink when you want the denser roll. Right tape for the right job, and most threaded leaks are a 5-minute fix.
Related: tape belongs on tapered male threads and nowhere else — MIP, FIP and NPT explained.
For the plumbers reading this
Most of this site is written for homeowners — this page clearly isn’t. If you’re in the trade and want the occasional straight-shooting note when I publish something like this (fittings comparisons, tool buying guides, code changes), drop your email. No spam, no course funnel, written by a licensed GA journeyman.