# Plumbing question: When Teflon tape doesn't stop (tiny) drips

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-when-teflon-tape-doesnt-stop-tiny-drips/322829>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 22, 2005, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-when-teflon-tape-doesnt-stop-tiny-drips/322829 "2005-09-22T03:20:46Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2005, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-when-teflon-tape-doesnt-stop-tiny-drips/322829/1 "2005-09-22T03:20:46Z")

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I just installed an English bar in my basement and was hooking up a water line this evening. Before connecting two CPVC water pipes, I wrapped the threads with 2-3 wraps of Teflon tape, making sure I wrapped it in the right direction. I then tightened the connection quite well.

After connecting, the pipe dripped–just a tad–so I started from scratch, using new tape. Doesn’t matter. The pipe still drips, though just barely.

Should I be using the pink, heavy-duty Teflon tape instead of the white? Would a liquid sealant give better results?

Should I be using Teflon tape at all? Someone told me that no Teflon tape is needed if connecting two plastic plumbing parts.