Introduction
Teflon or thread seal tape is a flexible, non-stick tape produced from PTFE and typically used for sealing pipe threads. It is used to join two threaded pipes to ensure a good fit and avoid cases where the pipes may leak. But is Teflon tape the appropriate product for a water well system? There are a few elements to take into consideration.
What is a Water Well System?
A water well system refers to using a water well to bring water from the ground surface for drinking, farming, industries, etc.
The essential components include:
- Casing and liners – pipes used to line the walls of the sound hole to prevent it from caving in. Casings are often steel or plastic tubes with threads at the seam joints.
--The sound screen removes sand and gravel and permits water to be poured into the casing.
- Submersible pump and piping – These take water from the bottom of the well to the surface through a vertical pipe known as the drop pipe.
- The pressure tank helps to maintain or adjust the pressure of the water system.
- Numerous types of valves and gauges.
Connections between these members must be threaded to form close interfaces to avoid seepage and intrusion of other materials.
Advantages of Teflon Tape on Water Wells
There are a few advantages of using Teflon tape on the threaded portions of water-well components:
1. Prevents Leaks
One positive aspect of Teflon tape is that it helps negate leakages at the threaded joints. This stretchy tape is placed around male pipe threads and conforms to grooves or any irregularity to seal the connection, which ensures that water does not escape through the spaces between the threads.
2. Easy to Apply
Teflon tape is easy to apply since it involves wrapping it around any pipe thread in the direction of the thread. There is no need for glue or heat to complete this.
3. Non-Toxic
Since Teflon tape is made of PTFE and does not use adhesives, it cannot pollute the water supply when used in appropriate applications. This makes it safe for potable water systems.
4. Chemically Resistant
Teflon tape has chemical and corrosion resistance of the PTFE material, enabling the accumulator to withstand subsurface conditions. This includes resistance to well-system chemicals such as lubricants or pipe dope.
Potential Downsides
There are, however, a few potential cons to be aware of:
1. Can Come Loose Over Time
Teflon tape initially provides good adhesion, but the seal can deteriorate after many years. This permits small leaks to be created. Some well owners prefer pipe dope or other sealants that cure in solid form in place rather than using tape.
2. Pipe Thread Damage
Residue accumulated from the previous taping gradually reduces the effective width of the tape. If it is allowed to gather after multiple applications, the threads may not engage correctly. This can detrimentally affect threads in the long run but is prevented by proper pipe thread cleaning.
3. Not Suited for Pressure Build-Up
Although Teflon tape can withstand most pressure in common small residential water wells, it may not hold up for high-pressure commercial well systems. Using a specific thread sealant suitable for high pressure may be desirable.
4. Can be Installed Incorrectly
Teflon tape should be wrapped correctly with tight turns in the direction of the pipe threads and with proper width and layers. The improper use of this tape may result in leakage or thread damage. Proper training is critical.
Conclusion
Most of the residential and small commercial water wells’ threaded pipes can be sealed effectively by high-quality Teflon tape if changed often and applied correctly. Ensure that pipe threads are clean, use the tape in only one direction, and in thin and tight layers. Also, consider other additional thread sealants, like pipe dope, in cases where small leaks may recur from time to time. If appropriate measures are taken, Teflon tape is acceptable for sealing water well components. But also, be aware that in very high pressure systems, custom-rated sealants might be more beneficial.
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