Is Flex Tape a Water Tape?

Flex Tape works great for countless water-related applications (even underwater!). However, the term ‘water tape’ often refers to a variety of different tapes, so it’s always important to know the exact type of adhesive you’re looking for, depending on the project.

What Is 'Water Tape'?

Technically, the term ‘water tape’ is used to describe water-activated tape, which is regularly used for closing and sealing boxes. The starch-based adhesive is moistened with water before use. Other terms for water tape include ‘gummed tape’ and ‘gummed paper tape.’

Plumber’s Tape

‘Plumber’s tape’ (known generally as ‘PTFE tape’) is used for sealing water and air. As the name suggests, popular applications include sealing off pipes and water lines. Other terms for plumber’s tape include ‘Teflon tape’ or ‘thread sealant’ because of its ability to get a watertight seal on threaded pipe joints.

Flex Tape

Flex Tape is ideal for any water-related application because it seals out water fully and can be applied to wet surfaces – even underwater. Our powerful adhesive has a thick, flexible rubberized backing that conforms to virtually any shape and surface. Flex Tape grips on tight and bonds instantly, and it even gets stronger with time and pressure. It is UV resistant, VOC- free, and able to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

As a helpful resource, we’ve compiled a list of applications related to pool, plumbing, marine, and emergency repairs for home and auto/RV. We’ve even included best practices for removing Flex Tape when the time comes. Before getting started, we recommend reviewing How to Apply Flex Tape. Regardless of the project, Flex Tape has you covered!

Pool Repair

You can use Flex Tape to fix any leaks in your above-ground vinyl pool, all within a matter of minutes. Since Flex Tape can be applied and fully cured underwater, it saves you time, money, and the hassle associated with draining the pool completely by providing quick and long-lasting repairs. For more information, check out our step-by-step guide: How to Stop a Pool Leak with Flex Tape.

Plumbing

Flex Tape provides quick, easy, and long-lasting repairs for leaky pipes. Since Flex Tape can be applied to PVC, acrylic, metal, steel, and copper, you can fix and prevent leaks for a wide variety of pipes and plumbing systems. In fact, the website of renowned home improvement specialist and broadcaster Bob Vila gave Flex Tape the coveted “Best for Leaking Pipes” rating.

Flex Tape can also be applied to wood, ceramic, porcelain, tile, glass, rubber, fiberglass, stucco, plaster, dry wall, EPDM roofs, some plastics, fabrics, vinyl, and more – making it perfect for countless areas inside your home where water is present.

Marine

You can use Flex Tape for boat repairs and other types of marine equipment. Whether it’s the inside or outside of the boat, on land or in water, Flex Tape’s ability to be applied and cured underwater makes it the leading waterproof glue for all of your maritime needs.

To see Flex Tape’s marine abilities in action, check out the original Flex Tape Commercial when Phil Swift first “sawed this boat in half.” There’s also the Flex Tape Clear Commercial, which once again demonstrated the tape’s super-strong watertight barrier – this time in shark-infested waters!

Water-Related Emergency Repairs on Home and Auto/RV

Flex Tape is a must-have for emergency repairs on cars and homes during storm conditions. Even in the midst of a torrential downpour, Flex Tape can be applied, making it essential for quick and long-lasting repairs.

For headlight and taillight repairs, in particular, we recommend Flex Tape Clear because of its ability to let light pass right through.

For more information about Flex Tape and its uses, be sure to check out How to Apply Flex Tape. For additional questions and concerns, visit our FAQs page or Contact Us. Flex on!

By Eric Hamilton

Eric is a Web Content Specialist at The Flex Seal Family of Products, where he helps manage and produce digital content.