Where there are pipes, there is flow. Sometimes, the flow of a pipe’s contents is obvious. At other times, such as with diagonal or horizontal piping, it can be difficult to ascertain.
That’s where flow direction tape comes in. This nifty tape can help plumbers and construction workers identify where gas or liquid flow is coming from, thus keeping them safe.
Below, we discuss what flow direction is in more detail, and how to use it.
What is Flow Direction Tape?
Flow direction tape is literal – it identifies the flow of gas or liquid in a pipe. This is important for maintaining safety during maintenance, safety assessments and renovations.
Identifying the flow of gas or liquid in a pipe is a prerequisite to numerous plumbing protocols. Without flow direction tape, it can take longer to identify and rectify issues with pipework.
Flow direction tape helps by not only showing the direction of water in the pipe but by being resistant, too. The majority of flow direction tapes are resistant at a variety of temperatures, and their adhesives still work from around -10°C to 50°C.
How to Use Flow Direction Tape
Flow direction tape is reasonably easy to use, but application errors can have negative long-term effects. For this reason, it’s important to get it right. To apply flow direction tape, you must:
- Identify the flow of gas or liquid for a pipe. It’s important to establish this beforehand, as using the tape incorrectly can mean safety hazards later down the road.
- To correctly establish the water flow, simply find the location of the pump and work from there. For a more accurate assessment, there are a variety of longitudinal calculations and equipment a professional can use.
- After establishing flow, use a tape in the direction of that flow. Ensure it is pressed down firmly, and turn off any hot water for the adhesive to settle.
- Place tapes along the pipe so they are easily read at various points. Tapes are typically applied at drain valves, flange joints and ducting.
It is also important to use the right pipeline tape colour:
- Ochre - Gases
- Green – Water
- Light Grey – Steam
- Violet – Acids and Alkalis
- Red - Fire Services
- Light Blue – Air
- Brown – Minerals and Oils
Get High-Quality Flow Direction Tape Today
At Label Source, we stock a variety of flow indication tapes which provide high-quality and good value. If you require pipework maintenance, then you need to check out our range of pipe identification products.
