I moved into a new home (actually about 14 years old) and my wife wanted a new shower head. The instructions for the new device specify that it is attached without teflon tape, and it specifically instructs that any existing teflon tape must be removed before installing the new replacement shower head.

I peeled off as much of the old teflon as possible, but there is still some of it down there in the pipe threads. I don't want to use anything metal to try to dig it out because I am afraid of cross-threading the existing pipe.

Can anyone tell me if there is an approved way for a total amateur to get rid of old teflon tape?

 

Use a nylon brush or even a tooth brush. A brass brush will OK also.

 

Boom...Norm called it. A simple brass brush will not harm threads if the other options don't work.

Never heard of not using tape or a lube of some sort though, seems odd to me.

Ohhhh just a shower head? Not an arm? Sure shower heads use a washer to seal in most cases. Arm in to the wall is a different story.

 

Thank you for those answers. I will start with either an old toothbrush or a nylon brush tomorrow. If that doesn't work, then I will try a brass brush.

Yes, it's just a replacement shower head. The original arm is still in the wall, and that is where the teflon tape is. The directions for the replacement shower head definitely say to remove all of the old tape and to not use any with the new unit.

If anyone is interested, it is a Waterpik PowerSpray +

 

I doubt the TFE tape will do any harm as long as it does not interfere with the "O" ring and seating surface. If it stays strictly on the threads at best it will only be a bit harder to screw on.

 

Only tape that needs to be removed is where the head screws on, not where it goes inside the wall!