We all can always use some tape. Whether for minor DIY fixes or projects, tapes are common in offices, schools, and homes. The best waterproof tape is a versatile tool for temporarily repairing leaks, cuts, and extending the life of your pipe, especially in a damp environment. We’ve done a little digging of the best products to make our list of the best waterproof tape for pipes.

Types of Waterproof Tapes

Rubber Tapes

Rubber tapes are ideal for use in different applications. The tapes have enough elasticity that provides an airtight barrier to prevent water from escaping after sealing. Apart from this, the tape is easy to use, durable and can withstand pressure and high temperatures. However, the tapes don’t fare so much on flat surfaces as they sometimes need to roll on themselves before creating an ideal seal.

 Reflective Tape

Reflective name, as the name implies, have excellent visibility even in the dark. Tapes like this are used as stickers for advertising or on car bodies as stickers. However, manufacturers improve their design to make them waterproof and sturdy enough for sealing holes and cracks in pipes. They come in different colors and can work on different materials.

Top 12 Best Waterproof Tape for Pipes

Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape 4″ x 10′ Black, (Pack of 1)

The Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape is ideal for indoor and outdoor use for providing safe and reliable sealing from water. Made from low-density polyethylene, the product creates a permanent bond that seals out moisture and water. As a result, it is handy for use for pipes. Thanks to an extra thick adhesive layer, it sticks conveniently on pipes, and a UV-resistant backing protects it from degradation from the sun. It is also flexible and is easy to work into different repair roles, tears, gaps, and cracks.

Pros 

• Thick adhesive
• Flexible and easy to use
• Available in black and white colors

Cons 

• Not very sticky at first but sticks with time.

Flex Tape Rubberized Waterproof Tape, 4 Inch x 5 Feet, Black

Another waterproof tape that is ideal for sealing cracks and holes in pipes is the Flex Tape Rubberized Waterproof Tape. The product features a thick adhesive that clings to the pipe’s surface tightly. As a result, it grabs the pipe with a great bond. Unlike many, the product is solvent-free and paintable. Hence, although it is black, you can paint over it to cover it from plain sight. This way, it won’t stand out obnoxiously on your pipe. The bond between the tape and the pipes gets stronger with time.

Pros 

• Paintable
• Easy to cut
• Doesn’t leave a huge mess

Cons 

• Some buyers wished the roll was bigger.

T-REX Ferociously Strong Tape

Keep the leak in check with the T-REX Ferociously Strong Tape. As the name implies, the product boasts of superior and high tensile construction and premium adhesive. As a result, it is strong and offers reliable protection for extended use. UV-resistant materials prevent the sun’s rays from weakening the tape, and heavy-duty knit cloth material ensures lasting application. Thanks to its durable waterproof backing, you can use it in extreme temperatures from protection from water. Whether it is a simple or tough project, you can rest assured that the tape will bond incredibly well.

Pros 

• You can rip it off without scissors or a knife.
• High tensile woven scrim
• Works in cold temperatures

Cons 

• Since it sticks on both sides, it is a little hard to remove.

Gorilla Black Tough & Wide Duct Tape, 2.88″ x 30 yd, Black, (Pack of 1)

The Gorilla Black Tough & Wide Duct Tape is the second tape by the Gorilla store to make our list of the best waterproof tape for pipes for all good reasons. The reason is that it offers the best result with its heavy-duty and double-thick tapes. Not just for pipes, but it does an incredible job on rough, unforgiving, and uneven surfaces. A double-thick adhesive grips surfaces with ease, and a tough reinforced backing with a tight weave ensure reliable performance. Although the weave contributes to the weight, it allows you to rip it by hand. Thanks to this feature, you can avoid the sticky residues of using scissors and knives.

Pros 

• Weather-resistant shell
• Double-thick adhesive
• Tough, reinforced backing

Cons 

• The edges have a different color from the tape.

Transparent Duct Tape, Ultra High-Performance Weather Resistant Tape by Gaffer Power 

The transparent duct tape by Gaffer Power combines the versatility and strength of duct tape with a unique transparent design that won’t stand out on your pipe surface. More importantly, the see-through tape is engineered to provide waterproof and heavy-duty protection in the storms and rains. It sticks to uneven and rough surfaces of different types and has an excellent workability rating. The tape features a biaxially-oriented propylene backing with acrylic resin adhesive that comes off clean and tears into strips easily. Plus, the made in USA certification adds a mental note to its quality and material strength.

Pros 

• Flexible multipurpose tape
• Flexible and easy to tear
• Made in the USA

Cons 

• Not best for painted pipes

Patch & Shield Power Tape Clear – All Weather Patch Tape

Patch & Shield Power All Weather Patch Tape is another tape design to solve your pipe problems with its flexible and dynamic sealing results. The tape is engineered to keep water out and hold it in for flexible use. By creating an airtight condition, the seal increases with pressure for reliable protection. A strong adhesive backing lets it stick to different surfaces to make your personal and professional life easier than it is.

Pros 

• Easy to cut to size
• Ultra-strong adhesion
• Wide enough to create overlaps

Cons 

• The package does not come with instructions.

Rescue Tape | Self-Fusing Silicone Tape | Emergency Pipe & Plumbing Repair

If you love DIY installations, you will appreciate the Rescue Tape for Emergency Pipe & Plumbing Repair. Like others we have reviewed above, the product is handy for fixing any type of leak on any surface. If appropriately applied, the tape works as a permanent fix as it is extremely durable. Not just this, but removal won’t be a pain since the tape removes considerably easily without leaving any residue. Plus, the tape is easy to work with since all you need to do is stretch and overlap it. It also has insulation properties of up to 8000 volts per layer. What’s more, the tape is part of the United States military’s damage battle kit.

Pros 

• Excellent insulant
• Won’t leave a residue after removal
• High-pressure resistant

Cons 

• The roll is tiny

X-Treme Tape TPE-XR1510ZLB Silicone Rubber Self Fusing Tape

The TPE-XR1510ZLB Silicone Rubber Self Fusing Tape by X-Treme Tape is identifiable by its advanced bonding characteristics and thickness courtesy of its silicone formula. Since it is a self-wrapping tape, it works for different surfaces. Apart from this, it is easy to work with as it won’t wrap around just any surface. To use, you need to connect one end of the tape over another end for effective bonding.

Pros 

• Temperature-resistant
• Weathering-resistant
• 700+ Psi tensile strength

Cons 

• The roll sometimes leaves slacks in tight spots

XFasten Silicone Self Fusing Tape 1-Inch x 36-Foot (Black)

The XFasten Silicone Self Fusing Tape provides a fast and permanent sealing effect on surfaces for quick repairs. Thanks to a 900 PSI high-tensile strength capacity, the tape offers superior air and water-right sealing performance even for high-pressure pipe leakages. Not just this, but it is stretchable, flexible, conforms to pipes with a small diameter. It is also an ideal tool for emergency repairs since it can withstand extreme temperatures. Plus, it is corrosion-resistant and will withstand harsh chemicals and solvents. After applying pressure, the tape won’t leave sticky residues.

Pros 

• Corrosion proof
• High tension strength
• Self-fusing tape

Cons 

• Requires you to figure it out with no instruction

Davis Self Fusing Silicone Tape 1″x10′

The Davis Self Fusing Silicone Tape is another self-fusing tape that is easy to work without leaving sticky residues or bonding to arbitrary surfaces. It fuses to itself, so it doesn’t just stick to anything for convenient application. The tape is non-toxic, weather and abrasion-resistant, odorless, and temperature-resistant thanks to its silicone rubber material. It is insulated up to 8000 volts; hence, it is handy for insulating electric cables. Apart from this, it is flexible and stretchable to conform to tight corners and small pipe diameters. It is also impact and oxidation-resistant for lasting performance.

Pros 

• Will fit tight corners.
• Easy to wrap
• Insulated

Cons 

• Won’t protect from the sun’s ray

Proxicast Pro-Grade Extra Strong 30mil Weatherproof Self-Fusing Silicone Rubber Sealing Tape

The Proxicast Pro-Grade Extra Strong 30mil Weatherproof Self-Fusing Silicone Rubber Sealing Tape is handy for emergency jobs, including pipe leaks. Although black, the tape goes on well on different surfaces without standing out. It works for sealing pipes from dust, corrosion, and moisture. It is also stronger, wider, and thicker than most self-fusing tapes out there. Since it sticks only to itself, the tape is easy to remove and apply without messy application. You can stretch it up to 3 times its normal length for a wide coverage area during use.

Pros 

• Saltwater and chemical-resistant
• Thick and wide
• Better insulation and abrasion-resistant

Cons 

• Some buyers preferred a transparent tape.

SolutioNerd 20 ft long Waterproofing Repair Tape

The 20 ft long Waterproofing Repair Tape by SolutioNerd creates an airtight barrier around cracks and leaks for the ultimate waterproof protection. Unlike many, the product comes with infographic instructions to show you how to use the product efficiently. Extra length design and rolls provide enough length you need to make sure you don’t run out of tape during installation. You can also use the tape in areas with extreme pressure since it can withstand pressure while remaining tightly sealed.

Pros 

• 4-step instructions
• Extra length and roll
• Extra strength adhesive

Cons 

• Some buyers didn’t receive the instructions

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Waterproof Tape

Durability

You must be able to estimate how long the tape will last before you buy it. The tape should be durable and strong to see you through years of use without falling apart. Although they don’t cost much, you shouldn’t always replace waterproof tapes. Instead, the tape should be strong enough to withstand pressure, corrosion, and UV while still keeping everything together. Water pipes encounter a lot of stress; hence, the tape must have a high tensile strength to prevent the pressure from displacing the tape. A waterproof tape with a strong adhesive won’t peel off even when it is exposed to water.

Ease of Use and Flexibility

Although waterproof, some tapes pose enough headaches for the users due to their complex application method. Flexible tapes are the easiest to use because they conform to different surfaces, including curved ones. Not just this, but they fit corners easily. This feature is particularly important if it is a self-fusing tape since you need to bond it on the other end of the tape. Whatever the type, the tape must be stretchable and flexible to the degree that makes use interesting.

 User-friendly Design

Tapes are not always hard to use. However, some are more complicated to use than others. To manage this curve and ensure easy usage, the tape must have a user-friendly design. If you intend a DIY installation, we recommend that you look for a product with simple instructions. If you combine easy-to-follow instructions with a user-friendly design, you will waste less time on resources learning how to use the tape. Since there will be different types to choose from, you should buy only the ones with a user-friendly design to save time on learning how to use the tape.

 Size and Neatness

Waterproof tapes are available in different sizes. While some are thin, some can be extremely large. Depending on what you want to use the tape for, you should choose the one that offers a sizeable fit. If the tape is too large, it might be hard to work with. On the other hand, if it is toothing, you won’t have much luck using it for your project. You can buy tapes of medium size for a balance between the two other sizes. The tape should also have excellent adhesive strength and work with rough, smooth, and uneven surfaces.

 Neatness During Use

You also need to consider the ease of application and neatness during use. Unlike sprays, tapes don’t always have messy application procedures. However, tapes differ when it comes to neatness during and after use. Tapes that you can rip off and attach to any surface are less cumbersome than tapes that you need to cut with a knife or scissors. Due to their stickiness, they often leave sticky residue on the scissors that can be hard to get off. Apart from this, they sometimes leave residues on the hand. Self-fusing tapes are the easiest to work with since they won’t stick to any surface apart from the other hand of the tape.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are waterproof tapes any good? 

Waterproof tapes are handy for sealing cracks, tears, and holes in surfaces and materials. Unlike normal tapes, the waterproof ones provide air and water-tight condition for repelling water and moisture. Hence, they are best for keeping moisture out and locking moisture in. Apart from this, waterproof tapes are temperature-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and perform excellently against corrosion. The tapes are also easy to cut and are not associated with messy applications that sealants are known for. In all, they are a convenient way to seal surfaces and don’t cost a fortune.

• What is the waterproof tape brand? 

There is an endless list of manufacturers dedicated to producing waterproof tapes. However, the best brands are distinguishable by their impressive products and a track record of consistent quality delivery. As expected, it can be challenging to single out one brand as the best out of the bunch. But the brands that rank high include Gorilla, T-REX, Gaffer Power, Scotch. Etc. All the products we have reviewed above are from the top brand, so you can go over them again to pick the best.

• Why is my tape not sticking? 

Tapes, even the waterproof ones, sometimes won’t stick on cold or hot surfaces. Some tapes don’t also stick to wet surfaces unless the product’s information says otherwise. If the instruction does not say it does, you should let the surface cool down or wipe it dry before applying the tape. Nonetheless, some products above perform excellently in wet and cold conditions.

• Can I use my tape to remove splinters? 

Although tapes are meant for sealing, they are handy for removing splinters. Cut a small portion and stick it to where the splinter is located. Then pull it off slowly and let the glue to the job.

 Conclusion 

The best waterproof tape is one of the most used household items. Apart from DIY improvements, we sort of just buy them and leave them around our homes for days we’ll need them. Since tapes are handy for nearly every temporary repair work, it makes sense to invest in a waterproof tape. However, although they are not expensive, it is not an excuse to buy an invaluable product. Regardless of the price, size, and quantity, you must make your purchase worth it to get value on your investment.

The tapes above are easy to use, UV and temperature-resistant and waterproof for reliable protection. Instead of sorting through endless products, read our review and buyers guide to make your next purchase worth it.