Plumbers putty is the
Plumbers putty is most often used to put together sinks and seal them to prevent water leaks. By cleaning the area, then warming up the putty by rolling it in your hands and creating a snake-like roll, and pressing it into place around the drain collar, you can apply putty-like a pro!
- Pull out a golf ball size of putty.
- Roll it in your hands to get it warm
- Now start rolling it into a snake-like shape
- Make it as long as you need
- Clean the area where you will use the putty
- Dry the surface with a rag or towel
- Lay the rope-shaped putty into the place where the seal is to be
- Press into place until secured to the surface
- Install the part as required
- Clean away excess putty after the parts installation
Table of Contents
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Knowing How To Use Plumbers Putty
Knowing how to use plumbers putty is important. Plumbers putty isn’t always the right choice for all situations. In this article, we will talk about how to use plumbers putty, when to use plumbers putty and when not to use plumbers putty.
Once you know how to use plumbers putty the right way, you will wonder how you ever could do without it.
When Not To Use Plumbers Putty
Plumbers putty is great in most situations. But you should not use it in places where you need adhesive strength.
Plus it is not recommended to use in exposed areas needing a watertight seal.
Plumbers putty for years has been the go-to product to use to create watertight seals between surfaces around faucets, sinks, and drains. Using plumbers putty in these areas is where plumbers putty shines.
What Is Plumbers Putty?
Plumber’s putty is a pliable clay-like substance and the uses are to create seals around faucets and drains. Ease the putty into a ring that matches the circumference of the drain or bottom of the faucet fixture.
Fit the drain or fixture into place, and this will ensure a watertight fit and limit the chances of having a leak
How Long Does It Take For Plumbers Putty To Dry
If you wait for plumbers putty to dry, you’ll be waiting 10/15 years. It doesn’t “dry”, but plumbers putty will “dry out“. You can use the drain fixture immediately after installation with plumbers putty.
- Plumber’s putty should be pliable and easy to roll. If it’s too hard to roll or it cracks when you try to shape it, it is too old and dried out. Get a new tub of putty.
- Keep the tub of putty sealed so the putty will last as long as possible before getting hard. It does dry out in the tub, but this can take years.
- Read the label of the plumber’s putty before using it on porous surfaces. Plumber’s putty is petroleum-based and can stain some materials, such as granite.
- The directions on the container of putty will let you know what surfaces to use it on. There are stain-free forms of plumber’s putty for use on stone and other porous materials
How soon can you use the sink after applying plumbers putty?
The beauty of plumbers putty and how to use plumbers putty is amazing. You can start using the sink drain or faucet immediately after installing plumbers putty. There is no drying time because it doesn’t dry. It just seals the gaps and the sink, drain, or faucet which can be used immediately after application of the plumbers putty.
Is it better to use silicone or plumbers putty?
Each of these materials has its purpose. According to Silicon Beachla “Plumbers Putty Vrs Calk” there are advantages and disadvantages for both products. Here are some of the results of this review.
Plumbers Putty Advantages
- Remains soft over time
- No need to dry
- Easy application
- Easy to Remove
Plumbers Putty Disadvantages
- Not gives an adhesive strength
- Don’t apply on exposed areas
- Not for plastic pipes
- Doesn’t seal the space between wall and sink
- It is not recommended for metal threaded pipes or joints.
Silicone Caulk advantages
- Strong adhesive
- Multiple uses
- Remains flexible for sometime
- Doesn’t crack
Silicone Caulk Disadvantages
- Not removable
- Cannot be replaced
- Sticky and leaves a stain
Can You Use Plumbers Putty Under Water
The short answer is no, Plumbers putty isn’t used for underwater applications because it isn’t meant to create a bonding watertight seal. The applications for plumbers putty are mainly used on faucets, sinks, and drains to keep water from seeping through.
What happens if you use plumbers putty on plastic
The reason plumbers putty is so popular is that it is so versatile because it sticks well enough to surfaces to prevent leaks but can be removed easily even after years of use.
However according to Sioux Chief Blog,
Most plumber’s putty is petroleum-based, which keeps the material pliable and resistant to water for long periods of time. However, the petroleum component in the putty causes the chemical structure of plastic materials to degrade, or break down.
Most rigid plastics installed using putty will eventually lose their durable, resilient structural characteristics, and become brittle – sometimes brittle enough to break with your fingers.
This effect can be accelerated in plastic components that are under tension, like fittings or drains that are threaded tight to sinks or shower floors, causing cracks which lead to leaks and damage.
For this reason, Sioux Chief always recommends the use of silicone caulk when sealing ABS or PVC shower drains to the shower floor.
While putty may still be preferred when installing brass drains, the permanent, flexible, plastic-friendly seal created with silicone caulk is the only sealant recommended when using any plastic-body shower drain.
Can you use too much plumbers putty?
It is normal to use an excessive amount of plumbers putty because as you tighten the parts together the excess putty will squeeze out. You can then reclaim the squeeze-out and use it again.
What can I substitute for plumbers putty?
According to Plumbing Glove There are a few alternatives to plumbers putty is you have some of these products around the house and not plumbers putty. Some of these products include:
- Silicone Calk
- LDR 502 7200 TUB CAULK.
- The Loctite 1716864 Tube Plumber and Marine Adhesive.
- OATEY 25605 HERCULES 6-OUNCE WHITE TUBE PLUMBER’S CAULK
Conclusion
I hope I answered your question “How To Use Plumbers Putty and When Not To Use Plumbers Putty” as you can see there are uses for plumbers putty that is undeniable then there are other alternatives that are best suited for other purposes.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
- Plumbers Putty Dry Time – Plumbers putty doesn’t dry it just drys out
- Plumbers Putty For Plastic? No it is not meant for plastic applications
- Plumbers Putty Or Silicone – They each have their own applications