If you’re interested in DIY projects or a licensed master plumber who deals with regular sinks, drains, and other plumbing fixtures problems, a plumber’s putty is a handy thing to have in your tool arsenal.
With Plumber putty, you can create a watertight seal between the base of a kitchen or bathroom faucet and the sink, use under-sink strainers, seal the underside of a soap dispenser, and much more.
As an enthusiastic DIYer and homeowner, I often battle leaks and soggy plumbing damages. In these scenarios, I know the secret weapon, “the plumber’s putty,” to use as my fixture-setting compound.
I am here to spill the beans on mastering plumbers’ putty. We’ll talk about why it is used, how to transform it into a leak-slaying snake, and how long it takes to turn your leaky drains into a leak-free plumbing bliss.
So grab your wrench, put on your DIY cape, and let’s dive into the plumber putty masterclass.
What Is Plumbers Putty?
Plumber’s putty is an excellent waterproof clay-like substance that can tackle leaks, seal gaps, seal around faucets, and many other plumbing projects.
Reasons to Use Plumber’s Putty
For every DIYer and homeowner in Dallas, a plumber’s putty is a secret weapon. Due to scorching summers and frosty winters, leaky pipes are a real pain, especially for older Dallas homes.
Here are a few reasons why you should use plumbers’ putty for your plumbing issues :
- It is easy to remove
- Easy to work with
- No dry time is required
- Ideal for filling wide gaps
- Long Lasting
- Reusable
Plumbers Putty Disadvantages
Although plumbers’ putty is reliable for preventing leaks and plumbing fixtures, it is not suitable for all situations. It is not good for porous surfaces and should not be used for plastic. Plus, it cannot withstand high water pressure.
Where to Use Plumber’s Putty
Plumber putty is an effective leakproof material that prevents water from seeping through joints and gaps.
A waterproof seal is created between the drain flange and the sink surface, and it is applied to a pop-up drain assembly or sink basket strainer. You can also use plumber putty to prevent leakage while installing faucets. In toilet installation, it is used in order to avoid leaks between the toilet base and the floor.
When Not to Use Plumber’s Putty
Plumber putty is a go-to solution for various plumbing issues, but in some cases, it can’t work properly. Avoid using plumber’s putty when sealing joints between plastic and metal because it is not compatible to use with plastic materials.
Using a plumber’s putty for surfaces exposed to high pressure can’t prevent leakage; in this case, silicone usage is much better.
In high-temperature situations, especially in Dallas summers, please keep it away from heaters and a humid environment. It may start crumbling, be contaminated with fungus, and go bad.
Basic Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Apply Plumber’s Putty
Using plumber’s putty isn’t rocket science; imagine your childhood playdough activities and viola.
Here is a complete breakdown of the basic steps that even a novice can understand:
1 Make Putty Rope
Scoop out some quality plumber putty like the Oatey Plumber’s Putty, the most frequently bought putty from Amazon. Roll it out in your palm to make it more pliable, and make a snake of your required length uniformly.
2 Place Putty Rope
Then, place it carefully on the plumbing fixture you want to seal. Remove the excess to avoid a messy look.
3 Press Rope Into Place
Slightly press it to settle it on its place without deforming it. If it breaks from any point or you find it is not properly formed, repeat the process of snake formation to avoid leaks.
4 Install Part
Install the fixture and tighten the screw. At this stage, extra plumber putty will be squeezed out, which means a seal has been created. Clear the excess and put it back into the container for future use.
How Long Does Plumber Putty Take To Dry?
If you want plumbers putty to dry, you have to wait a decade or two because, in reality, it never dries or hardens up.
Is It Better To Use Silicone Or Plumbers Putty?
The choice between silicone and plumber’s putty depends on the specific use and the materials involved. Plumber putty is ideal for any type of plumbing part, including steel plumbing fixtures like sinks, basket strainers, and drains, while silicone caulk is usable on various surfaces and is used for setting bowls and other fixtures made of glass, metal, granite, and ceramics.
Silicone caulk is good for the environment with temperature fluctuations and humidity that plumbers’ putty can’t withstand.
Likewise, if you’re working with a condition where a quick fix is needed, you can’t go wrong with plumbers’ putty. Meanwhile, for long-term solutions, siliconized caulk is more reliable than plumbers’ putty.
Silicone Caulk Advantages
- It can be used with various materials
- Adheres well
- Long-lasting
- Resistant to moisture and temperature changes
Silicone Caulk Disadvantages
- Requires dry time
- Removing silicone is not as easy as plumbers’ putty
- Cause stains and stickiness
Tips for Using Plumber’s Putty
When using plumbers’ putty to get rid of leaking issues, some tips should be followed for a successful application. First of all, make sure the surfaces are clean and dry before application. Remove old putty and debris to create an effective seal. Knead and soften the putty by rolling it in your palm to enhance its pliability.
If you’re applying plumbers putty in sinks or drains, roll the putty into a smooth, thin rope and press it down the fixture base before tightening it. Remember, the excess amount can’t do any good; squeeze it out and remove the remaining plumber’s putty. For porous materials like granite, use the alternative to prevent stains and damage.
What happens if You use plumbers’ putty on plastic
It is not recommended to use plumbers’ putty on plastics(Acrylic or ABS) because the petroleum content in it can potentially degrade and damage the plastic over time.
Due to the presence of calcitic lime, oils, and other substances, it can cause discoloration or stains.
Can you use too much plumber’s putty?
It is okay to use an excess putty in sink drain installation because the excess amount will be squeezed out automatically after the tightening of the parts together and can be reused if it is still clean.
What can I substitute for plumber putty?
If you don’t have plumber putty at hand, you can use some alternatives. Here are a few other options you can use:
- Silicone Caulk
- Teflon tape
- Rubber gasket
- Metal drain ring
- RTV silicone or epoxy sealants
- Plumbers dope
- Plastic or rubber washers
Conclusion
Now you know when to use the plumber’s putty and when it is better to avoid it. When to opt for silicone, tips for proper application of plumber’s putty and dry time required or not, and whether the plumber’s putty hardens.
Consider the climate condition of Dallas, where temperature fluctuations are the norm, understand how local weather can impact plumbing putty, and then use it accordingly.
Share this article with your friends and DIYers to spread the word.
FAQs
What are the uses of plumber’s putty? Why does a licensed master plumber uses it?
Plumber putty is a versatile material used for various plumbing applications. Here are some uses of plumbers’ putty :
- Sealing joints
- Installation of sinks
- Tub drains
- Sealing drains
- Toilet installation
- Fixing leaks,
- Non-hardening gasket
Is a plumber’s putty effective in stopping leaks?
Yes, plumber putty is effective in stopping leaks if applied correctly.
How long does it take for a plumber’s putty to stop a leak after application?
For the best water-tightness and leak-free sink drain, it is good to wait around 24 hours; otherwise, you can use your sink right after applying plumber putty.
Is the plumber’s putty waterproof?
Overall, a plumber’s putty is effectively waterproof sealant for most plumbing applications. However, there are some limitations, and they are not suitable for high-pressure applications and are not a structural adhesive to hold heavy fixtures.