When should you not use plumbers putty?

Author: Dr. Jaren Schinner  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

Although this product creates a watertight seal, it is not an adhesive or glue. Thus, it should not be used in any pressurized connection, such as a gasketed fitting or on the thread of pipes.

How long should plumbers putty sit before use?

How Long Does Plumber's Putty Take to Set? It takes a few hours for plumber's putty to set. You can use a drain or tap immediately after installing the putty, although waiting a few hours may yield the best results. The putty will expand so might create a tighter seal.

Is it better to use plumbers putty or silicone?

Silicone makes a better, longer lasting seal than putty does. It doesn't dry out, and it doesn't degrade so long as it's placed in a position where the bond isn't broken. It also doesn't stain ANY material.

What can you use instead of plumbers putty for sink drain?

Plumbers putty works, silicone works better because it's more flexible and won't crack out if he gets bumped.

Where not to use plumbers putty?

Thus, it should not be used in any pressurized connection, such as a gasketed fitting or on the thread of pipes. Historically, plumber's putty was used to seal a leaky toilet or toilet bowl to a finished floor; however, we do not recommend it for these types of applications.

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Does plumber's putty expire?

A: 2 years from the date of manufacture, if the lid is sealed properly Have questions?

What is the best sealant for a sink drain?

The most popular products for sealing kitchen sink drains are plumber's putty and silicone sealant. Both products create effective, waterproof seals, but we recommend opting for silicone. Silicone sealant is quick and easy to apply, and it's extremely durable. It's also much more versatile than plumber's putty.

Does vinegar dissolve plumbers putty?

(If you do not have rubbing alcohol around your house, you can always use white vinegar too. This works just as well as the alcohol).

Will plumbers putty stop a drain leak?

Plumber's putty is a malleable, clay-like compound that creates a watertight seal by filling in the space under a flange to prevent water from seeping through. The product is ideal for setting faucets, sink basket strainers, shower and pop-up drains.

Do people still use plumbers putty?

In the past, plumber's putty was used in many places where caulk is used today, but it's still the best (or even better) option for many situations. Learn how to use plumber's putty, its benefits, and where to use it.

Can you revive dried plumbers putty?

No. Once the putty has dried there is nothing that can be added to regenerate the putty without affecting the quality of the product.

What sealant for kitchen sink?

UniBond sanitary sealants are specially designed for use in the kitchen and bathroom; they create strong, flexible seals and offer long-term protection from mould. If you need to get a job done quickly and want to be able to use the sink soon after sealing, use UniBond Speed Sealant.

How permanent is plumbers putty?

Long Lasting

In addition to its functional properties, plumber's putty is also long-lasting. Unlike other sealants, it doesn't dry out or shrink over time, ensuring that it provides a robust seal for many years.

Do I need plumbers putty if I have a rubber gasket?

No. Plumbers putty is old school. Many plumbers use only the rubber gasket included with faucets, pop-ups and tub wastes. Plumbers putty is cheap but it will dry out and crack quicker than rubber gaskets.

How long does it take for water putty to cure?

When thoroughly dry, in 40 or more minutes, Putty will become very hard. It is best to let it set about 8 hours before sanding if an especially smooth, light ivory surface is desired. For craft items, or large mass, let dry longer. Putty dries to a natural cream color.

Does white vinegar damage drain pipes?

Potential Damage to Pipes

Another reason to avoid using vinegar for drain cleaning is the potential for pipe damage. Vinegar's acidity can react with certain pipe materials, such as metal or galvanized steel, leading to corrosion over time.

What loosens plumbers putty?

A mineral spirit, paint thinner, or kitchen scrubber should do the trick. If you have trouble removing some extremely stubborn putty, sometimes heat can help. You can use a heat gun or a hairdryer to direct heat to the surface. This should soften the putty and make it easier to remove.

Do you use plumbers putty on shower drains?

100% silicone caulk is recommend. There are many conditions where plumbers putty could cause product failure and finished product staining, please refer to category #4 FAQs for these applications.

What to use instead of plumbers putty on sink drain?

Both plumbers putty vs caulk silicone are sealing compounds. They're both designed to create a watertight fit for drains, fittings, showers, sinks strainers, and more. While plumbers putty is more traditional, silicone caulk is a great modern alternative. Either is acceptable for fixing a drain.

Why is my kitchen sink leaking around the edges underneath?

One of the first steps is to check on the state of the current caulk sealant. It's relatively easy and inexpensive to re-caulk a sink and ensures that it's properly sealed moving forward. The caulk around a sink breaks down with time, creating cracks in the seal.

Where should you not use silicone caulk?

Surfaces that require paint may not interact well with silicone, leading to adhesion issues. Structural joints that require significant load-bearing capacity are also better served by alternative sealants, as silicone may not provide the necessary support.

What is the best sealant for a bathroom sink drain?

1. Silicone Caulk: This stuff is waterproof, flexible, and really durable. Plus, it's resistant to mold and mildew. You'll see it used around sinks, bathtubs, and showers because it sticks well to surfaces like glass, metal, and ceramic.

How to revive old plumbers putty?

You can soften plumbers' putty by soaking it in water overnight. Another way of achieving a soft putty is to microwave it.

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