What Is Plumbers Putty?
As the name suggests, plumbers putty is a compound similar to clay. You use plumbers putty to create watertight seals for some plumbing fixtures. Like clay, you can roll and mold this soft material. When you use it correctly, it fills the gaps between two surfaces, keeping water from escaping.
Using Plumbers Putty
Plumbers putty is a common solution for installing many types of metal plumbing fixtures. In general, you can use plumbers putty to:
- Install a kitchen faucet or kitchen sink strainer
- Install a bathroom faucet or drain
- Install a tub faucet or popup drain
- Install a shower drain on a shower pan or shower base
While plumbers putty is a common way to create a waterproof installation in these projects, it isn’t suitable for all fixtures and surfaces. For example, plumbers putty can mar acrylic and degrade plastic. Check the fixture and fitting installation instructions before using plumbers putty.
Always follow plumbing codes and the manufacturer’s instructions for any work you’re doing.
How Long Does Plumbers Putty Take to Dry?
Plumbers putty doesn’t have a specific drying time. Unless you’re using it in cold temperatures, you can use a fixture as soon as you install it. In cold conditions, wait about 10 minutes before using the fixture. While the compound doesn’t need that time to dry, you might need to adjust the installation. For example, you might need to tighten the fitting to create a full, watertight seal.
Eventually, plumbers putty will dry and be unworkable, but you’ll have plenty of time for installation in most cases.
Plumbers Putty vs. Silicone Caulk
You can often use either plumbers putty or silicone caulk for installations. So how are the materials different? Drying time is one of the key differences between putty and caulk. While plumbers putty doesn’t need to dry, silicone caulk might need eight hours to cure enough for contact with moisture and several more to fully cure. In addition:
- Excess plumbers putty wipes away, while silicone might require a chemical remover.
- You can reposition plumbers putty, but silicone requires cleaning and reapplication.
- Plumbers putty doesn’t act as an adhesive, as silicone caulk does.
- While plumbers putty creates a waterproof seal by closing gaps, the putty itself isn’t waterproof, as silicone is.
- Plumbers putty isn’t as suitable for exterior applications as silicone, since it lacks UV resistance and weather resistance.
How to Use Plumbers Putty
One of the most common uses for plumbers putty is creating a seal between a new drain or basket strainer and a sink. Other uses are similar, but always ensure the fixture is compatible with the putty before you begin. Here’s how to use plumbers putty to seal a basket strainer to a kitchen sink.
Step 1: Clean and Dry the Surfaces
Make sure both surfaces are clean and free of oil, dirt, etc. You may need to scrape away old, dried putty or caulk. Wipe away any residue and make sure the surfaces are dry.
Step 2: Work the Plumbers Putty
Take some of the putty and knead it in your hands for a couple of minutes to soften it and to work out cracks. Roll the putty into a rope about 1/2 inch in diameter and long enough to reach around the strainer flange.
Step 3: Apply the Plumbers Putty
Wrap the putty around the underside of the flange. Press the two ends of the rope together and make sure there aren’t any gaps in the material.
Step 4: Install the Strainer Body
Place the strainer body in the sink. Install the washers on the threaded barrel of the drain body and tighten the locknut according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You should see putty squeeze out from under the flange. Wipe away the excess putty. Secure the stainer body to the drain pipe according to the manufacturer’s instructions and test for leaks.
FAQ for Using Plumbers Putty
Get tips on how to use plumbers putty with answers to common questions.
Does Plumbers Putty Harden?
Once plumbers putty contacts open air, it eventually dries and hardens, but plumbers putty doesn’t need to harden to create a seal. Be sure to reseal the putty container when you finish your project. When unused putty hardens, it’s unusable.
Does Plumbers Putty Need to Dry?
No, in most cases, a fixture or fitting you seal with plumbers putty will be ready for use once you finish installation. In cold conditions, you might need to wait about 10 minutes to complete the installation and test for leaks.
Where Should You Not Use Plumbers Putty?
There are several applications that aren’t suitable for plumbers putty, including:
- Installation of plastic fittings and fixtures
- Installation on acrylic surfaces
- Sealing pipe threads
- Sealing a toilet to the floor
- Sealing gaps around windows and doors
Before using plumbers putty, check your fixture or fitting instructions to ensure the material is right for the application.
Key Takeaways for Using Plumbers Putty
Using plumbers putty to make watertight connections is simple:
- Knead the putty and apply it to clean, dry surfaces on the fixtures.
- Secure the fixtures.
- Turn on the water and check for leaks.
Keep in mind that plumbers putty isn’t suitable for all projects or surfaces, so check the fixture or part manufacturer’s instructions before you begin your project.
Shop Lowes.com for plumbers putty and all the tools and materials you need for your plumbing installation. See our plumbing how-to library for instructions on taking on more plumbing projects around the home. Or stop by your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest associate. They can help you find the plumbing tools and materials you need and offer tips for a successful project.