Plumbers use plumbers putty and silicone sealant to prevent leaking, finish around sinks and tubs, faucets, and drains. They are interchangeable for some applications but not others. Here is what DIYers should know.
What is Plumbers Putty?
Plumbers putty is made from powdered clay and linseed oil. It may also contain fish oil, talc, limestone, and occasionally epoxy sealants. It is easy to mold and shape as required and can be removed and reapplied–even after years of service. It never hardens.
Plumbers putty is somewhat like gasket material. It has poor adhesion to materials but when clamped between two solid surfaces, it prevents water leakage. It is most often used when assembling drains in sinks, showers, and tubs. Some people use it to seal toilets to drain flanges, but most plumbers recommend against the practice.
Plumbers putty cannot be used to seal cracks that leak. It should not be used on ABS or other plastics because a chemical reaction can lead to product failure.
Benefits:
Every plumber carries plumbers putty for certain applications.
- Easily Shaped. Easily molds and conforms to any required shape.
- Easy To Apply. Apply to one of the two parts being fitted together. Tighten the parts. Excess putty will squeeze out. Cut off excess and return to the container.
- Removable. If it is not applied properly, it can be removed and reapplied. Even after years in place, plumbers putty comes off easily–and can still be reused.
- Durable. Prevents leaking for 50 years if undisturbed.
- Remains Soft. Never hardens. Makes disassembling pieces easier.
- Non-toxic. Contains no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).
- Inexpensive. Approximately $10.00 for 5 pounds. Probably a lifetime supply for a DIYer.
Disadvantages:
As versatile as it is, plumbers putty is not right for certain applications.
- Repairs. Does not hold broken pieces together or repair cracks.
- Small Surfaces. Ideal for small surfaces like drain flanges. Not ideal for large surfaces.
- Not Sticky. Does not adhere well. Parts must be attached mechanically after the application of putty.
- Exposure. Dries out if exposed for long periods.
- Pipes. Cannot be used on threaded pipes as a replacement for Teflon tape.
- ABS. Cannot be used on ABS or plastic.
Where To Use Plumbers Putty
The most common applications for plumbers putty include:
- Sealing sink and tub drains during installation.
- Faucets to sinks.
- Sink fixtures.
- Drain baskets.
What is Silicone Sealant?
Silicone sealant is a silicone-based product that has multiple uses–sealing plumbing fixtures, window and door frames, holes, leaks, etc. Different additives change the chemical properties to achieve products for multiple uses.
Silicone is used to seal all types of plumbing–sinks to countertops, backsplashes, faucets to tub-surrounds and sinks, and drains in tubs and sinks. It adheres to the material and turns hard. Some silicone sealant is paintable.
Once applied, silicone is impossible to reposition without completely removing it. It does not peel off easily–often requiring scraping and paint thinner to clean the area before re-caulking. Silicone can be used to seal small holes and cracks in non-pressurized water pipes.
Benefits:
Silicone is more versatile than plumbers putty but future repairs are usually more difficult.
- Versatile. Useful for many more applications than plumbers putty.
- Waterproof. Creates a durable waterproof seal. Substrates must be clean and dry.
- Does Not Crack. Expands and contracts to accommodate different rates of movement of various materials and maintains seal.
- Adhesive. Can be used to hold materials together.
- Compatible. Compatible with most materials.
- Inexpensive. Approximately $10.00 per 10-ounce tube.
- Colored. Available in over 20 colors.
Disadvantages:
Many people unfamiliar with using silicone swear at it–not by it. Silicone is applied with a caulking gun or from a tube–like toothpaste.
- Messy. Application can be messy and inconsistent for the inexperienced. Trying to repair it before it skins over usually makes the mess worse.
- Hard to Remove. Removing old silicone requires cutting and scraping. May cause damage to countertops, sinks, tubs, and fixtures.
- Lifespan. 10 – 20 years.
- Painting. Some silicone sealants cannot be painted. Make sure you know what you are buying.
- Storage. Difficult to store long-term because any air infiltration hardens left-over product in the tube.
- Odors. Most silicone sealant has a chemical/vinegar-type of odor for about three days as it cures. It can be toxic to some people.
Where To Use Silicone Sealant
The most common applications for silicone sealant include:
- Where you need very good long-term waterproofing.
- Where sealant is visible.
- On porous surfaces.
- On non-plumbing projects like windows, doors, crack-sealing, and as an adhesive.
