Is there anything better than plumbers putty?

Both plumber’s putty and silicone caulk provide a watertight seal for a sink drain. Some plumbers and installers favor plumber’s putty for installing drains, while others lean toward the more modern waterproof material called silicone caulk.

Can you use plumbers putty instead of caulk?

While plumber’s putty is better than caulk in some situations, it’s not a universal caulk alternative. Do not use plumber’s putty where you need adhesive strength (to bond materials or prevent them from moving) or where you need a watertight seal in exposed areas.

Is plumbers putty necessary for sink drain?

Increasingly, I’m finding that plumber’s putty is not recommended for sink drains, especially if it has its own rubber gasket. In places where the manufacturer does not supply a gasket (and the flange is not metal) they suggest silicone caulk. Be sure to read the directions for your drain assembly!

Do I need to use plumbers putty on a shower drain?

Plumber’s putty is product that’s used to seal drain bodies to tub surfaces. It should be used only in nonpressurized plumbing situations, such as draining, and never for water-supply lines.

Should you silicone around shower drain?

Caulk around a shower drain keeps the drain working properly. It stops water from leaking beyond the drain and keeps your shower free of mold and mildew.

How does plumber’s putty differ from caulk?

Plumber’s putty is one of the basics tools in a plumber’s tool bag. Plumbers use it because it remains soft for a long time and maintains a watertight seal, but unlike silicone and other types of caulk, plumber’s putty is not an adhesive , so a fixture or drain part sealed with putty remains easy to remove if you ever need to replace it.

Is it okay to use plumbers putty and silicone?

Although both can be applied there are areas where one is better than the other. For example, when it comes to an area exposed to pressurized water, Silicone is always the best option because Plumber’s putty does not hold. When it comes to fixing sinks and toilets, then Plumber’s putty will be the obvious choice because it is easier to remove.

What is alternative to plumbers putty?

Plumber’s putty alternatives Oatey 25605 Hercules 6-Ounce White Tube Plumber’s Caulk. You probably have heard about this product, or at least about the manufacturer. The Loctite 1716864 Tube Plumber and Marine Adhesive. We love Loctite! LDR 502 7200 Tub Caulk.

Should I use silicone or plumbers putty?

Plumbers use it because it remains soft for a long time and maintains a watertight seal, but unlike silicone and other types of caulk, plumber’s putty is not an adhesive, so a fixture or drain part sealed with putty remains easy to remove if you ever need to replace it.