Both plumber’s putty and silicone are sealing compounds designed to provide a water tight fit for pop up drains, sink strainers, undersides of fittings, showers and drains. Plumber’s putty is more traditional while silicone caulking is a more modern product, but either one (in most cases) can get the job done.
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Likewise, Can I use silicone instead of plumbers putty on a sink drain?
A clay-like substance called plumber’s putty is the most popular choice for sealing sink drains, but you can also use silicone caulk.
Also, Should I use plumbers putty with a rubber gasket?
The rubber gasket should be sufficient to seal without putty. I have always used plumber’s putty. Never had leaks at that point and agree with the person who said it allows a more flush fit. Do not use cooking oil if you use the rubber gasket.
Moreover, Do you have to put plumbers putty on sink drain?
The plumber’s putty must always be applied at the bottom of the sink and the sink must be placed with all the pressure on the countertop. Tips for using plumber’s putty. Even though the putty is better than the silicone and caulk in several situations, the plumber’s putty cannot stand as a solution in all areas.
Can you use silicone on kitchen sink drain?
Sealing around kitchen sinks or sealing a sink drain with silicone will keep your sink in good condition and prevent future problems. Using a high quality, waterproof sealant prevents water and debris from entering the gaps.
Which is better Teflon tape or plumbers putty?
Teflon tape gives a reliable seal on threaded pipe joints for liquids and gases that may be under considerable pressure. Plumber’s putty acts as a flexible caulk in situations where you need water resistance—but it cannot withstand any significant pressure.
What can be used instead of plumbers putty?
If you do not have plumber’s putty or cannot use it on your type of sink, then you can use silicone or even the foam or rubber gasket that comes with some pop-up assemblies. Fit the drain or fixture into its appropriate place, and this will ensure a watertight fit and limit the chances of having a leak.
Where does rubber gasket go on sink drain?
The Flange of the basket strainer goes on the inside of the sink and the rubber washer/gasket, paper gasket, pressure cup and nut are under the sink. The rubber washer seals the sink from below, putty or caulk seal the flange to the sink from above.
Can you use silicone on rubber gasket?
Silicone should not harm a rubber gasket, as many manufacturers are specifying silicone caulking instead of plumbers putty between the shower drain and the shower base. Only a rubber gasket should be needed on the bottom side of the shower between the shower and drain.
Are bathroom sink drains universal?
While a bathroom sink’s design and overall size may vary from one model to the next, the drain holes are fairly standard, 1.25 inches being a general standard, with widths of 1.5 inches and 1.625 inches also common. The size of the hole helps determine which size drain is needed for that particular sink.
Can you use too much plumbers putty?
It is normal for excess putty to ooze out when you tighten the fixture. How much depends on “how too much you applied to the basket strainer assembly. If you apply way too much and do not get it tight hot water will wash it out. If you apply the right amount and tighten it enough it won’t wash out in 20 years.
When should you not use Teflon tape?
An important thing to remember is that PTFE tape should not be used when connecting PVC fittings or valves with a female (FPT) thread. If the tape is used on female connections, a wedging action can occur which will cause major stress on the joint during assembly. PTFE tape does not guarantee a leak free connection.
Do plumbers use Teflon tape?
PTFE is short for polytetrafluoroethylene, and what makes it so useful is that it’s hydrophobic (water repellant) and has very low friction. This makes PTFE tape a must-have for plumbers and anyone who does pipework jobs, such as irrigation contractors.
Can I use silicone instead of Teflon tape?
Some plumbers prefer to use a liquid compound for pipes (also called “pipe lacquer”) instead of tape. … And in some cases, such as in granite, where plumber’s putty is undesirable because it can cause stains, and silicone putty is a better choice.
Can I use silicone instead of putty?
Silicone is often known as a caulking element and it is an alternative to the Plumber’s putty. This fixing item comes to use for sealing and tends to seal with more adhesiveness. Turns out, it is not as soft or easy to remove compared to the putty substance.
Can you rehydrate plumber’s putty?
If your putty is a few years old, it’s possible it’s dried out and is no longer malleable. Covering it with some linseed oil for a day or two will help it reconstitute.
Can you use sealant instead of putty?
Old, dry putty can be softened with bleach and linseed oil. Either acrylic latex/silicone caulk or window putty, also known as glazing putty, are commonly used for this purpose. … Both types will work, but one has proven its superiority with the test of time.
Why is my bathroom sink leaking underneath?
When you open up the cabinet under your bathroom sink and see water, chances are good that you have a leak. … Once you know where the leak originates, you can repair or replace the defective part. Bathroom sink leaks are usually caused by a bad drain pipe, loose pipe connection or leaky sink drain flange.
What is a flange on a sink?
The flange in your bathroom sink is the collar that surrounds the sink’s drain. It is usually made of metal, but may be made of plastic and coated in a metallic finish. If this flange cracks or erodes, it can cause water to leak through the sink at this point.
Should I put silicone on a gasket?
NEVER use silicone on both sides of the gasket, the gasket will slip and slide all over the place instead of staying put and clamping down. Another substitute for the high tack is Copper Coat (in the copper spray can). This works really well for head gaskets since it’s a light film.
Should I use gasket sealer with a gasket?
A general rule, if you are using gasket sealant, you don’t need a lot! … Automotive applications commonly use gasket sealant alongside solid gaskets, as they are repairing older parts. Gasket sealant can be used to make cheaper gasket materials more robust, increasing adhesion and chemical/water resistance.
Does silicone dissolve rubber?
Silicone grease is commonly used for lubricating and preserving many types of rubber parts, such as O-rings, without swelling or softening the rubber, but is contraindicated for silicone rubber due to these factors. It functions well as a corrosion inhibitor and lubricant on non-metal-metal contact areas.
Is pop-up drain better?
There’s no clear-cut advantage to purchasing ether the “pop-up” or the “click-clack” drainage plug. Some people may prefer the look of not having the lever behind the faucet, and others may see the lever as a more convenient means of opening and closing the drain plug.
What size is the drain and trap for a bathroom sink?
Traps come in 1 1/4 inch (standard bathroom sink) or 1 1/2 inch (standard kitchen sink) inside diameter sizes.
How does a pop-up bathroom sink drain work?
The pop-up mechanism is activated by simply pressing down on the drain cover. … Drains with pop-up rods feature stoppers and lift rods that are activated by pulling up on the lift rod located at the back of the faucet. The lift rod is attached to the drain underneath the sink and will lift and close the drain cover.
