The caulk silicone and the putty plumbing are seal compounds. Both of them are designed to create a watertight fit for drain, fitting, showers, sinks strainers, and more. While plumbers putty is more traditional, silicone caulk is a great modern alternative. It is acceptable to fix a leaking faucet, shower drain, or sink drain.
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What do you seal a sink drain with?
The most popular sealant for sink drains is plumber’s putty. Silicone-based sealants are a more modern waterproof material that some pros prefer. The pros are that it’s easy to apply, it lasts longer, and it doesn’t need to be reapplied as often.
The cons include the fact that silicone is not water-resistant, which means it won’t last as long as other sealers. It’s also more expensive than other types of silicone, so it may not be the best choice if you don’t have a lot of money to spend.
Is it OK to use silicone instead of plumbers putty?
Silicone caulk can work on almost any material. It includes metals, ceramics, glass, stone, and even plastic. Silicone caulk is an easy way to seal up those little nooks and crannies in your home.
How soon can you use sink after plumbers putty?
It is possible to use the sink drain or faucet immediately after installing plumbing products. It seals the gaps in the sink, drain, or faucet which can be used immediately after application.
Where do you put plumbers putty on a sink?
Plumber’s putty is commonly used to seal along the base of faucets and other sink fixtures before setting them onto the sink. It is applied to the undersides of sink strainers and pop-up drainfittings for sinks that don’t have a built-in drain.
Is there an alternative to plumbers putty?
You want to make sure your alternative products can create the same seal that plumber’s putty can, because it’s not uncommon to decide against using it. Silicone caulk or sealant, or a combination of the two, can be used for this. If you decide to use a sealer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application. If you’re not sure what to do, consult a professional.
Do you silicone around a sink faucet?
It’s still a good idea to apply a bead of clear silicone caulk to the bottom of the faucet and the top of the sink to prevent water from leaking in, even though most new faucets include a gasket of some type to create a seal between the faucet and the sink. This will also prevent any water that might have seeped in from getting into the drain.
If you don’t have a silicone sealant, you can also use a small amount of water-based sealer to fill the gap. If the silicone is too thin, it may not be strong enough to hold the water in, so you’ll need to add a bit more water to make sure the seal is strong. Let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. You can then use the same technique for the other side.
