Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Silicon vs. Plumber's Putty?
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Silicon vs. Plumber's Putty?
smithtr
02-07-02, 11:38 AM
I need to insert a drain top and assembly into a sink I just purchased. Should I use plumber's putty to secure the drain top to the sink, or will a bead of silicon do the same job? What's the difference?
Mike Swearingen
02-08-02, 12:10 PM
Plumber's putty is made for this application.
It will make it much easier to remove when you need to (and sooner or later, you probably will). It will seal it just fine, and will take a very long time before it dries out.
Silicone caulk will seal under the drain also, but it will harden and stick to the sink and drain, and it may be very difficult to unscrew the drain when you need to.
In fact, you may have to tear out or cut the drain out, if you caulk it in.
Plumber's putty is the way to go here.
Good LucK!
Mike
It will make it much easier to remove when you need to (and sooner or later, you probably will). It will seal it just fine, and will take a very long time before it dries out.
Silicone caulk will seal under the drain also, but it will harden and stick to the sink and drain, and it may be very difficult to unscrew the drain when you need to.
In fact, you may have to tear out or cut the drain out, if you caulk it in.
Plumber's putty is the way to go here.
Good LucK!
Mike