Plumbers Putty Uses, Benefits & Tips – Berks County, PA

Hey, Plumbing friends!   Ever wonder how plumbers fix those annoying leaks under your sink or make sure your new faucet doesn’t drip? You might think it’s all about tightening things up and knowing where to twist and turn underneath that sink. However, one unsung hero in the plumbing world doesn’t always get the credit it deserves – and that’s plumber’s putty!   Plumber’s putty is kind of like the secret sauce that keeps your kitchen and bathroom watertight. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle some home repairs or just curious about how things work, let’s dive into the squishy world of plumber’s putty and discover why it’s a must-have in every plumber’s toolkit.  

Sooo, What Is Plumber’s Putty?

  Imagine you’re playing with clay or dough. That’s pretty much what plumber’s putty feels like! It’s a soft, moldable goop that plumbers use to create watertight seals around faucets, sinks, and drains. The cool thing about plumber’s putty is that while it makes a strong seal, it doesn’t harden over time. This means it can be easily removed or adjusted as needed—really handy!  

Why Do Plumbers Use Plumber’s Putty?

  Plumbers putty plays a crucial role in preventing leaks. When installing a new faucet or sink, a plumber will apply putty under the edges as a sealant. This barrier keeps water from sneaking out and causing those annoying leaks. Without plumber’s putty, your bathroom and kitchen fixtures might not be as water-tight as you’d like.  

The Magic Behind the Putty

  The “magic” of plumber’s putty lies in its unique composition. It’s made from a blend of linseed oil, talc, and other ingredients that give it its soft, malleable texture. This mixture is what allows it to create such effective seals around plumbing fixtures.   Here’s a fun fact: Plumber’s putty has been around for a long time. Even though newer sealants are available today, many plumbers stick to putty for certain jobs because of its reliability and ease of use.  

Top 5 Tips On How to Use Plumber’s Putty

  If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try using plumber’s putty on a simple project, here’s a basic guide:  

1. Clean the Surface: Make sure the area where you’ll be applying the putty is clean and dry. This helps the putty stick better.

 

1. Roll It Out: Take a small amount of putty and roll it in your hands to warm it up, then shape it into a snake-like form.

 

1. Apply It: Lay the putty where you need the seal – like around the base of a faucet or the underside of a sink rim.

 

1. Set the Fixture:  Press the fixture down over the putty and tighten it as needed. The excess putty will squish out, but that’s a good thing!

 

1. Clean Up: Use a putty knife or your finger to remove any excess putty around the fixture.

  As awesome as plumber’s putty is, there are times when it’s not the right choice. For example, it shouldn’t be used on certain plastics or materials that might be damaged by the oils in the putty. Also, for joining pipes or waterproofing connections that are under pressure, other materials like silicone sealant or Teflon tape might be better options.   Don’t Overdo It:  A little bit goes a long way. You don’t need a ton of putty to make an effective seal.   Check Compatibility: Ensure the putty is safe to use on your fixtures and won’t cause damage.