How to Use Plumber’s Putty Like a Pro

If you’ve got a leaky drain or pipe on your hands, you’re probably wondering, can I fix it with plumber’s putty? Water damage happens swiftly when leaks occur, which is why it’s so important to know which materials will stop your problem before it has a chance to soak your house. Keep reading to find out what plumber’s putty is, why it’s a professional favorite, how it varies from other sealing agents, and how long it takes to dry. 

What Is Plumber’s Putty?

Plumber’s putty is a sealing compound made from linseed and clay. These two ingredients create a soft, malleable texture that’s easy to apply and remove from pipes, drains, and other plumbing fixtures. Licensed plumbers prefer it to other sealing options because it’s just as watertight and durable as alternatives like caulk but easier to strip off and replace when repairs like unclogging a drain are necessary. 

Where to Use Plumber’s Putty

Plumber’s putty isn’t the best option for every plumbing project. Don’t use it where it’s easily visible or will undergo a lot of direct contact. And avoid applying it to any surfaces that it could damage or stain, like porous stone or plastic. Projects like sealing sink drains and fixing leaking faucets are the best uses of plumber’s putty. Finally, if plumber’s putty (and even caulk) won’t be enough to solve your problem, hire a plumbing repair service near you to take the work off your hands.

When Not to Use Plumber’s Putty 

Because plumber’s putty is a petroleum-based substance, using it on porous surfaces like granite countertops or plastic fixtures can result in staining. It’s also not adhesive like silicone caulk and can’t be used to patch cracks or seal a toilet to the floor. Plumber’s putty has no insulating properties, so it’s not the right choice for sealing windows or doors. 

Plumber’s putty should never feel dry or crack in your hands when you attempt to roll it out. If this is the case for you, your putty is either too old or improperly stored, and you’ll need to replace it before continuing your project. Storing plumber’s putty the right way will guarantee that it functions when you need to use it. Seal the container as tightly as possible and store it away from high temperatures to keep it in working order.

What Is the Average Drying Time for Plumber’s Putty?

Plumber’s putty will always remain as soft and damp as when you first took it out of the container—just as long as it stays out of extremely high temperatures. In especially cold or humid conditions, you may need to wait 10 minutes before using a plumbing fixture to allow the seal to form. But, in most cases, you can expect plumber’s putty to do its job just moments after application. In comparison, the dry time for silicone caulk is 30 minutes to a couple of hours (plus another 24 hours to cure). 

How to Use Plumber’s Putty

Applying plumber’s putty takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require any prior experience. Follow the steps below to get your broken plumbing fixture back in working order ASAP. 

Clean Your Work Surface

Plumber’s putty doesn’t adhere as easily to dirty surfaces, so it’s important to clean anything that will come into contact with the putty before getting started, like the base of your sink or the space between connecting pipes. Spray surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner or clean them with a sponge, warm water, and soap. Then dry with a microfiber cloth to ensure no residual dust or debris remains. 

Roll Out Putty and Apply

Take a small amount of putty—roughly the size of a walnut—and roll it into a snake shape about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. Wrap the putty around the object you’re working with—like the base of a sink drainpipe. The two ends of the snake should touch; smooth them together so there are no gaps. If the putty is too short or not thick enough when applied, start over with a new piece to get the correct dimensions. 

Install the Putty and Remove Excess Putty

Let’s use the example of the sink drain again: Once you’ve applied your putty, place the drainpipe back into the sink. Then, push down lightly to secure the putty and drainpipe to the sink. Tighten the pipe from below to lock it into place, then wipe away the excess putty from inside the sink. Turn your sink on to test for leaks, and repeat the process with slightly more putty if your first attempt didn’t work.

Tips to Using Plumber’s Putty Correctly 

To ensure your plumber's putty works well, double-check the quality of your product and make sure it's been stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

If it’s in its original container, double-check the putty's label to ensure you only use it on the intended surfaces. You should also toss any old putty that's been sitting around for years because it will be less effective.

After you apply the plumber’s putty, be sure to let it set before you run water over it. Finally, you should tighten the ring to test for leaks. If it's not tight enough, you could get some dribbling. 

Plumber’s Putty vs. Silicone Caulk for Your Project 

Although plumber’s putty and silicone caulk share many similarities, a couple of differences will help you decide between the two for your project. For starters, silicone caulk hardens and dries out completely, and plumber’s putty always remains soft and malleable (unless exposed to air). While this characteristic makes putty easier to remove, it’s not suited for projects requiring a firm, solid seal that won’t budge from contact—like caulking around a shower or tub. 

Silicone creates a watertight and airtight seal around your plumbing fixtures to limit the risk of leaks. It’s also resistant to heat and mold, making it ideal for areas where plumbing is exposed to heat or humidity. 

In most cases, you’ll get the best results by using plumber's putty to repair fixtures that are unlikely to see much action, like the drainpipe in the cabinet below your sink. Plus, if you end up with a clog or leak later on, you won’t have to spend an extended period of time scraping away sealant as you would with silicone caulk. It can also fill wide gaps and it’s easier to use and correct mistakes during application.