How does one use Plumbers Putty?

Question

It seems too stiff, do you need to soften it like clay and apply it by hand? Also, do you need to apply it to every fitting when replacing a sink and faucet?

Answer 1

Plumber's Putty will get soft the more you work with it from your body heat. Roll it out in your hand to get the shape of what you're applying it to. Apply the putty and tighten your fitting and it will ooze out. Clean off the excess and you should have a good water proof joint. Ensure you use plumber's putty on only certain things such as where a basket strainer (the shiney thing in your kitchen sink where the plug goes) and fixtures like that in the bathrooms. Never use putty on any water supply plumbing that is under pressure. Good Luck!

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Answer 2

How To Use Plumbers Putty

Answer 3

Plumber's putty is not to be used on pipe fittings but rather between the drain assembly and sink, between the sink and counter top or between the toilet and floor. Think of it as a water proof cushion that seals minor imperfections in the porcelin. To work the putty scoop some into your hand and roll it into a snake, like it was modeling clay.

Answer 4

Plumber's putty should be like clay. Typically it is used to seal under certain parts of the sink, like under the faucet (although many new faucets now come with their own gasket) and to seal the drain to the sink in the bottom of the sink. To apply, you simply roll the putty into a small rope and line the opening with it. Tighten down the fixture and then scrape off the excess putty. I would NOT use it to seal fittings, that's why they make teflon tape!

Answer 5

RE:
How does one use Plumbers Putty?
It seems too stiff, do you need to soften it like clay and apply it by hand? Also, do you need to apply it to every fitting when replacing a sink and faucet?

Answer 6

Plumber's putty goes under faucets to prevent water leaking into the cabinet. Also under the drain flange of a duo strainer or pop up drain. Never substitute it for pipe joint compound or Teflon tape. Right material for the right job.

I never use it between the toilet and the floor. I use either grout or more traditionally, plaster of paris.

Answer 7

The putty I used was pretty soft...you're better off applying it to anything that you feel might have a chance of leaking just to be on the safe side or use the plubmbers tape when connecting the connecting pipes or hoses

Answer 8

can plumbers putty go under water?

Answer 9

635

Answer 10

go here and it'll tell and show you

oatey.com/apps/catalog/.../assets/How_to_Use/Plumbers_Putty.pdf