1 When To Use Plumbers Putty or Silicone Using Plumbers Putty Pros and Cons How To Apply Plumbers Putty Using Silicone Pros and Cons How To Apply Silicone 4 Conclusion Is plumber’s putty or silicone preferred for sealing bathtub drains? The drainage pipe will determine the solution.
To decide which material performs better, you must be aware of the precise location where you are sealing.
Plumbers putty often works best for straightforward drain fixes. It is simpler to mold than silicone and effortlessly makes a watertight seal.
However, silicone ought to be used instead of putty if you’re going to seal any pipes.
WHEN TO USE SILICONE OR PLUMBERS PUTTY
You must locate your bathtub’s access panel in order to determine the material you require. Usually, it’s next to or below the bathtub.
The pipe under the bathtub drain is accessible when the panel is opened.
Plumbers putty is the finest option for the drain itself. When used with damp surfaces, the substance creates waterproof seals.
Silicone should be used if the drainpipe needs to be sealed. Pipe sealing requires caulk because it makes watertight seals that won’t wash away.
APPLYING PLUMBERS
The idea of plumbers putty is undoubtedly familiar to anyone who has undertaken DIY home renovation work. This putty is similar to clay in that it is thick and malleable.
It can be used to plug off the bathtub drain so that it is waterproof.
The putty needs to be assembled and disassembled a few times in order to function properly, though.
Due to its simplicity of application, plumbers putty is a popular choice for simple drain sealing tasks. To obtain the ideal seal, you can easily mold it into the desired shape.
However, keep in mind that you under no circumstances should stop leaky pipes with plumbers putty. Although you can stretch it over a drain’s large opening, using it for a pressurized water line is a formula for catastrophe.
CONS AND PROS Pros:
It’s simple to shape into unusual forms, and it fits the drain well. sufficient density to span large gaps Excellent for application directly on the drain Cons:
It is hazardous to use it for pressurized pipe sealing. APPLICATION FOR PLUMBERS PUTTY
You should be able to detect a nut that was used during installation underneath the drain. Remove this.
The drain lip will loosen as a result.
The nut is often located on the section of the drainpipe that is right beneath the bathtub.
The steps are as follows once you have removed the drain and unscrewed the nut:
Putty should be rolled out very thinly. Roll this around the drain lip once it is about 1/4 inch in diameter. To stop further leaks, it will form a waterproof seal. Reinstall the nut and tighten it. This will create a tight seal by tightening the drain’s lip around the putty. Clear away any extra putty from the drain’s area. To get the most out of the putty, let it dry completely. SILICONE USE
Around the house, silicone caulk can be used in a variety of applications. It can be used to stop pipe leaks, unlike plumbers putty.
So be sure to get the caulk gun if you’re going to seal a leaky pipe beneath your bathtub.
Some folks might mix putty and caulk to seal the drain and the pipework. Simply put, it depends on your arrangement.
When silicone caulk dries, it resembles rubber in appearance. It won’t crumble under the force of water and will hold its shape against a pipe.
Because it maintains its watertight barrier and doesn’t distort for the bulk of its lifespan, this material is superior to acrylic caulk.
Silicone caulk is frequently used in damp parts of the bathroom or kitchen, similar to plumbers putty. Additionally, some people use it as protection outside.
The main disadvantage of silicone is that it is flexible and difficult to form. In a drain, putty can be poured generously, but silicone is more likely to flatten and shatter there.
Smaller fractures and gaps perform better than wider ones.
Can be used to stop leaks in bathtub drain piping. creates a surface that is watertight and durable. Cons:
Inflexible and less adaptable than plumbers putty a challenge to fit into large gaps or atypical areas, such as open drains APPLICATION OF SILICONE
When caulking the drain pipe is required since you can’t putty around the drain lip, silicone is usually utilized. To set up, adhere to these simple steps:
By releasing the screws and lowering the drain cover, you can remove it. The drain pipe must be unscrewed and removed. Check the pipe for damage, then remove any caulk and buildup by scraping. Make sure the drain threads are in good condition because a proper seal depends on them. Now that the pipe needs to be caulked:
Cut the silicone tube’s tip off with a tool knife. Snap the tube into position after inserting it into a caulk gun. A tiny amount of caulk should be squeezed around the drain pipe. To create a watertight seal, screw the drain back together and tighten it as much as you can. Wipe away any extra caulk that oozed out after completing this. Tape the drain clockwise around the pipe using a hammer and screwdriver until it is totally tight. Reinstall the drain cover. Prior to using the tub, allow the caulk to dry. CONCLUSION Both silicone and plumbers putty can be used to plug a bathtub drain. There is no inherent advantage to one over the other.
Instead, each has unique benefits and drawbacks.
Putty works well for sealing a wide gap surrounding the drain’s mouth. It can be shaped into a substantial shape that encircles the entire hole.
This method of working with silicone requires more effort.
Plumbers putty is ineffective if you’re closing a section of the drain pipe. It may even be unsafe to use it with pressured water pipes.
Up this situation, caulk is a must since it fills in smaller cracks and crevices.
Both substances produce supple, watertight seals. For usage in bathrooms and kitchens, both are preferred by plumbers because they don’t degrade when exposed to moisture.
The best option is to have both on hand in your DIY kit, is the response to the question. You become much more versatile as a result.
