Plumber’s putty and silicone are two types of plumbing compounds that you can use to prevent leaks and create watertight seals for plumbing fixtures. Putty offers more flexibility and easier removal, but silicone caulking creates a stronger waterproof and weatherproof seal.

Is it better to use silicone or plumbers putty on a shower drain?

For the drain itself, plumber’s putty is the best solution. The material makes waterproof seals with wet surfaces. If you need to seal the drainpipe, you’ll want to use silicone. Caulk is important to sealing pipes because it creates watertight seals that don’t wash away.

Is plumbers putty a silicone sealant?





Plumbers use it because it remains soft for a long time and maintains a watertight seal, but unlike silicone and other types of caulk, plumber’s putty is not an adhesive, so a fixture or drain part sealed with putty remains easy to remove if you ever need to replace it.

Can you use silicone to seal a sink drain?

Both plumber’s putty and silicone caulk provide a watertight seal for a sink drain. You must seal the area between a sink’s drain body and the actual sink surface. Otherwise water will leak out between the two and begin dripping under the sink.

When should you not use plumbers putty?

6. High-pressure leaks. You shouldn’t use plumbers putty for leaks on high-pressure pressure pipes. The reason is that the putty is not designed to withstand high pressure, and it can actually fail and make the leak worse.

Should you silicone around shower drain?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Then you can probably improve the waterproof seal around the drain a bit with some caulk. But it's really a mechanical. Process of the drain clamping to the plastic.

Can I use silicone for shower drain?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Next cut the tip off a tube of waterproof silicone caulk and apply the caulk around your drain wet your finger. And use it to smooth out the line of caulk.

Is plumbers putty the same as plumbers sealant?

Pipe joint compound and plumber’s putty are both types of plumbing sealant, but they are used for different applications. Pipe joint compound and plumber’s putty are both types of plumbing sealant, but they are used for different applications.

Will plumbers putty stop a leak?

Plumber’s putty can help fix the leaks that spring from plumbing fixtures around the home.

Can I use sealant instead of putty?

Either acrylic latex/silicone caulk or window putty, also known as glazing putty, are commonly used for this purpose. Both types will work, but one has proven its superiority with the test of time.

Do I need plumbers putty if I have a rubber gasket?



The rubber gasket should be sufficient to seal without putty.

Is silicone a sealant?

What is silicone caulk? Silicone caulk is a type of adhesive sealant that can be used for a number of household and professional applications. Most silicone caulks and sealants are highly resistant to weather, temperature, water, and chemicals, making them versatile for indoor and outdoor use.

What kind of plumbers putty for shower drain?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Hi I'm Vance and welcome to repair and replace plumbers putty is a clay-like substance used to make watertight seals on faucets and drains. It's not an adhesive. And it doesn't bond to surfaces.

Can I use plumbers putty to seal a shower drain?



Plumber’s putty is a malleable, clay-like compound that creates a watertight seal by filling in the space under a flange to prevent water from seeping through. The product is ideal for setting faucets, sink basket strainers, shower and pop-up drains.

Does tub drain need plumbers putty?

Between the underside of the flange and the tub surface, there’s a good amount of plumbers putty that seals the inside of the drain. A rubber gasket underneath the tub seals the drain elbow to the tub. That drain elbow connects to a length of pipe that then connects to the waste and overflow pipe.

What is best to seal a bath?

Best Bathroom Sealants

  1. UniBond Anti-Mould Sealant. The best bathroom sealant overall. …
  2. Everflex 500 Bath & Sanitary Silicone. A versatile all-rounder. …
  3. Gorilla Glue Mould Resistant Sealant. Water-ready within 30 minutes. …
  4. Dowsil 785 Sanitary Sealant. …
  5. Forever Clear Anti-Mould Bathroom Sealant. …
  6. 151 Silicone Sealant.


Can I use silicone instead of caulk?



Silicone is very flexible and acts as a water and moisture repellant, making it among the best caulks for both windows and bathrooms. It is more expensive than latex caulk, but it is highly durable.

What is the difference between sealant and silicone?

The main difference between silicone and Polyurethane based caulks is at the chemical level. Polyurethane is an organic material while Silicone is an inorganic material. “The main properties of Polyurethane sealants are: strong adhesion, durability and strength.

Which is better silicone or caulk?

Caulk dries quicker than silicone. It’s less tolerant to movement than silicone – should only be used in areas where there is little or no movement. Caulk is ideal for filling gaps in living areas like between skirting boards, picture rails and built-in furniture. You can paint over it with any paints or varnishes.