Do You Need Plumbers Putty For Kitchen Faucet?

When it comes to installing or replacing a kitchen faucet, sometimes a plumber applies putty. But do you need plumbers putty for kitchen faucet? The correct answer to this question is whether you need it or not completely depends on the plumber’s decision.

There are some good alternatives to plumber’s putty such as caulks or other types of sealants. So, the plumber will make the ultimate decision on whether he will use plumber putty or not.

In this article, I will deeply discuss this so that you can get a good insight into it. Want to know more? Read on!

What Is Plumbers Putty?

Plumber putty is mainly a sealant that is built with a pliable substance. Typically, plumbers use this element to ensure a watertight seal in the faucet. During the installation time of new kitchen faucets, plumbers generally apply this putty.

Due to its simplicity, plumbers can easily carry it in their tool bags. However, this sealant can create a very thin layer. As a result, you can’t block wider gaps by using only the plumber’s putty.

In that case, caulks or other adhesive sealants can give you a better performance.

Benefits of Using Plumber’s Putty

There is no denying the fact that when it comes to installing a faucet or doing other kinds of plumbing work, caulks are widely used sealants to make anything waterproof.

However, there are some situations when plumbers use putties instead of caulks. Because there are some benefits of using plumber’s putty. For instance, it is super easy to store.

Most of the plumbers keep it in their tool bags. Unlike caulks, it is a non-adhesive sealant that is super easy to apply. Due to its non-adhesive features, you don’t need to wait to dry it. Furthermore, it is also quite easy to remove.

So, when you talk about replacing an old kitchen faucet, removing putties will be comparatively easier. It is not that expensive and can be easily affordable by anyone.

This inexpensive option can be used easily to make the faucet completely waterproof and free of leakage. So, when using this element during a new faucet installation, it can prevent any leakage very conveniently.

How Can You Use Plumber’s Putty?

Typically, you will get the plumber’s putty in a tube. You have to shape it first before applying it to the faucet. First of all, you need to take a small amount of putty from the tube.

Then, you need to make a rope-like shape from the putty by rolling it on your palm. The diameter should be the same all over the rope.

Now, select the part of the faucet you want to seal. Then, apply the putty rope to that part. Create a round loop there by using your putty rope. Then, you will need to press the rope very gently so that it can become a stick to the spot.

At this point, you need to install the part in its right place. You may notice some squeezing putties. That’s normal. All you have to do is tighten the part carefully. That’s it. Your selected part is properly sealed and waterproof now.

What Are The Alternatives To Plumber’s Putty?

Although a plumber’s putty is inexpensive and easily available, sometimes you may not have it in your bag.

In that case, you don’t need to worry at all. There are some good alternatives to the plumber’s putty which are discussed below. One of the alternatives you can use is silica gel.

If you don’t have plumber’s putty, instead you can apply silica gel to get the job done. Besides, different types of adhesives with the ability to make the faucet waterproof can be used as an alternative for a plumber’s putty.

In fact. If you are working on plastic, adhesives will give you more seals. But, you will need to allow some time to dry the adhesives.

You can also apply fish tank putty while installing a new faucet. To be honest, it may seem inappropriate for plumbing purposes. But the truth is it will offer you a great seal and make the faucet quite waterproof.

Moreover, the fish tank putty can withstand water pressure up to 1000 PSI. Nonetheless, you should allow at least 30 minutes as a cure time in this case.

All of the alternatives I have mentioned above are quite good. But, the best is yet to come. Yes, you have guessed it right. It’s the plumber’s caulk. The caulk will show great resistance to water and mold.

So, you can use it in many situations. As the caulk is quite easy to use, if you don’t have a plumber’s putty in hand, it can be a great alternative for sealing a kitchen faucet.

So, Do You Need Plumbers Putty For Kitchen Faucet?

Now that you know a lot of things about plumber’s putty and its various alternatives, most probably you are thinking about whether you should use it or not.

I already mentioned that there are many benefits of using a plumber’s putty in a kitchen faucet. Because it provides a strong watertight seal to make the faucet completely waterproof.

Besides, there is no requirement for cure time. As a result, you can quickly seal the faucet without any hassle.

However, you can also use caulks and other adhesives which are perfect for plumbing tasks. However, one drawback of caulk is it needs some time to cure.

That said, it’s always the plumber’s choice. As a professional, the plumber has the right to choose which tool or sealant he will use. If the plumber thinks putty is the right thing, he should use it. Otherwise, he can go for any good alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use A Plumber’s Putty Under Water?

No, you are not supposed to use plumber’s putty for underwater applications. Because in the underwater situation, the plumber’s putty can’t give you a watertight seal. It can be used mainly for sealing drains, sinks, and faucets.

Can You Use A Plumber’s Putty On Plastic?

A plumber’s putty can indeed be used on various types of surfaces. Due to its natural structure, you can easily use and remove it from any surface. However, as it is mainly a pliable substance, it will not be quite effective on plastic surfaces.

Can You Use The Plumber’s Putty Excessively?

One of the beauties of using a plumber’s putty is you can even use too many putties at the same time. Because, when you install the part after using it, the excess putties will squeeze out. As a result, you will be able to collect the excess putties for reuse.

Conclusion

When it comes to replacing or installing a kitchen faucet, there are many options a plumber can use. For instance, to seal anything they can use a plumber’s putty or any other sealant to get the job done.

So, do you need plumbers’ putty for the kitchen faucet? The correct answer is the plumber will make the ultimate decision about the sealant.

In this article, I tried to explain everything about this topic. I hope it was helpful and you know the right thing now.