Plumber's Putty?

[Hendog]

I've removed the drain collar in my bathtub to get the snake in there and unplug it. Now I'm installing a new rubber gasket and the instructions call for "plumber's putty". I have tub & tile silicone, tub & tile adhesive caulk, plumber's grease but no plumber's putty. I think the adhesive caulk would work. Any advise from the more knowledgeable?

TIA

[gr8fl4porsche]

I've seen people use both, I prefer the real plumbers putty. Makes for a neat installation where the silicone can get a little messy and take longer to make it perfect.

I can't recall the putty ever letting me down.

[Zeke]

plumbers putty rolls like clay and squeezes out to show you a 360 degree seal. It cleans up easily and is worth the trip to the store.

[masraum]

Yeah, HD or Lowes or Ace or whoever will have it. A small tub is cheap.

[TimT]

Yeap! you roll out some of it with your hands.... work it till it softens up and becomes pliable, form it in to coil wrap it around the drain, then seat the drain...

I think one of the major components of Plumber Putty is kaolin..

[TimT]

[rant]

HD and Lowes suck moose balls...

I go out of my way to support local suppliers... even if it involves me driving a few extra miles.

[/rant]

[TerryH]

Use more than you think is necessary. You can't use too much. Besides, what you don't use will likely be dried, hard, and worthless next time you need it.

As Milt mentioned, you want it to ooze a complete ring around the drain to ensure a proper seal.

[Hendog]

Originally Posted by milt

plumbers putty rolls like clay and squeezes out to show you a 360 degree seal. It cleans up easily and is worth the trip to the store.

Took your advise immediately: I looked at my watch and ran out the door; 15 mins prior to closing. Store's close by so I got my putty.

Originally Posted by TimT

Yeap! you roll out some of it with your hands.... work it till it softens up and becomes pliable, form it in to coil wrap it around the drain, then seat the drain...

Now to roll it and install it...

Originally Posted by TerryH

Use more than you think is necessary. You can't use too much. Besides, what you don't use will likely be dried, hard, and worthless next time you need it.

As Milt mentioned, you want it to ooze a complete ring around the drain to ensure a proper seal.

Little tub with plenty to spare, so I will use it leberally.

Man I love this forum! I can adjust valves on a 3.2 to doing some plumbing in my bathroom all with the help of the same guys. Much appreciated!

[Danimal16]

In order to preserve it for the next time wrap the remainder in saran rap and put it back in the tub. Do not use a zip lock type bag as it will dry out as others have stated. For the application you have the Putty is far superior than the silicon and cheaper. Nice thing is the excess you squeeze out of the fitting when you tighten it down can be returned to the tub.

[RWebb]

you can also use it to stick the caps onto your torsion bars...

[trekkor]

Plumbers putty is the best.

Use it around all sink, shower and tub drains.
Tighten the fixture, clean off the squeeze and thats it...For the life of the drain.


KT

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by RWebb

you can also use it to stick the caps onto your torsion bars...

Really? That makes a lot of sense. Keeps the water out and easy to remove if needed. I wonder where else it would be a good sub for a silicon gel type sealant.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by TimT

[rant]

HD and Lowes suck moose balls...

I go out of my way to support local suppliers... even if it involves me driving a few extra miles.

[/rant]

Plummer's putty with prolly cost about a buck and a half at home depot, or $9 at your local supplier/retailer.

My local ace hardware tried to charge me $12 for a 1/2" brass fitting. I went to home depot and got it for under $3. Same exact part. 400% higher price. That was the last time I "supported" my local retailer. I knew their prices were ridiculous and I would usually pay the rip-offs when I needed small stuff, no more.

The local supplier can bite me, I'm not the government and they are not on my welfare rolls. If they can't come any closer to competing than that, they deserve go away.