plumbers putty vs. silicone

[lockoutmonkey]

I removed the garbage disposal and straight plumbed the kitchen sink. Should I have used p.putty or silicone on the strainer basket? I used silicone, but it is leaking now into the cabinet from the threads of the strainer. Internet said silicone is preferred on the stainless sinks, but a couple of "handymen" said to use the good ol' fashioned putty.

What do ya'll think?

I am redoing this project tonight or tomorrow, so I'll be buying a new tube of "sillycone" or a tub of putty either way.

 

[grizzly97]

Not sure about the plumbers putty, but i do know it takes a while (usually around 24 hours) for the silicone to set up before it will seal. If you put it on and go right to using it, silicone will leak every time.

 

[Parks 788]

I think you answered your own question on what you should use. I'd go with puddy.

 

[RidgeHunter]

Putty.

Source: Was raised by a plumber.

 

[Souperphly]

Never tried to use silicone. Putty works just fine on stainless.

 

[NikatKimber]

Silicon?

I thought it was Teflon tape? "Low Density PTFE" Definitely Teflon.

The tape is a little interesting at times. Too much and the threads tighten properly (too much stuff between the threads), too little and the joint can leak.

One other thing to watch when using hte tape, is to make sure it doesn't roll or push out of the way when threading the joint together.

Other than with stainless / stainless joints, it's ultimately your preference. SS on SS has a nasty tendency to gall, in which case the teflon is better.

 

[4play]

I would use the putty or pipe dope. Its not only there for sealing but it lubricates the threads too. The other option would be plumbers tape ( PTFE/teflon tape)

 

[RidgeHunter]

He's talking about between the lip of the strainer and the sink.

Roll out a bead of putty, circle the strainer basket with it.
Dope your threads.
Tighten, squeezing out excess putty.
Remove excess putty.

Done.

 

[4play]

He's talking about between the lip of the strainer and the sink.

Oh, oops! Well I have never had any problems with putty and I wouldnt consider silicone for the joint. and you have good advice for the repair too.

 

[JCW355]

putty