Why Plumbers Prefer Plumber’s Putty Over Silicone: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to sealing plumbing fixtures, plumber’s putty has been a trusted choice for decades. Despite the rise of silicone, the traditional plumber’s putty continues to hold its ground in many applications due to its ease of use and versatility. This article delves into the reasons why, exploring the strengths and limitations of both materials, and addressing common misconceptions.

Introduction to Plumber’s Putty and Silicone

In plumbing, both plumber’s putty and silicone have their place. Plumber’s putty is a traditional, clay-based product that has been used for sealing and setting plumbing fixtures since the 19th century. On the other hand, silicone is a synthetic rubber that is known for its flexibility and durability. While both materials excel in their respective roles, plumber’s putty is often preferred for certain applications due to its unique properties.

The Versatility and Cleanliness of Plumber’s Putty

Plumber’s putty is favored by many plumbers for several reasons, chief among them is its time-proven effectiveness and relative cleanliness. Unlike silicone, which can leave residue, plumber’s putty can be easily removed without leaving behind any harmful substances. This makes it an ideal choice for situations where the integrity of the surface is important.

Key Uses and Limitations of Plumber’s Putty

Plumber’s putty is primarily used to:

Seal the lip of drain traps and sink connects. Set drains, faucets, and other fixtures into sink decks. Seal sinks set into counter tops.

While plumber’s putty excels in these applications, it does have some limitations. For instance, it may stain certain materials and break certain basket strainers. These limitations necessitate a thorough understanding of the specific context in which the plumber’s putty is being used.

Advantages of Silicone in Plumbing Applications

Silicone, on the other hand, offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice in certain situations:

Water Resistance: Unlike plumber’s putty, silicone is water-resistant, making it ideal for applications where the seal is expected to be exposed to moisture continuously. Flexibility: Silicone is more flexible and durable than plumber’s putty, which can prevent cracking and damage to surfaces over time. Ease of Removal: Once cured, silicone does not readily come off and can be a pain to remove, making it unsuitable for situations where the seal needs to be changed frequently.

Despite these advantages, it’s important to note that silicone is not always the best choice. Many new sink baskets and fixtures come with washers and seals that do not require additional waterproofing, making the use of silicone as a supplement unnecessary.

Common Misconceptions and Realities in Plumbing Practices

There are several misconceptions about the use of plumber’s putty and silicone in plumbing practices. For instance, some believe that silicone has completely replaced plumber’s putty, which is far from true. Old timers still rely on plumber’s putty due to its ease of removal and the ability to reuse components. Modern plumbers often use silicone for its flexibility and durability, but they still commonly use plumber’s putty for many applications.

Case Studies and Examples

Consider a drop-in kitchen sink. Plumbers almost exclusively use plumber’s putty to seal the lip of the sink, as it can easily be removed and reset. Similarly, many companies have shifted towards using silicone for new installations, but traditional plumber’s putty remains a go-to product for certain tasks.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between plumber’s putty and silicone is often a matter of preference and the specific requirements of the project. While silicone offers distinct advantages in terms of flexibility and durability, plumber’s putty remains preferable in many applications due to its ease of removal, cleanliness, and time-tested effectiveness. Both materials have their place in the plumbing world, and a well-trained plumber knows when and where to use each one for the best results.

For those interested in furthering their knowledge in plumbing, continuing education and hands-on experience are key to mastering the art of using both plumber’s putty and silicone effectively.