Plumbers putty vs silicone sealant kitchen sink

[dermacie]

I recently (9months) ago had my kitchen professionally remodeled. I picked a single bowl stainless steel sink to be installed good quality. I noticed about two months ago a slight drip coming from the basket strainer under the sink only when the sink is full of water. I tightened under there and it seemed to go away( I check it often).

I noticed that it is back and I am wondering if it is because the installer used plumber’s putty on the strainer. My father who has since passed built this house and I am positive that he used silicone sealant around the basket strainer in the past and I am wondering if I should take it apart and use that instead?

 

[ea56]

I used plumbers putty when I put the drains into all of our sinks, never had a leak yet.  As long as you use enough for it to squeeze out from the edges of the drain flange when its tightened down you shouldn’t have any leaks.  I have used silicone on some of the faucet mounting plates, I don’t think its any better than plumbers putty though.

 

Eddie

 

[askolover]

Ditto what Eddie said.  I have also used both.

 

[mattl]

Plumber's putty - done correctly will never leak.

 

[dermacie]

I bet he didn’t use enough.

 

[combo52]

Sealing Disposer and other sink flanges

I have used both as well but as Matt said plumbers putty will never leak if done properly and does not leave a mess like silicone sealant to try and clean up.

 

John 

 

[chachp]

Putty

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">I remember a few years ago I was having a faucet put in and the plumber really loaded up the putty.  After he tightened it he cleaned up what oozed out.  He said, we want it to ooz out because that's when you know you won't have a leak.</span>

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

Why not do away with both,

And just use a flat rubber seal in between the bowl of the sink and the flange of the fitting? It works wonderfully over here and nobody has had any leaks whatsoever since installation

 

[perc-o-prince]

I always use plumber's putty for the drain flange. When I installed our new sink in the downstairs kitchen last year I used Lexel where it sits on the countertop and found it easy to work with. I suppose that could be used on the drain flange, but when you're used to one thing.... Lexel link below.

Chuck

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lexel-5-fl-oz-Clear-Paintable-Solvent-Caulk/1000269867

 

[good-shepherd]

take it apart and use that instead?

Check the the strainer flange for any damage or defects and reseal with plumbers putty. Tighten the nut firmly but don't over torque.

Silicone sealant would be a nightmare to clean up next time the sink needs the strainer removed.

 

[sudsmaster]

I use the putty.

 

Silicone based products don't seem to have the structural integrity.

 

 

 

[dermacie]

My brother saved the day and took it apart and used plumbers putty. No more dripping.