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Plumbers putty is the go-to solution in most plumbing projects. It is used to create waterproof seals around drains and faucets. For this reason, it is normally used in either the bath or kitchen areas, specifically the sink or tub strainers, faucets and setting sinks, among others.
It is very easy to apply, making the whole process streamlined for you. By simply cleaning the area, warming up the putty using your hands, pressing it into place, and fitting the drain or fixture into place, you can consider any leakage problems you were experiencing fixed.
Creating watertight seals is the biggest benefit of using plumbers putty because it forms a completely waterproof seal, making it ideal for areas where even the slightest bit of leakage is discouraged, for instance, in kitchens specifically under the sink.
Apart from the easy application and use, another advantage is that you can use the fixtures immediately after application; you do not need to give it time to dry or set. Plumbers putty typically dries after 15-20 years so you are assured of getting value for your money.
That being said, there are several brands of plumber’s putty in the market and this can be daunting and confusing, especially for novices. However, as it is important that you get good quality plumbers putty, this article has combined 5 of the most promising plumbers putties in the market so that the choice becomes easier.
Best Plumbers Putty Reviews
Here is a list of some of the highly-rated plumbers putties in the market. Go through the review below and you will be able to choose the putty that will serve you best.
Oatey Plumbers Putty-31166
Although it is the most expensive putty in this list, Oatey plumbers putty is an easy to mold setting compound that is soft, pliable and easy to work with. It also stays flexible long after application, and it does not crack or shrink in anyway, which means that it will serve you well for many years.
It is compatible with stainless steel fixtures and is mostly used on stainless steel sealing applications, for example, frames, faucets and strainer baskets. In addition, it has an off-white color which is something that should be considered if you plan on using in on visible surfaces.
A really convenient feature with this putty is that it does not stick to your hands as you are working, which makes the whole plumbing process convenient for you. Lastly, it meets military specifications TTP-1536A and this assures you that what you are getting is a professional and good quality product.
However, it stains porous materials and for this reason, you cannot use it on natural objects such as; marble, limestone and granite. Similarly, it also cannot be used on plastic because it stains plastic just as easily.
Features at a glance
- Soft, pliable and flexible
- Does not crack, shrink or harden after using it
- Can be used on stainless steel fixtures but not on granite, marble, limestone or plastic.
- Meets military specifications TTP-1536A
- Easy to work with and doesn’t stick to hands
- Has an off-white color.
Aqua Plumb 01040 Plumbers Putty
This very affordable plumbers putty from Aqua Plumb has multiple uses in your home. From kitchen sinks to bathroom tubs, toilets, fountains and even garbage disposals, it has proven to be a perfect addition to your toolbox as it can be used on virtually any drainage system and fixture.
The putty stays soft over time, even in higher temperatures and it does not harden, crack or shrink, making it a perfect temporary fix while you get more permanent solutions.
It is gas-proof, odor proof and water-resistant, in addition to being sturdy and secure. Like typical putty, it seals, fixes and prevents leakages while simultaneously keeping all the odors in so that your home is kept clean and serene.
It is white in color and like the Oatey putty above, it also stains porous materials so it cannot be used on natural stone, marble or plastic.
Features at a glance
- Affordable
- Has multiple uses; sinks, tubs, toilets, fountains, garbage disposals
- Stays soft over time, does not harden, shrink or crack even in higher temperatures
- Gas proof, odor proof, and water-resistant
- Stains porous materials like plastic, marble, and stone
- White in color
AST-PUT[TM] Plumbers Putty
![AST-PUT[TM] Plumbers Putty](https://www.allabouttoilet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/51frZGQujkL.jpg)
This non-staining putty from the brand Anti Seizeis the best plumbers putty for plastic because unlike most of the putties in this list, it can actually be used on some plastics. Other applications of this putty are all metals including; fixtures, faucets, bowls, basin cocks, and strainers, and handles, as well as other sealing and caulking jobs.
Its smooth and uniform consistency makes it very easy to handle and use. It also does not stick to your hands when working making it convenient. Furthermore, it will not harden, crack or shrink, even if the can is left open, so you know that you are getting value for your product.
Other good aspects of the AST-PUT is that you can use the fixtures immediately after you have applied the putty, and It also meets the military spec TTP-1536A. However, even though is non-staining, it is still not suitable for natural marble, synthetic marble, or other synthetic materials.
Features at a glance
- Non-staining and suitable for all metals and some plastics
- Does not stick to your hands when working
- Smooth and uniform consistency making it easy to use
- Remains flexible, and does not crack or shrink even when the can is left open
- Not suitable for natural/ synthetic marble, and other synthetic materials
- Meets military specifications TTP-1536A certified
WM Harvey 043010 43010 Putty
WM Harvey Plumbers Putty is another affordable putty that is highly rated in the market. Its color is off-white which makes it possible to be used for painting supplies, paint and stains. Apart from this, it is also used in setting bowls, rims, strainers, and faucets.
It comes in a 14 fluid ounces’ tub, which is more than enough for one application. Typically, one use takes about 3 ounces so this tub gives you 3 or 4 uses. The putty remains flexible even after application and it does not shrink, crack or crumble, even when the can is left open.
We all know that damp and moist areas, especially in drainage systems like in the kitchen or bathroom, provide a conducive environment for the growth of bacteria. With the WM Harvey, this will cease to be a worry as the putty does not support bacteria in any way.
Once again, it also cannot be used on marble and other porous materials such as limestone, granite, and plastic. This is because the putty is staining and due to the absorbent nature of these materials, they will discolor and this can be off putting, especially in visible areas.
Features at a glance
- Affordable
- Color is off-white
- Used in setting bowls, rims, strainers, and faucets and can be used with paint, painting supplies and stains
- Remains flexible and does not shrink, crack or crumble even if the can is left open
- Does not support the growth of bacteria
- It cannot be used on marble, or other porous materials because it stains them
Oatey Hercules Sta Put Plumbers Putty
Oatey Hercules Sta Put Plumbers Putty is a flexible, stretchable and an easy to mold. This makes it very easy to use and handle. As expected of plumbers putty, it does not harden, shrink, crack or crumble even after application.
It is normally used in basin cocks, setting bowls, fixtures, sink faucets, sink frames, plugs, strainers and about all other sealing and caulking applications. It is tan in color and like most putties in this review, it stains so you cannot use it with porous materials such as plastic, natural or synthetic marble, granite, and other synthetic substances.
The putty comes in different size containers such as; 3 pounds, 5 pounds, 7 pounds, and 14 ounces, leaving you spoilt for choice. This also saves you from denting your wallet, especially if it is an emergency because you can just buy the smallest tub size you can afford.
Features at a glance
- Flexible, stretchable and molds easily
- Does not harden, crack, shrink or crumble even after application
- Easy to handle and use
- Cannot be used on plastic and porous materials but it is suitable for all metals
- Tan in color
Consider Before Buying Best plumbers putty
Cost
Generally, the plumbers putty is very inexpensive. But different brands sell at different prices and it is entirely up to you to decide based on your budget. However, you should keep in mind that quality comes with higher prices so you will want to invest in one that is durable and will serve you well.
Use
Plumbers putty is made for different applications and materials, and you should factor this in before going out to purchase your project. As we have seen above, most of the plumbers putties in this review are staining and therefore cannot be used on porous materials.
If you do intend to use the putty on plastic, then the best choice for you would be the AST-PUT[TM] Plumbers Putty as it is non-staining. However, it still cannot be used on other porous materials such as both natural and synthetic marble, limestone, granite, and other synthetic materials.
Quality
Good quality plumbers putty should be soft, pliable and flexible. This is because while using it, you should mold it and use it around the fixture, and working with something hardened is frustrating it barely bears any results.
Also, sometimes, maybe due to kids or forgetfulness, you may forget to cap the tub when you are done. In some cases, the putty hardens and stops being flexible, essentially making it useless until it has been heated up, and this takes time.
For this reason, get a plumber’s putty that stays soft and pliable even if the tub is left open, for instance, AST-PUT[TM] Plumbers Putty, and WM Harvey Plumbers Putty.
Furthermore, after using the putty you have to clean the part that bulges out between the 2 hard surfaces and it helps if the putty does not dry up or harden after application. Therefore, quality really matters.
Color
Different plumbers putties come in different colors such as white, off-white, tan and even gray at times due to the clay. This is really not a big deal but when working on fixtures that are going to be visible, that is, they will not be hidden like drainage fixtures, then the color matters as it needs to blend with the surrounding environment.
Efficiency
Lastly, the main point of using plumber putty is to seal leaks and act as some form of temporary adhesive. Therefore the putty you buy should be an excellent adhesive, and it should be resistant to water to ensure that there is zero to very little leakage.
Durability also comes into play here because some putties take up to 20 years to dry as long as they stay undisturbed and this gives you very good value for your money.
Top-rated Plumbers Putty Comparison Chart
| MODEL | PROPERTIES | IDEAL FOR | EASE OF USE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oatey Plumbers Putty-31166 | Soft, pliable and flexible Does not crack, shrink or harden after using it; white in color | Can be used on stainless steel fixtures but not on granite, marble, limestone or plastic. | Easy to work with and doesn’t stick to hands |
| Aqua Plumb 01040 Plumbers Putty | Stays soft over time, does not harden, shrink or crack even in higher temperatures White in color | sinks, tubs, toilets, fountains, garbage disposals | Gas proof, odor proof, and water-resistant |
| AST-PUT[TM] Plumbers Putty | Non-staining. Remains flexible, and does not crack or shrink even when the can is left open Meets military specifications TTP-1536A certified | all metals and some plastics; Not suitable for natural/ synthetic marble, and other synthetic materials | Does not stick to your hands when working Smooth and uniform consistency making it easy to use |
| WM Harvey 043010 43010 Putty | Remains flexible and does not shrink, crack or crumble even if the can is left open; Color is off-white | bowls, rims, strainers, and faucets and can be used with paint, painting supplies and stains; cannot be used on marble, or other porous materials | Does not support the growth of bacteria |
| Oatey Hercules Sta Put Plumbers Putty | Flexible, stretchable and molds easily Does not harden, crack, shrink or crumble even after application Tan in color | all metals; Cannot be used on plastic and porous materials | Easy to handle and use |
Conclusion
In conclusion, plumbers putty is an essential tool to have in your arsenal at any point because repairs are often needed. It is also very long-lasting because it can last up to 2 decades so the putty you choose must be one you will be confident in.
Once you have gone through everything in this article, it is my hope that you will be able to choose the best plumbers putty to add to your tool bag.
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