How to Apply Plumber's Putty

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Plumbers putty is a commonly used supply in plumbing projects. It is probably most often used to put together sinks and seal them to prevent water leaks. By cleaning properly, warming up the putty, and pressing it into place, you can apply putty like a pro!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Molding the Putty into Shape

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  1. Most local or chain stores, like Home Depot, should carry plumbers putty. Different brands use slightly different ingredients. Putty marked as stain-free should be safe to use on any material. Ask someone in the store if you have specific questions about your project. [1]
  2. When first out of the can, putty is usually cold and hard. Take a handful of it and roll it into a ball. Rub it between your palms quickly and firmly. Stop once you’re able to pull and stretch the putty easily. [2]
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  3. Now that your putty is warm, stretch it until it is long enough to cover the area you need to apply it to. If long and skinny putty won’t fit over your surface, mold it into a shape that will. [3]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Putty

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  1. Plumbers putty needs to be applied to a clean area. Wash the surface you’ll be applying the putty to with soap and water. If you’re applying the putty to an old fixture, go over it several times until it is free of any dirt. [4]
  2. Plumbers putty will not stick well to a wet area. Make sure the towel or rag you use is clean so you don’t get your surface dirty again while drying it. [5]
  3. If you're using putty to fix a leak, you will need to take apart some parts to access the area where putty is needed. Usually, putty is used on toilets and drains. For toilets, loosen the bolts at the base and gently remove the bowl from the floor. [6] For drains, undo the nuts under the sink and push up on the drain to remove it from the base of the sink. [7]
    • You can often find step-by-step disassembly guides online for different types and models of fixtures.
  4. In many cases, putty is put on a circular area, like the drain of a sink. Wrap the putty around the circle and make sure you don't leave any gaps. Do not wrap the putty into multiple layers. If you are not applying putty to a circular surface, still use just one layer and leave no gaps. [8]
  5. Use your fingertips to apply pressure and stop when the putty seems secure. It will be tightened into place even further later, but now you’re making sure it will hold its position while you press into a drain fixture or anything else you need it for. [9]
  6. For sink drains, for instance, you will press the drain into the base of the sink and tighten it underneath using a bolt and channel locks. [10] For toilet bowls, spread the putty around the base of the toilet, where it will touch the floor. Touch your fixture to make sure it isn’t loose at all. [11]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Cleaning and Maintaining Putty

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  1. When setting a plumbing fixture in place, excess plumbers putty usually seeps out from the sides. Use any rag or towel you’d like to wipe up this excess putty and discard it. [12]
  2. Now that you’re done using the putty, you will want to make sure you leave a clean area behind. Scrub your work area with a soapy sponge to make sure there are no residual traces of the putty. [13]
  3. If you notice water seeping out from under your toilet or your drain, you may need new plumber’s putty. If so, take apart your fixture, remove the existing putty thoroughly, and reapply new putty. [14]
    • If new plumber’s putty does not fix the problem, investigate other sources for the leak, such as broken gaskets or seals.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_ivmNSNn0Q
      2. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5585002-apply-plumber-s-putty-kitchen-faucet.html
      3. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5585002-apply-plumber-s-putty-kitchen-faucet.html
      4. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5585002-apply-plumber-s-putty-kitchen-faucet.html
      5. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5585002-apply-plumber-s-putty-kitchen-faucet.html
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlxzltjozDs
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEDzclejkLY
      8. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5585002-apply-plumber-s-putty-kitchen-faucet.html
      9. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5585002-apply-plumber-s-putty-kitchen-faucet.html
      1. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5585002-apply-plumber-s-putty-kitchen-faucet.html
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlxzltjozDs
      3. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5585002-apply-plumber-s-putty-kitchen-faucet.html
      4. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5585002-apply-plumber-s-putty-kitchen-faucet.html
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlxzltjozDs

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Plumber’s putty is a great product for sealing projects and preventing water leaks. Before you use plumber's putty, clean the area with soapy water and dry it with a clean rag. Take out your putty and roll it in your palms to warm it up and make it more malleable. Then, stretch it into a skinny shape until it’s long enough to cover the area you want to seal. Apply the putty in one layer, pressing down firmly, and don’t leave any gaps. If you’re sealing a sink drain, push the drain into its base on top of the putty and tighten the drain. Clean any excess putty off with a rag and throw it away. For more tips, including what to do if your putty leaks, read on!

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