5 Good Alternatives to Plumber’s Putty

You can meet a wide range of plumbing needs with plumbing putty, a versatile material that you can use for various applications.

This tool is ideal for every professional who needs a durable and affordable device. Its long-lasting softness and ease of removal make it a must-have for any bathroom.

Five good alternatives to plumber’s putty are silicone, adhesive, aquarium putty, plumber’s chalk, and terrarium putty.

When you don’t have a plumber’s putty, it will most likely force you to use an alternative type of plumbing product. Many of these are unsuitable for plastic areas, and you cannot use them in closed spaces.

Read on and learn about how you can substitute a plumber’s putty.

What Is a Plumber’s Putty?

You can set up a wide range of products with the help of a flexible and clay-like compound known as a plumber’s putty, which creates a watertight seal around a flange to prevent water from leaking. This product is ideal for various applications such as sink basket strainers, pop-up drains, and faucets.

Unlike other types of sealant, which you can easily modify after its initial application, a plumber’s putty can remain soft over time and appear on various surfaces, such as marble, granite, and sandstone.

Due to its oil-based nature, this product can stain certain materials, such as marble, granite, and quartz. However, if you are looking for a stain-free product, use an oil-free product.

How to Correctly Use a Plumber’s Putty?

A cheap and easy-to-use material called “plumber’s putty” is usually sold in small plastic containers. You can mold it by hand before applying it to a part of the plumbing system.

Mold a Rope

To make a rope, scoop out a ball of creamy putty from the tub. Roll it between your fingers until it creates a continuous string, similar to how you would make a snake out of Play-Doh. You can make the rope any length or width you want, and it should have a consistent diameter.

Apply Putty Rope

To seal one part, lay the rope into place, starting at any point along the way. It should work in a continuous loop and roll long if the string is too short. If the length of the rope is too small, start over and cut off the excess.

Press It Firmly

To prevent the rope from coming loose, gently press it into place. It will keep it from coming out too loose while turning the part right side up. It will also squash down once you install it. If you press the part flat, it might not seal properly against the mating part.

Install It Right

To install the part, follow the instructions:

  1. Once you tighten the piece, it should start to squeeze out from the edges, which is desirable since you used a lot of it.
  2. After pulling the part, use your finger to remove any excess material.
  3. If the excess is still clean, put it back in the tub.

5 Good Alternatives to Plumbers Putty

You will have difficulty selecting the right putties for your job due to the different things you need to consider. For instance, some may not be suitable for every type of work.

Silicone

Nothing can beat the durability and long-lasting capabilities when performing various projects, such as securing doors and windows. Compared to traditional adhesive, this material lasts 40% longer.

This product will also protect you from the harmful effects of mold and mildew on your home. These two are the leading causes of damage to your plumbing projects.

The material’s water-resistant properties make it ideal for various projects, such as window and door repairs. Just apply it and wait for 30 minutes to see if it will stay as it is. Its ability to resist contraction and extreme expansion will protect you from the effects of high heat.

Another common issue people encounter while using various products, such as plastic putty, is the smell. However, with the use of silicone, you can solve this issue. Not only does it not produce an odor, but it also does not cause any discoloration.

Amazing GOOP 150011 Plumbing 3.7oz Adhesive

Adhesive

One of the main issues with the traditional plumbing product is that you cannot use it with plastic. However, adhesive can be a good alternative if you want to use it with other plumbing projects, such as those involving plastic. You can use this material in sweltering and humid conditions.

The seals comprise high-quality materials designed to keep them from getting damaged by the water. You can use them at any angle, and they can last long. Unfortunately, the adhesive can take a long time to dry.

Aquarium Putty

alteco EPO Putty A+B Aquarium use 100g Single kit

Although some types of underwater plumbing products are suitable for water use, such as chalk, epoxy, and silicone, there is also a better alternative: Aquarium putty. It is a type of resin used for various kinds of underwater plumbing.

Unlike other types of underwater plumbing products, aquarium putty can work effectively underwater. It usually takes around 25 minutes to set and cure and can hold up to a thousand psi of water pressure. It can also work smoothly in high temperatures reaching 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Besides being suitable for water use, you can use aquarium putty against various chemicals and petroleum. This material is ideal for plastic, metal, and glass.

Terrarium Putty

This plumber’s putty alternative is a popular choice for people who want to make their Terrarium. Using a professional product such as a plumber’s putty is not ideal for natural vivaria. It will keep the mold looking its best for a long time.

You can try using this material if you don’t have any alternatives you can use at home but always be cautious where you apply it.

Plumbers Chalk

One of the best alternatives to using toxic chemicals such as Plumber’s putty is the use of plumber chalk. You can use this product in a wide-open area or a confined one.

Not only does this product prevent problems in the confined space, but it also smooths the application of the product in any situation.

Most of the chalks used by the plumber are weather-resistant. They are also water-resistant, meaning they can be exposed to water for 30 minutes after the application. It will save you time compared to the putty used by the plumber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use Duct Seal Instead of Plumbers Putty?

Duct Seal 1 lb

Although it’s technically possible to use a duct sealant as a plumber’s putty alternative, there are there to seal air leaks. This sealant has a limited plumbing application since you can use it to prevent moisture from entering the ducts. You can also use it to repair electrical and heating systems.

Is a Rubber Gasket or Plumbers Putty Better?

It’s generally better to use rubber drain covers than traditional plumbing materials such as plastic putty. Since you’re likely to run hot and cold water in the sink, rubber seals are ideal.

Although a well-designed seal can hold up well under certain conditions, such as temperature changes, it can eventually break due to the effects of the changes. It is why it’s essential to use a sealant that can withstand the impact of temperature swings.

Conclusion

You can use several products to replace your plumber’s putty, such as adhesive, silicone, Terrarium putty, and aquarium putty. However, if you don’t have a good choice, avoid using an alternative product unsuitable for your project.

For most people, using plumbers’ putty is a fantastic option for their plumbing needs. However, sometimes, we have to consider alternatives. Before we make a decision, it is essential to check if the benefits of the option are greater than those of the putty.

If you seek the perfect alternative to putty, then it is not a good idea to pick one that doesn’t work as well as the original. At the same time, you should also consider the usability of the alternative.