Re: Plumbers putty vs. silicone caulk
Posted by Marc , plumbing contractor in California on February 23, 2004 at 02:02:27:
In response to Re: Plumbers putty vs. silicone caulk
: As I'm moving from fitting pipe to installing fixtures in my new (75+ year old) house, I'm wondering which material to use for various sealing tasks.

: I know some plumbers prefer putty, while others use silicone. I can see both sides: I've scraped an awful lot of dried putty off of fixtures, but silicone seems a little flimsy, somehow.

REPLY: WE USE PUTTY ON BASKET STRAINER AND G.DISP, AND SINK FLANGES. ALSO, UNDER FLANGES WITH TOO MUCH EMPTY SPACE UNDERNEATH. NEVER USE PUTTY ON STONE DUE TO OIL STAINING.
SILICONE IS GREAT ALMOST ALL OTHER PLACES, LIKE, WHERE FAUCETS CONTACT DECK, AT FLOOR AROUND WC.

: So, would any of our resident professionals care to weigh in? I'm interested in your experiences with both materials, and *why* you use one or the other.

: Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me...

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