Should I Use Plumbers Putty When Installing a Kitchen Faucet?

You may be wondering, should I use plumbers putty when installing spout and faucet. While some types of putty are not suitable for use in areas where drinking water is present, it is safe to use them in other areas. Using putty rope to seal the sink's counter top and drain assembly is another method you can use to protect the countertop surface.

You should first determine whether the faucet has a rubber gasket or not. Some faucets come with rubber or plastic gaskets to seal the faucet to the sink. If it does not, plumber's putty snake is what you need. It is similar to Play-Doh and creates a leak-free seal. This method will prevent any unwanted leaks from occurring.

Disadvantages of plumber's putty

The pros of plumbers putty are that it doesn't dry, so you can immediately use it. The disadvantages of using plumber's putty are that it does not work with metal threaded pipes. If you want to use it with metal threaded pipes, you should use silicone. Both of these materials have their pros and cons. Silicone is better than plumbers putty for sealing gaps.

Features of Plumber's putty

Plumber's putty is used to create leak-proof seals around pipes and fixtures. It is a clay-like substance that stays malleable even after being applied to the area you're sealing. It is a quick-fix method to seal the farmhouse sink faucet base and sink strainers. While silicone is less mess-free, it is a permanent adhesive and may be difficult to remove. However, plumbers swear by it.

Need to clean the sink area

First, remove the old faucet. If it's sealed with silicone, you may need to use a glass scraper and rubbing alcohol to remove it. Clean the sink area thoroughly before installing a new faucet. You may also need to remove the old faucet if it's been sealed with silicone. This will make installation easier. But before you begin, remove it from the sink by scraping it off the old putty.

Follow the instruction process

Once you've removed the old faucet, you can begin the installation process. Make sure you follow the instructions for installation, and read the instructions on the package. Using an adjustable wrench and channel locking pliers, insert the water lines. Then, place the faucet base in the hole. Next, apply the plumbers' putty around the base and attach the supply tubes. You can also use a basin wrench or channel-type pliers to tighten the coupling nuts.