Plumbers putty or silicone?

ChrisJ

I'm getting ready to install the new kitchen sink and being this is the first time doing this I'm trying to get prepared and learn all I can before diving in.



I used plumbers putty on the basket strainers and now I've got mixed info on what to use when mounting the sink to the counter.



Another thing I'm unsure of is the faucet is a single hole Delta which has a stainless cover that fits over a plastic spacer and I think it comes with a rubber gasket. I've been told in the past to throw rubber gaskets out and use putty when mounting a faucet?



All opinions and comments are welcome as always.

Boiler Talk

Silicone

I'm not a plumber but of the two sinks I tried the putty gave me leaks.  Use Silicone and plenty of it.  Good luck.  It's not hard to remove, but takes time to cure. 

ChrisJ

Leaks?

Thank you for your response.



I'm assuming you are referring to using silicone to seal the sink to the counter and not the basket strainers?

Sam81

Sink installation

Use silconized caulk to install the sink enough the it should squeeze out when's tightening the clips, and silicon between the strainer and sink and wiped then with a dry towel and ready to use

jonny88

putty

if using putty on marble make sure you get the right type made especially for marble.clear silicone is good for fitting sink,putty also maybe its a choice of preference.i usually use putty and always use putty on strainer(easier to remove in the future.)

Boiler Talk

Silicone it all

I'm assuming you are referring to using silicone to seal the sink to the counter and not the basket strainers?



Nope, I meant the whole thing.  Good luck. 

jumper

anybody try liquid gasket ?

I haven't but I intend to.

Charlie from wmass

putty on strainers and silicone on rims

silicone is NOT for strainers. if it leaks with putty sorry guys you did it wrong. I have been using putty to install basket strainers since I was 6 and it is the right product for the job. That is 36 years of installing with putty. I also use good quality strainers. The one with the zinc nuts should just be left in the box they come in and thrown away.

ChrisJ

Yep

After doing it I have to agree with Mr Garrity.



Putty on the strainers worked great. On the rim of the sink however, I ended up with small gaps on all 4 corners and you can see the putty.

Bob Harper

putty vs sillycone

Since the strainer is considered replaceable, use putty. It has worked for generations. Sealing the basin to the counter should be silicone unless expressly forbidden by the counter fabricator. Choose the correct silicone, though. Acid cure silicones are suitable for thin joints where it won't corrode the adjoining materials and acts as an adhesive. Thicker joints >1/16" or so should be a neutral cure silicone which is better at gap filling but not very adhesive. When laid in a thick bed, acid cure silicones tend to skin over without curing the inside. Neutral cure will cure throughout quickly. Make sure the caulk is NSF approved. If you really hate silicones like me, you might consider a polyurethane caulk instead.

HTH