The Ins and Outs of Plumber’s Putty vs. Silicone​

Although it’s easy to reach for the product you already have on hand for the latest DIY job you’re working on, using the wrong one can end in disaster. So if you’re wondering if you should use plumber’s putty or silicone, take a few minutes to learn what makes each of them unique. You can be confident that your DIY install or repair was done correctly with the right products.

Plumber's Putty vs. Silicone: Key Differences

Plumber’s putty is used to create seals without any cure time, but it’s not an adhesive. On the other hand, silicone is a strong and reliable adhesive that requires time to cure. Plumber’s putty can’t be used on plastic, and a special nonstaining version is used on porous materials like stone. Meanwhile, silicone sealers can be used on most materials, including plastic, metal, glass, natural stones, and wood.

If you’re unsure which product is right for your project, a plumber can guide you through the installation process. 

What Is Plumber’s Putty?​

Plumber’s putty comes in a plastic tub or a paper-backed roll and is used to create water-resistant seals. It can be used to set fixtures, faucets, sink frames, sink basket strainers, and shower drains. True to its name, it’s a malleable and soft putty made of clay and linseed oil.

Best for: 

• Indoor plumbing

• Drains

• Faucets

• Strainers

Pros of Plumber's Putty

Using plumber’s putty is straightforward for DIYers because it’s soft and malleable. The putty stays the same consistency after installation, so making adjustments isn’t a problem. There’s no dry time either, allowing you to start using the fixture right away. However, in cold or humid conditions, you might need 10 minutes for the plumber’s putty to dry and the seal to form.

Best of all, it’s a cost-effective item to keep in your toolbox, ranging from $2 to $5 per tub.

Cons of Plumber's Putty

A disadvantage of plumber’s putty is that it has limitations in how it can be used. For one, it’s water-resistant but not waterproof, so it doesn’t work on high-moisture surfaces. This means you shouldn’t use plumber’s putty to seal toilet bowls to the floor or fix a leaky toilet.

Plumber’s putty is commonly mistaken for an adhesive, so avoid using it on pipe threads or gasket fittings. Moreover, don’t make the mistake of using plumber’s putty on plastic because it will degrade the material. And unless you use stain-free plumber’s putty, it can stain porous surfaces like natural stone.

Plumber’s putty can also crack or shrink over time, especially if it’s exposed to UV rays. If this happens, you’ll have to replace it to avoid leaks.

What Is Silicone?

Silicone sealant, made of silica, is a liquid adhesive that looks and feels like a gel. Once it cures, it’s stable and elastic. It’s compatible with a wide range of materials in outdoor and high-moisture locations, making it a go-to product for different installation and repair needs. For example, it’s used to seal tubs and sinks in plumbing-related jobs, around pipes, countertops, cabinets, and baseboards.

Best for: 

• Bathtubs

• Kitchen sinks

• Sealing leaks on pipes

• Outdoor plumbing

Pros of Silicone

Silicone sealant is handy for various uses because it’s a strong and durable adhesive that withstands extreme conditions like harsh weather and high water pressure. It works on metal, glass, plastic, stone, and more. Its UV-resistant properties make it possible to use outdoors on siding, windows, and doors. 

Cons of Silicone

Silicone takes time to cure, anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. Once it cures, you won’t be able to remove it easily like plumber’s putty. If you need to remove silicone, you’ll need to soften and loosen the sealant by applying isopropyl alcohol, WD-40, or a sealant remover. Then, you can use a plastic scraper to remove the dissolved sealant.

Another downside is that you can’t paint over silicone sealant once you install it, although silicone is available in various shades, such as white, light brown, and clear.

Plumber's Putty vs. Silicone​

Here are all the ways plumber’s putty stacks up against silicone. After weighing all of the factors, if you’re still unsure which product to use, reach out to a plumber near you who can make recommendations for your plumbing system.

Appearance​: Plumber’s Putty

Plumber’s putty isn’t visible once you install it, as it’s most commonly used to seal drains that are hidden from view, and any excess is easily wiped away. On the other hand, silicone is visible after installation since it’s used on the seams of gaps. You’ve likely noticed the silicone sealant on the perimeter of your bathtub. While it helps to choose a shade that best matches the area, you won’t be able to hide the silicone from view.

Options and Customization: Silicone

Plumber’s putty doesn’t have variations beyond the different brand names, so picking one at your hardware store shouldn’t take too long. In comparison, there are many types of silicone sealant. This includes silicone that comes in different colors and for specific applications.

An all-purpose silicone works well for general jobs, but there are special formulations for windows, doors, kitchens, and baths. Silicone sealers that are better for specific materials, like plastic or metal, are also available.

Durability​​: Silicone

Silicone is more durable than plumber’s putty. Of course, plumber’s putty gets the job done in the right applications, but it lacks many of the positive traits of silicone. For example, plumber’s putty has no insulating properties, so you can’t use it on windows or doors. Also, plumber’s putty isn’t waterproof, nor can it withstand high water pressure. In comparison, silicone performs in extreme temperatures and can be used on doors and windows. 

Price​: Plumber’s Putty

Both plumber’s putty and silicone are budget-friendly, but plumber’s putty costs $2 to $5 per tub, while silicone costs $8 to $20 per tube. On the higher end of the price range is silicone sealer spray, at $30 per bottle, which is designed to fix minor leaks.

Ease of Installation or DIYability​: Plumber’s Putty

Plumber’s putty is easier to install and DIY. It’s not much different than forming shapes with crafting clay, so you can quickly fix mistakes.

Silicone sealant is also DIY-friendly, although it takes more skill and practice to apply. It’s easiest to use a caulking gun to get an even application. If you make a mistake, it can get messy, and it’s harder to remove, so you might consider hiring a pro for bathroom caulking services if you run into issues. 

Maintenance​: Plumber’s Putty

Plumber’s putty doesn’t require any maintenance, except for when it needs to be replaced every ten to 20 years. On the other hand, silicone sealer requires regular cleaning with mild soap. You should also visually check it for mold and mildew growth, since that’s a sign that you need to replace it. You can expect to replace the silicone sealer on your tubs every five to 10 years, while the sealer on your windows and doors needs to be replaced every five to 25 years. 

Eco-Friendliness or Sustainability​: Tie

Neither plumber’s putty nor silicone is considered eco-friendly or sustainable. However, you can properly store both products to ensure their long shelf life. This is up to one to five years for plumber’s putty and one year for silicone. Keeping the products stored correctly means you won’t have to make unnecessary purchases for your next DIY job or repair.