If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to plumber’s putty until you have a leaky faucet or pipe. Plumber’s putty is a versatile sealant that can be used to seal gaps around pipes, drains, and other plumbing fixtures. It’s easy to use and relatively inexpensive, but it can be a pain to rework if you make a mistake or if the putty dries out. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to rework plumber’s putty without too much hassle.
First, you’ll need to remove the old plumber’s putty. This can be done with a putty knife or a sharp knife. Be careful not to damage the surface you’re working on. Once the old putty is removed, you can apply new plumber’s putty. To do this, simply roll the putty into a rope and then press it into the gap you’re sealing. Be sure to smooth out the putty so that it’s flush with the surface.
Finally, you’ll need to give the plumber’s putty time to dry. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the temperature and humidity. Once the putty is dry, it will be hard and durable. You can now use your plumbing fixture as usual.
Remove the Old Putty
Removing old plumber’s putty is a crucial step before applying new putty. Here’s a detailed guide to help you remove the old putty effectively:
1. Gather necessary tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Putty knife | For scraping and removing putty |
| Razor blade or sharp utility knife | For cutting and slicing through layers of putty |
| Rubber gloves | To protect hands from contact with putty |
| Safety glasses | To prevent putty debris from entering eyes |
2. Safety precautions
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses to minimize exposure to putty and its potential hazards. Avoid breathing in putty dust or particles.
3. Remove surface layer
Use a putty knife to scrape and remove the surface layer of old putty. Work gently to avoid damaging the fixture or surrounding surfaces.
4. Cut through layers
Use a razor blade or utility knife to carefully slice through remaining layers of putty. Avoid cutting into the fixture or adjacent surfaces.
5. Clean and smooth
Once the old putty is removed, clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue. Use a putty knife or clean rag to smooth the surface and prepare it for applying new putty.
Clean the Drain Hole
To clean the drain hole, you’ll need a few basic tools:
- A small bucket or bowl
- A cloth or sponge
- A pair of pliers
- A small screwdriver
Once you have your tools, follow these steps:
1. Remove the drain cover.
The drain cover is usually held in place by a few screws. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws and lift off the cover.
2. Clean the drain hole.
Use the cloth or sponge to wipe away any debris from the drain hole. If the hole is clogged, you can use the pliers to remove any hair or other objects that may be blocking it. You can also use a small brush to clean the hole more thoroughly.
3. Inspect the drain hole.
Once the hole is clean, inspect it for any damage. If you see any cracks or other damage, you will need to repair or replace the drain.
4. Reinstall the drain cover.
Once the drain hole is clean and inspected, reinstall the drain cover. Tighten the screws until the cover is secure.
Prepare the New Putty
Once you’ve removed the old putty, it’s time to prepare the new putty. This is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, you need to choose the right type of putty. There are two main types of putty: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based putty is more durable and resistant to water, but it can be more difficult to work with. Water-based putty is easier to apply, but it is not as durable or resistant to water.
Once you’ve chosen the right type of putty, you need to prepare it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves kneading the putty until it is soft and pliable. You may also need to add a small amount of water to the putty, depending on the type of putty you are using.
When the putty is ready, you need to form it into a rope. To do this, simply roll the putty between your hands until it forms a long, thin rope. The rope should be about the same width as the gap you are trying to seal.
Roll Out the Putty
Knead the putty until it becomes pliable and easy to work with. Use your hands to shape the putty into a long, thin rope. The thickness of the rope will depend on the size of the area you need to seal. For most applications, a rope that is about 1/4 inch thick will be sufficient.
Once you have a rope of putty, roll it out on a flat surface. Use a rolling pin or a piece of dowel to flatten the putty into a long, thin strip. The strip should be about 1/8 inch thick and 2 inches wide.
Cut the putty strip into small pieces. The size of the pieces will depend on the size of the area you need to seal. For most applications, pieces that are about 1 inch long will be sufficient.
Use your fingers to apply the putty pieces to the area you need to seal. Press the putty firmly into place and smooth it out with your fingers. Make sure the putty is evenly distributed and that there are no gaps.
Form a Snake of Putty
To form a snake of putty, follow these steps:
1. Knead the Putty:
Take a small amount of plumber’s putty and knead it in your hands until it becomes soft and pliable. This will remove any air bubbles and make it easier to work with.
2. Roll the Putty:
Roll the putty into a ball, then roll it into a long, thin snake. The thickness of the snake will determine the amount of putty you need for the seal.
3. Taper the Ends:
Slightly taper the ends of the putty snake. This will help it adhere better to the surfaces you’re sealing.
4. Apply the Putty Snake:
Place the putty snake around the base of the fixture or pipe you’re sealing. Make sure to press it firmly into place so that it forms a watertight seal.
5. Smooth the Putty:
Once the putty is in place, use your finger or a putty knife to smooth it out. This will create a uniform seal and prevent any leaks.
| Material | Uses |
|---|---|
| Plumber’s Putty | Sealing around pipes, fixtures, and drains |
| Teflon Tape | Sealing threaded pipe connections |
| Pipe Dope | Sealing gas and water pipe connections |
Place the Putty Around the Drain
Step 1: Clean the Drain: Before applying the plumber putty, thoroughly clean the drain flange and the surrounding area. Remove any old putty, grease, or dirt to ensure a strong bond.
Step 2: Apply a Small Bead: Roll a small bead of plumber putty in your hands and shape it into a rope. Place the rope around the drain flange, pressing it firmly into place to create a tight seal.
Step 3: Center the Drain: Once the putty is in place, center the drain assembly in the drain flange. Carefully align the holes in the drain flange and strainer body.
Step 4: Use a Plumber’s Tool: Take a plumber’s putty knife or a putty stick and gently smooth and shape the putty around the drain flange. Remove any excess putty that may be squeezed out.
Step 5: Tighten the Drain: Use a wrench or pliers to tighten the drain assembly onto the drain flange. Be careful not to overtighten and damage the putty seal.
Step 6: Remove Excess Putty and Smooth Finish: Run your finger around the edge of the drain flange to remove any excess putty. Use a damp rag to smooth the surface of the putty and create a clean and professional finish.
| Recommended Plumber Putty Tools |
|---|
| Plumber’s Putty Knife |
| Putty Stick |
| Wrench or Pliers |
| Damp Rag |
Smooth Out the Putty
To smooth out the plumber’s putty, carefully roll it into a ball in your hands until it becomes pliable. Once the putty is soft and pliable, use your fingers or a small tool, like a putty knife, to smooth it out into an even layer on the flange of the plumbing fixture. Make sure to press the putty firmly into place to create a watertight seal. If you encounter any air bubbles, gently press them out to prevent leaks.
Applying Plumber’s Putty
When applying plumber’s putty to a specific surface, it’s essential to follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that could compromise the seal. |
| 2 | Roll the plumber’s putty into a rope or coil that is long enough to create a seal around the base of the plumbing fixture. |
| 3 | Apply the plumber’s putty by pressing it into place around the base of the plumbing fixture. |
| 4 | Smooth out the plumber’s putty using your fingers or a putty knife to create an even seal. |
| 5 | Wipe away any excess plumber’s putty that may have squeezed out from underneath the fixture. |
Allow the Putty to Cure
Once you have applied the plumber’s putty, you need to allow it to cure properly before using the fixture. This process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the type of putty you are using. During this time, it is important to avoid using the fixture or applying any pressure to the putty.
While the putty is curing, the solvent in the putty will evaporate, causing the putty to harden and form a watertight seal. If you use the fixture before the putty has fully cured, you could damage the seal and cause leaks.
Here are some tips for allowing the plumber’s putty to cure properly:
- Keep the fixture in place and do not move it.
- Do not apply any pressure to the putty.
- Allow the putty to cure for the full recommended time.
Once the putty has cured, you can use the fixture as normal.
| Cure Time | Plumber’s Putty Type |
|---|---|
| 12 hours | Oil-based |
| 24 hours | Water-based |
Avoid Using Excess Putty
Using too much putty can create a mess and make it difficult to form a proper seal. It can also make the putty more difficult to clean up. Use just enough putty to create a thin, even layer between the two surfaces.
Here are some tips for avoiding using excess putty:
1. Measure the amount of putty you need before applying it.
2. Use a putty knife or your fingers to spread the putty evenly over the surface.
3. Don’t apply putty to areas that don’t need it.
4. If you do apply too much putty, remove the excess with a putty knife or your fingers.
5. Clean up any excess putty immediately.
Recommended Putty Thickness
The recommended putty thickness is 1/16 to 1/8 inch and the table below shows the putty thickness and where they should be applied.
| Putty Thickness | Application |
|---|---|
| 1/16 inch | For sealing small gaps and leaks |
| 1/8 inch | For sealing larger gaps and leaks, and for setting fixtures |
Troubleshoot Leaks
If you notice a leak around a plumbing fixture that is sealed with plumber’s putty, the first step is to try to tighten the fixture. If that doesn’t stop the leak, you may need to rework the plumber’s putty.
Here are the steps on how to rework plumber’s putty:
- Turn off the water supply to the fixture.
- Remove the fixture from the sink or countertop.
- Carefully remove the old plumber’s putty from the flange of the fixture and the surface it was attached to.
- Clean the flange of the fixture and the surface it was attached to with a rag and rubbing alcohol.
- Apply a new bead of plumber’s putty to the flange of the fixture.
- Place the fixture back in place and tighten it down.
- Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
If you are still having trouble with leaks, you may need to replace the plumber’s putty. To do this, follow the steps above to remove the old putty and apply new putty. Once you have applied the new putty, tighten the fixture down and turn the water supply back on. Check for leaks and make sure the fixture is secure.
Common Causes of Leaks
The following are some of the most common causes of leaks around plumbing fixtures that are sealed with plumber’s putty:
- The plumber’s putty was not applied correctly.
- The plumber’s putty has dried out and cracked.
- The fixture is not tightened down enough.
- The surface around the fixture is not clean.
- The fixture is damaged.
If you are having trouble with a leak around a plumbing fixture, it is important to identify the cause of the leak so that you can resolve it properly.
How To Rework Plumber Putty
Plumber putty is a moldable material used to seal joints between plumbing fixtures and drains. Over time, plumber putty can become hard and brittle, which can lead to leaks. If you need to rework plumber putty, follow these steps:
-
Remove the old plumber putty. Use a putty knife or a sharp object to carefully remove the old plumber putty from the joint. Be careful not to damage the fixture or the drain.
-
Clean the joint. Use a damp cloth to clean the joint and remove any dirt or debris. Allow the joint to dry completely.
-
Apply a new bead of plumber putty. Roll a small bead of plumber putty into a snake shape. Place the putty around the joint, making sure to press it firmly into place. Smooth the putty with your finger or a putty knife.
-
Tighten the fixture. Once the plumber putty is in place, tighten the fixture to compress the putty and create a seal. Be careful not to overtighten the fixture.
People Also Ask About How To Rework Plumber Putty
Can I use plumbers putty to fix a leaky faucet?
Yes, you can use plumbers putty to fix a leaky faucet. However, it is important to note that plumbers putty is not a permanent fix. If the leak is coming from the faucet itself, you will need to replace the faucet.
How long does plumbers putty take to dry?
Plumbers putty typically takes 24 hours to dry completely. However, it is important to allow the putty to dry for at least 4 hours before using the fixture.
What is the best way to remove old plumbers putty?
The best way to remove old plumbers putty is to use a putty knife or a sharp object. Be careful not to damage the fixture or the drain.
