Plumbers Putty & Sealants

About Plumbers Putty & Sealants

Plumbers putty and sealants are essential materials for creating watertight seals in sanitary installations, drainage systems, and pipework. These versatile products provide reliable protection against leaks in wet environments, making them indispensable for both emergency repairs and professional installations. Unlike traditional sealants that cure and harden, plumbers putty remains non-setting and flexible, allowing for joint movement whilst maintaining a permanent watertight seal around fixtures such as sinks, baths, basins, and waste outlets.

The range available at Tooled-Up.com includes trusted formulations like Evo-Stik Plumber's Mait, a waterproof, non-cracking putty specifically designed for sanitary applications. These products offer permanent flexibility that accommodates thermal expansion and contraction in plumbing systems, preventing cracking and seal failure over time. Most professional-grade plumbers putty can be overpainted once applied, making it ideal for visible installations where aesthetics matter alongside functionality.

Whether you're fitting new bathroom suites, repairing leaking waste traps, or sealing around taps and spouts, plumbers putty provides a dependable solution that's been trusted by professionals for decades. The non-setting nature of these products also means they can be easily removed and reapplied during maintenance work, unlike silicone sealants which require cutting away and thorough cleaning before replacement.

Jargon Buster

• Non-Setting Putty: A malleable sealant that remains permanently flexible and never fully hardens, allowing for easy removal and replacement during maintenance or repairs.
• Sanitary Installation: The fitting of bathroom and kitchen fixtures including basins, sinks, baths, toilets, and associated waste pipes and traps.
• Waste Trap: The curved section of pipe beneath sinks and basins that retains water to prevent sewer gases entering the building, commonly sealed with plumbers putty.
• Joint Movement: The natural expansion and contraction of pipework and fixtures caused by temperature changes and building settlement, which flexible sealants must accommodate without failing.
• Overpaintable: A product that can accept paint or other decorative finishes once applied, useful for matching sealant to surrounding surfaces.
• Waterproof Seal: A barrier that prevents water penetration under both static pressure (standing water) and dynamic conditions (flowing water).

Who Uses Plumbers Putty & Sealants?

• Professional Plumbers: For daily installation and repair work on domestic and commercial sanitary systems
• Heating Engineers: When fitting bathroom radiators and associated pipework requiring watertight seals
• Bathroom Fitters: Specialists installing complete bathroom suites and wet rooms
• Maintenance Engineers: For ongoing building maintenance and emergency leak repairs
• Kitchen Fitters: When installing sinks, taps, and waste disposal units
• Property Landlords: Managing routine maintenance and tenant repairs
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners undertaking bathroom renovations or fixing leaking fixtures
• Facilities Managers: Responsible for maintenance in commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals

How to Choose the Right Plumbers Putty & Sealants

When selecting plumbers putty for your project, consider the application environment first. Ensure the product is specifically formulated for sanitary installations and maintains its waterproof properties when permanently submerged or exposed to moisture. Check whether the putty is suitable for both metal and plastic fittings, as some formulations may not be compatible with certain materials commonly used in modern plumbing systems.

Pack size matters for both professionals and DIY users. Tooled-Up stocks products in various sizes, such as the 1.5kg tub format which provides sufficient quantity for multiple installations whilst remaining economical. For trade professionals completing numerous jobs, larger tubs offer better value, whereas occasional users might prefer smaller quantities to prevent waste from the product drying out during storage.

Consider whether you require an overpaintable formula if the seal will be visible in the finished installation. Some applications demand a neat, decorated finish where the sealant should blend with surrounding surfaces. Additionally, check the working time and temperature range – quality plumbers putty should remain workable in typical UK temperatures and not become brittle in cold conditions or excessively soft during warmer months.

Brand reputation is crucial when selecting sealants for professional installations. Established manufacturers like Evo-Stik have proven track records for reliability and consistent performance, reducing the risk of callbacks due to failed seals. Always verify that the product meets relevant British Standards and is suitable for drinking water contact if sealing potable water fixtures.

Popular Accessories

• Sanitary Silicone Sealant: For finishing joints around baths, showers, and basins where flexibility and mould resistance are required
• PTFE Tape: Essential for sealing threaded pipe connections in conjunction with putty applications
• Sealant Finishing Tools: For achieving professional smooth finishes on visible sealant applications
• Cleaning Wipes: For removing excess putty and preparing surfaces before application
• Disposable Gloves: To keep hands clean when working with putty and sealants
• Waste Trap Kits: Complete assemblies that work alongside plumbers putty for basin and sink installations
• Plumbers Tape Measure: For accurate measurement during fitting and installation work

Safety Information

Always read the manufacturer's safety information and technical data sheet before using plumbers putty and sealants. Work in well-ventilated areas, particularly when using products in enclosed spaces such as under-sink cupboards. Wear appropriate PPE including disposable gloves to prevent skin contact, especially for prolonged applications or if you have sensitive skin.

Store plumbers putty in sealed containers away from extreme temperatures to maintain workability and prevent contamination. Keep products out of reach of children and pets, and dispose of excess material responsibly according to local waste regulations. If the product comes into contact with eyes, rinse immediately with clean water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Ensure any putty used for drinking water applications is certified for potable water contact and complies with relevant Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations applicable in the UK. When working on gas installations, verify the product is suitable and approved for such applications, though specialist products are typically recommended for gas pipework rather than standard plumbers putty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between plumbers putty and silicone sealant?
Plumbers putty remains permanently flexible and non-setting, making it ideal for sealing around drains and fixtures where disassembly may be needed. Silicone sealant cures to form a waterproof skin and is better suited for sealing gaps between fixed surfaces like baths and tiles. Putty is typically used beneath fixtures, whilst silicone provides visible finishing seals.

Can plumbers putty be used on plastic fittings?
Quality plumbers putty like Evo-Stik Plumber's Mait is formulated to be compatible with both metal and plastic fittings. However, always check the manufacturer's specifications, as some older putty formulations contain oils that may degrade certain plastics over time. Modern formulations available from Tooled-Up are suitable for contemporary plumbing materials.

How long does plumbers putty last once applied?
When correctly applied, plumbers putty provides a permanent seal that lasts for many years. Its non-setting, flexible nature means it won't crack or deteriorate like rigid sealants. The seal remains effective as long as the fixture remains in place, though it can be easily removed and replaced during maintenance or fixture replacement.

Does plumbers putty need time to dry before use?
No, plumbers putty is non-setting and does not require drying time. Once applied and the fixture is installed, the plumbing can be used immediately. This makes it particularly useful for emergency repairs where immediate water usage is necessary, unlike silicone sealants which require curing time before exposure to water.

Can I use plumbers putty on hot water pipes?
Plumbers putty is generally not recommended for sealing threaded pipe connections carrying hot water, as the heat can cause the putty to soften excessively. For such applications, PTFE tape or liquid thread sealant is more appropriate. However, putty is suitable for sealing around hot water fixture outlets such as basin wastes where it isn't in direct contact with hot flowing water.