Latest Frequently Asked Questions
Can plumber's putty be used to seal the toilet bowl to the finished floor?
No. Plumber’s Putty is not designed to support any weight distribution associated with the base of the toilet setting on the floor. The integrity of the putty can also be compromised by cleaners and urine that it may come in contact with on the floor of bathroom. Plumber’s Putty does not have any adhesion valve like caulk, which is used to help secure the toilet bowl to the floor. The putty will dry out when exposed to air and no longer fill the voids between the floor and bowl. The putty may also stain finished floor surfaces.
Can plumber's putty be used to seal windows and doors?
No. Plumber’s Putty is not designed to take the place of caulk and doesn’t have any insulating values to control temperature changes.
How can an oil stain be removed from a porous surface (stone, granite, etc.)?
Oatey does not have any proven method for removing these stains and recommend you contact your installer or supplier for their recommendations relating to the material in question.
Can putty be regenerated after it has dried out?
No. Once the putty has dried there is nothing that can be added to regenerate the putty without affecting the quality of the product.
What is the difference between Stain-Free and regular plumber's putty?
Stain-Free Putty is an oil-free non-staining putty that performs the same as other putties be can be used safely without staining the following materials; Granite, Marble, Quartz, Sandstone, Corian®, or any natural, porous surfaces.
How do I remove plumber's putty from the drain lines and sink?
Any Plumber’s Putty which falls into the drain in small quantities will dissolve and flow through the drain without incident.
Does Oatey Plumber's Putty cure?
Once out of the container and used as a bedding compound for strainers, faucets and tub waste and overflows, the putty will remain pliable when it is not exposed to air. If the putty is exposed to air for an extended period of time, it will harden and become brittle.
Will Epoxy Putty be strong enough if I drill a screw into it?
Yes. Epoxy Putty can be drilled, tapped and machined while maintaining its integrity.
Can I use epoxy putty to repair my wood cabinets?
Yes. You must prep the surface first. This means that all finishes must be removed and the surface roughed up to allow the Epoxy Putty a good surface for bonding.
How do I remove epoxy putty?
Once Epoxy Putty cures it can only be removed mechanically (i.e. grinder, drill).
Can any Oatey Plumber's Putties be used with ABS materials?
Yes, Oatey’s Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty is safe for use with ABS, PVC and other plastics. Look for the label that says “Safe for ABS & PVC.” Please note that other plumber’s putty products are not safe for ABS; they will have an adverse effect on the ABS material, causing weakness that will lead to product failure.
Why is there a warning label on Plumbers Putty stating it may cause cancer?
This warning is listed because the Plumbers Putty contains small traces of Quartz; however the Quartz is inextricably bound and cannot come out of the product, so as a result it is not harmful.