Can we talk about using plumber's putty on sink drains

My kitchen sink started leaking under the cabinet last Tuesday, and I found the old plumber's putty had turned to dust. Everyone online says to just pack more putty in there, but I think that's a bad fix. I cleaned everything off and used a rubber gasket instead, the kind that comes with some new drains. It took maybe 20 minutes and cost $4 for the part. The putty always fails after a few years, especially with heat from the disposal. The rubber seal makes a tight fit without the mess and won't dry out. Has anyone else switched to gaskets and had it hold up long term?

2 comments

2 Comments

benreed7d ago

Oh man, I read a plumbing forum thread about this exact fight. The old school guys swear by putty, but a lot of newer info points out that putty can fail with heat and over time, just like you said. That rubber gasket or a foam seal is the modern fix for a reason. It's not a hack, it's the right part for the job now. Your method is totally solid and should last way longer.

james_ramirez7d ago

Right, because plumbing advice from 1975 is always so reliable.