What's the best sealent to use?

[Atlanta Panther]

I'm replacing my shower and bathroom sink faucets. I assume I use Teflon tape on the water connections. What should I use where the faucet mates with the sink or shower wall? I'm assuming Plumber's putty or clear silicone. Am I off base?

Suggestions?

[Bama Rambler]

Either of those would work, but I use butyl tape. I think it makes a neater job and it's easy to clean off the surfaces.

[47driver]

3M™ Marine Adhesive/Sealant Fast Cure 4200 is one of my favorites. the lower the number, the easier it is to pull free later. It isn't like silicone, so use it where is will be hidden.

The problem with silicone is with all the vibrations, it comes loose.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Atlanta Panther

I'm replacing my shower and bathroom sink faucets. I assume I use Teflon tape on the water connections. What should I use where the faucet mates with the sink or shower wall? I'm assuming Plumber's putty or clear silicone. Am I off base?

Suggestions?

Depends... if they are somehow pipe threaded connections, then teflon tape will work as will any good, compatible pipe dope.

Many faucets have threaded connections that use a rubber gasket/washer type connection and are meant to be installed finger tight with no sealant and compression fittings do not use sealant. Be sure of your connection type during installation.

[tosh99]

I have learned from a plumber to use teflon tape and plumber's dope together on threads that actually need it. Some plumbing fixtures actually don't need anything on the threads.


3M 4200 is a good choice if you think you need to remove something later. 3M 5200 is pretty much a permanent application.


I found that my trailer shower walls that are placed in segments, needed to be sealed (I used silicone) on my brand new trailer. Just pushing on the walls with a finger exposed gaps in the joints. Lackluster quality control.

[cavie]

Plumbers use DAP Kwick Seal.