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Sealing the tile wall where "stems" come out

Author: sum (FL)

What do you all use to seal the hole in the tiles that stems for the wall mount tub faucet, shower arm, pedestal sink drain and supplies protrude?

Do you use caulk? Putty? Some other materials? In some cases the hole can be quiet large like a 2" hole intended for a 1-1/4" drain. It's more critical for a bath tub faucet handle and diverter because water can get behind the wall.

Also, how do you secure those escutcheon over the supply lines? They tend to just sort of spin and stay 1/4" off the tiles. Do you all glue/caulk them to the tiles?

Re: Sealing the tile wall where "stems" come out
Author: bernabeu (SC) a copious amount of plumber's putty .... slide and twist escutcheon back into putty so that it 'squishes' .... wipe / 'knife' off any excess -> voila ! - - - - - - - Measure twice, cut once. Retired Plumbers Local Union #1

Re: Sealing the tile wall where "stems" come out
Author: HelpMePlumb (FL) Big gaps use (a little) expanding foam. And I silicone flanges down cause it adheres and seals.

Re: Sealing the tile wall where "stems" come out
Author: Paul48 (CT) Double check, but I think the expanding foam you get in a can is open-cell (a sponge). You might want to use it to fill, then carve it back and caulk over the top.