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Author:
Morganarue (WV)
My old faucet was filthy. After I cleaned it, it began leaking terribly. Truly one of those times where the dirt was holding it together. (Literally, a crack in a sleeve inside was filled with hard water deposits which kept it from leaking) I've temporarily fixed it with some gorilla glue and by letting the deposits build back up, believe it or not, but I know it needs to be replaced. I've replaced a few faucets in the past, but they all had rubber gaskets and no sealant was required.
To replace this faucet, I bought a Pfister "Shelton". (Single mom on a tight budget here) The thing is, the faucet came with a two piece deck plate. The chrome piece and a hard plastic piece that sits under it. The man at Lowes told me that silicone was all I needed. The instructions say to use plumber's putty. I have both. But the instructions didn't specify as to what type of putty. (Regular or Stain Free)
After reading multiple forums from multiple sites, I still can't decide which I should use. On one side is the argument that the putty will destroy the plastic because it is petroleum based and silicone is the ONLY thing to use. On the other side is the argument that they've used the putty for ___ years and NEVER had a problem so putty is the ONLY thing to use.
I've read some pretty heated discussions on this topic, so I DO NOT want to start an argument with this. (Please) What would be great is if you could share your experiences using putty and silicone. Which was easier in your opinion? Have you ever removed a faucet with a plastic deck plate on which putty had been used? Did the plastic crumble? If I ever have to change the faucet again, which is easier to deal with? If I need to stick to silicone, is the type I have okay? It's GE Kitchen/Bath/Plumbing 100% Silicone, Clear. If I need to stick to putty, is they type I have okay? It's Oatey brand. Just regular, basic, plumber's putty.
Thanks in advance!
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
flip a coin
putty is easier to correct 'errors' without gooey messy cleanup
i use putty
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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
Your putty will be fine. No-stain putty is good to use on granite tops.
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Author:
packy (MA)
i use 100 silicone. clean-up is a snap if you wipe clean with a couple of paper towels and clean the residue with denatured alcohol.
at least with a 1/2 tube of left over silicone you can use it around the house. as for left over plumbers putty ???
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Author:
hj (AZ)
IF the faucet does not have a rubber gasket, I use the putty. If it is a stone, or imitation marble, top you probably want to use the stain free putty.
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Author:
Morganarue (WV)
I want to thank everyone for the information. It has been so helpful. Reading your opinions on putty and silicone and what works best for you allowed me to think about it more logically. There was mention about the type of sink I have. It's brushed stainless steel. Also, when removing the previous faucet, I noticed that putty had been used under the plastic piece of the deck plate. I know the faucet has been in place at least 8 years and the plastic was fine.
So I've decided I will use the putty. I am all about simplicity and putty seems to be the best option for me.
My current issue is that my supply lines are pex pipe with the copper crimp rings. I've been watching tutorials on how to remove them without damaging the fittings because the pex is too stiff and too long. Cutting and measuring while it's all attached to try and make it work isn't simple. So I am off to Lowe's for some flexible supply lines that will work with my existing fittings after I remove the pex.
Once again, thank you all so much. I appreciate the input and it really did help.
I've got a couple more projects I want to tackle. First I want to install a deeper double sink. My current is only 6 inches deep. I saw the measurements on the underside of the sink, but I don't remember what they were. Problem there is that I'll have to totally rearrange the pipes. I also want to install a garbage disposal. I'm kinda thinking I should do them together. Less work, right?
Anyway, I'll be back when I get ready to tackle that one. This forum rocks!
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