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Plumber’s putty is one of those quiet workhorses every homeowner should keep in the kitchen-junk drawer. It seals sink strainers, pop-up drains, and faucet bases — and unlike silicone, it stays pliable so you can service the joint later. After 15 years on the job, here’s what I actually keep on my truck.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Oatey Plumber’s Putty
- Best Stain-Free: Hercules Sta Put Ultra
- Best Value: LASCO/Harvey Bulk Putty Tub
Oatey Plumber’s Putty — Best Overall
The industry standard. Stays workable for years in the tub, rolls into a clean rope, and seals reliably. If you only buy one, buy this.
Oil-based putty · stays workable for years · rolls into a clean rope
- The industry-standard seal for sink strainers, drains and faucet bases
- Stays pliable in the tub for years — no drying out
- Cleans up and re-rolls easily for a neat joint
- Oil-based, so it can stain natural stone and some plastics
- Not for threaded pipe joints — use tape or dope there
- Only seals under compression; it will not bond surfaces
Verdict: The default choice for standard sink and strainer work. If you buy one putty, buy this.
Hercules Sta Put Ultra — Best Stain-Free
Use this on porous stone, granite, marble, or plastic where standard oil-based putty can leave a ring. The stain-free formula is cheap insurance on an expensive countertop.
Stain-free formula · safe on granite, marble, quartz and plastic
- Will not leave an oil ring on porous stone or light plastic
- Same easy workability as standard putty
- Cheap insurance on an expensive countertop
- Costs a little more than standard oil-based putty
- Still not meant for threaded joints
- Overkill on enameled steel or cast-iron sinks
Verdict: Reach for this any time the surface is natural stone, quartz, or light-colored plastic.
Harvey Bulk Putty — Best Value
A larger tub for the price if you do a lot of work. Same dependable seal at a lower cost per ounce.
Larger tub · lower cost per ounce · oil-based
- Best price per ounce if you set strainers and drains regularly
- Same dependable seal as the name brands
- Resealable tub keeps the putty fresh between jobs
- Oil-based, so it stains natural stone
- A big tub is overkill for a single repair
- Not for threaded connections
Verdict: The smart buy for anyone doing volume work and watching cost per job.
Where NOT to Use Plumber’s Putty (Pro Tips)
Never use putty on threaded pipe joints — that’s what Teflon tape or pipe dope is for. Don’t use standard oil-based putty on natural stone or some plastics (use stain-free). And it is not an adhesive: it seals against a mechanical joint that’s tightened down, it doesn’t glue anything.
FAQ
Putty vs. silicone? Putty stays soft and is serviceable; silicone bonds permanently and resists water pressure. Use putty on drains/strainers, silicone where you need a waterproof bond.
Does it dry out? A sealed tub lasts years. If your putty crumbles instead of rolling smooth, replace it.
How thick should the rope be? About a pencil-width rope under a flange; excess squeezes out and wipes away.
Bottom Line
Oatey for everyday jobs, Hercules Sta Put Ultra if you’re working on stone. Keep a tub on hand — you’ll use it more than you expect.
FAQ
What is plumber’s putty used for?
Sealing under fixtures — sink drains, basket strainers, and faucet bases — where you want a watertight but removable seal.
When should I NOT use plumber’s putty?
Avoid it on plastic that can crack, on pressurized threaded joints (use tape/dope), and on porous stone that can stain — use a stain-free putty or silicone instead.
How long does plumber’s putty last?
It stays pliable for years. It only needs replacing when you remove the fixture or it dries out and cracks.
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