The Best Sealants for DIY Sink Drain Repairs Ranked
Dealing with a leaky sink drain can be a nuisance. Drip, drip, drip - the constant sound of water splashing in the cabinet below. Not to mention the potential for water damage and mold growth. Calling a plumber to reseal your sink drain can be costly. Luckily, there are easy sealant solutions for DIYers to fix pesky leaks and restore their sinks.
With the right products and techniques, you can seal leaky drains in no time. Read on to learn which sealants are worth your time and discover how to apply them for guaranteed leak prevention.
Types of Sink Drain Sealants
Before picking a sealant, it's helpful to understand what's available. For sealing up sink drains, two products stand out above the rest:
Plumber's Putty
Plumber's putty has been used for generations to seal drains, faucets, and other plumbing parts. This clay-like putty molds easily to fit around your drain assembly. Once placed, it dries into a watertight seal.
Composition: Plumber's putty consists of chalk and linseed oil for moldability. Some formulas also contain clay or talc for durability.
Best Uses: Ideal for sealing metal or porcelain sink drains. The putty sticks well to these smooth surfaces.
Application: Mold a snake-like rope with your hands then press into place around the drain. A putty knife helps smooth and shape if needed.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Moldable consistency
- Long-lasting seal
Cons:
- Can dry out and crack over time
- Not as effective on rough surfaces
- Difficult to apply in tight spaces
Silicone Caulk
Silicone caulk provides another time-tested option for sealing sinks. The flexible caulk adheres well to form a waterproof barrier once cured.
Composition: Made from silicones like silicone oil, silicone resin, and mineral fillers.
Best Uses: Works on most sink materials but especially useful for fiberglass and acrylic sinks.
Application: Cut the tip on the caulk tube then apply a steady bead around the drain. Smooth with a wet finger or caulk tool.
Pros:
- Strong adhesive powers
- Seals uneven and smooth surfaces
- Resists mold and mildew
Cons:
- Less moldable than putty
- Slow curing time
- Difficult to remove entirely
Other Sealant Options
While plumber's putty and silicone caulk are most common, other specialty sealants include:
- Teflon tape - Seals threaded drain pieces but not gaps or cracks.
- PVC cement - Joins and seals PVC drain parts extremely well.
- Epoxy resin - Permanently bonds and repairs PVC and ABS piping.
These extra sealants serve specific purposes like joining pipes or sealing threads. For an all-purpose sink drain sealant, plumber's putty and silicone caulk remain the top choices.
How to Choose the Right Sealant
Selecting the ideal sealant involves considering your sink material and the type of leak:
Sink Material
- Porcelain or metal - Plumber's putty
- Acrylic or fiberglass - Silicone caulk
- PVC piping - PVC cement or epoxy
Leak Type
- Gaps around drain assembly - Plumber's putty or silicone caulk
- Cracks in piping - Epoxy
- Threads on pipes - Teflon tape
- Where different pipes join - PVC cement
This quick guide summarizes the best pairings. Combining the right sealant with your sink's material and knowing the leak location are key for a successful DIY sealing project.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Sealants
Once you've selected the ideal sealant, proper application is critical. Follow these steps when applying plumber's putty or silicone caulk:
Prep Work
Before applying any sealant:
- Clean the area with rubbing alcohol to remove soap residue and grime
- Ensure the surface is completely dry
- Remove old sealant if resealing an existing drain
- Gather your sealant and any tools needed like a putty knife or caulk gun
Prepping ensures the sealant will adhere correctly for a tight seal.
Plumber's Putty Application
To use plumber's putty:
- Roll and knead the putty until soft and moldable
- Form the putty into a "rope" and press it evenly around the drain assembly covering the opening beneath the sink
- Use your fingers or a putty knife to smooth and shape the putty, sealing any gaps
- Let dry completely, usually 24 hours
Silicone Caulk Application
To use silicone caulk:
- Cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45deg angle to control flow
- Apply a steady, even bead of caulk around the drain parts
- Use a wet finger or caulk shaping tool to smooth the bead and remove any excess
- Let cure fully, typically 24-48 hours
Patience is key - resist using the sink until the sealant is completely dried and set.
Achieving a Leak-Proof Seal
To ensure your DIY drain sealing job stands the test of time:
- Use the right sealant for the drain material and leak type
- Check for any gaps, holes or thin spots in the application
- Let the sealant cure fully before using the sink
- Run water and check that it flows properly without leaking
- Troubleshoot any persistent drips or leaks by resealing
When applied correctly, plumber's putty and silicone caulk create long-lasting, watertight seals around stubborn sink drains. Be patient during drying time and properly prep the area for best results.
FAQs
New to DIY sink sealing? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What's the drying time?
Plumber's putty dries in 24 hours while silicone caulk needs 24-48 hours to cure fully. Ensure the sealant has hardened completely before using the sink.
How long does the seal last?
When applied properly, plumber's putty and silicone caulk can seal for 1-5 years. Check annually and reapply at the first sign of leaks.
Can I use an alternative sealant?
Plumber's putty and silicone caulk work best for sink drains. Avoid household items like duct tape or crazy glue which won't withstand water.
My sealant won't adhere - what do I do?
Ensure the area is totally clean and dry first. Roughen smooth surfaces lightly with sandpaper. Apply firm pressure when placing putty or caulk to maximize adhesion.
Plumber's putty and silicone caulk offer DIYers simple, effective solutions for sealing leaky sink drains. Match the right sealant to your sink's material and leak type, then apply patiently for a watertight barrier that prevents damage from persistent drips and leaks.
Tackling sink drain repairs on your own with the proper sealant saves on expensive plumbing bills. Consider putting these easy sealing techniques to work for your home and start enjoying drip-free sinks that function like new.