# How to Soften Plumbers Putty for Effective Use

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/how-to-soften-plumbers-putty-for-effective-use/
- Published: 2023-10-19
- Author: Lillie Gabler
- Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/)

---

As a home improvement enthusiast, I‘ve used my fair share of plumbers putty for quick plumbing repairs. But like any sealant, keeping plumbers putty soft is key for it to work properly.

In this guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about keeping plumbers putty soft and malleable for those impromptu plumbing projects. You‘ll also learn when it‘s better to use caulk or epoxy instead.

Grab your fix-it kit, and let‘s get into it!

## What Exactly is Plumbers Putty?

Before we dive in, let‘s look at what plumbers putty is made of. Knowing its composition helps explain why keeping it soft is so important.

Plumbers putty consists of three main ingredients:

- **Linseed oil** – extracted from flaxseed, linseed oil is a common base for putties and glazes. It provides a smooth, pliable texture.
- **Limestone** – adds durability and attributed to the putty‘s white color. Limestone consists mainly of calcium carbonate.
- **PVC plastic** – gives the putty moldability so it can be formed into any shape.

These components create a soft, non-hardening putty perfect for sealing joints and gaps. Commercial plumbers putty uses high-grade ingredients for stability and longevity.

Now let‘s look at why you want to keep this versatile putty nice and soft.

## The Importance of Soft Plumbers Putty

Plumbers putty is intended to be pliable. When fresh, it feels smooth like playdough and molds easily when pressed into place.

This soft texture allows plumbers putty to:

- **Instantly fill gaps** – it can quickly plug leaks in irregular cracks and gaps that rigid sealants can‘t fill.
- **Conform to any shape** – it effortlessly creates a custom waterproof seal around pipes, sinks, and drains.
- **Prevent leaks** – by filling the entire space, soft putty blocks moisture from seeping through.

However, over time the oils in plumbers putty evaporate, causing it to dry out. Once hardened, it becomes useless for sealing plumbing fixtures.

That‘s why keeping plumbers putty soft is so important! Now let‘s go over some tips to help it stay malleable and ready to use.

## Tips for Keeping Plumbers Putty Soft

### Keep it Sealed Airtight

The #1 cause of stiff, dried out plumbers putty is exposure to air. To prevent drying, always store putty in an airtight container.

I recommend placing it in a zip top plastic bag first. Remove excess air and then seal the bag. Then place the bagged putty in a plastic tub with an airtight lid.

This minimizes air contact and keeps the putty soft for up to 6 months. Make sure the container is moisture-proof as well.

### Refrigerate for Long-Term Storage

For even longer shelf life, refrigerate your sealed plumbers putty. The cool, consistent temperature helps prolong softness.

Properly stored in the fridge, plumbers putty will stay fresh and pliable for several years. Just remember to reseal the container after each use.

### Knead the Putty Before Using

After prolonged storage, even refrigerated putty may harden slightly. Before sealing any pipes or fixtures, take a minute to knead and warm it up with your fingers.

Roll the putty back and forth applying pressure with your hands until it regains a soft, pliable texture. Your body heat helps bring the putty back to the ideal consistency for application.

### Moisturize with Cooking Oil

For extra softening power, you can moisturize the putty with basic cooking oil. Vegetable, olive or canola oil all work well.

Rub a few drops of oil thoroughly over the putty‘s surface. Let it sit briefly so the oil fully absorbs. This adds extra moisture to keep the puttyFlexible and moldable.

### Remove Excess Putty Promptly

When finishing a plumbing job, promptly wrap up any leftover putty and store it away in an airtight container. Leaving putty exposed allows it to dry out rapidly.

Make sure to wipe away any excess putty from your work area as well. Discard any pieces contaminated with dirt or grime. Proper cleanup keeps the rest of the putty usable.

## How Long is Plumbers Putty Good For?

With an airtight seal and cool storage, plumbers putty can realistically remain fresh for 2-5 years. Over time, the oils may separate and the texture becomes more grainy.

Discard the putty if it has dried out, become cracked or shows any mold or mildew. Stiff, crumbly putty is past its prime.

Severe discoloration or foul odors also indicate spoilage. Always buy fresh plumbers putty rather than trying to salvage expired product.

## Alternative Sealants to Plumbers Putty

While versatile, plumbers putty isn‘t ideal for every scenario. For certain repairs, other adhesives work better:

### Silicone Caulk

Caulk adheres well to smooth surfaces like tile and metal. Unlike putty, silicone caulk remains flexible when dry. It provides a more permanent, watertight seal for heavy moisture areas.

**Ideal for:** sealing showers, tubs, sinks, and backsplashes.

### Epoxy Putty

Epoxy putties contain separate resin and catalyst components that harden when mixed. They form a durable, airtight seal.

**Ideal for:** sealing pipe joints, high-temperature applications.

**Drying time:** 5-30 minutes.

| Sealant Type | Best Surfaces | Drying Time | Ideal Applications |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Plumbers Putty | Porcelain, Plastic | Instant | Simple seals,Fixtures, Drains |
| Silicone Caulk | Tile, Metal Fiberglass | 2-48 hours | Wet areas, Showers, Sinks |
| Epoxy Putty | Pipes, Fittings, Repairs | 5-30 minutes | Leaks, High Temperature |

## Avoid Using Putty for Leaks

While great for instant seals, **plumbers putty is not an adhesive**. It won‘t reliably patch leaks under pressure. The putty simply washes away.

For fixing leaks, use a permanent solution like pipe sealant tape, epoxy or silicone. These stay put even when exposed to moisture or pressure.

So don‘t rely on plumbers putty for leaks – the results will likely disappoint!

## Applying Putty to Tight Plumbing

To work properly, plumbers putty requires a loose pipe joint. When applied to tightly screwed fittings, the putty just squeezes out instead of sealing.

Use caution when loosening stuck plumbing parts. Always turn off the water supply and drain the lines first.

You may need to gently wiggle the pipe back and forth with a wrench to break the seal. Apply penetrating oil if corrosion is present.

Remove any old putty, Teflon or grime before resealing the connection with fresh putty.

Once applied to a loose joint, hand-tighten the plumbing back to its snug fit. Avoid over-tightening, which can thin the putty seal.

## Removing Old & Hardened Putty

Over time, plumbers putty dries out and adheres tightly to sinks and fixtures. To remove:

- **Soften** – heat the putty with a hairdryer or heat gun. This makes it pliable for scraping.
- **Scrape** – use a plastic putty knife to gradually scrape away softened putty. Take care not to scratch fixtures.
- **Solvents** – softened putty can be dissolved with mineral spirits for complete removal. Use proper ventilation.

Removing all traces of old putty allows you to start fresh with new, soft plumbers putty.

## How to Remove Epoxy Putty

Epoxy putty provides extremely strong, permanent seals. But removing it takes some work:

- First, **heat** the putty with a hairdryer or heat gun to soften it.
- Next, use a **plastic scraper** to gradually peel and scrape away the warmed putty.
- Apply a **solvent** like acetone to dissolve any remaining residue. Note that acetone can damage some surfaces.
- For handling solvents, work in a **well-ventilated area** and use **protective gloves.**
- For tough epoxy putty deposits, **commercial epoxy removers** provide the best results.

With patience and the right solvents, even hardened epoxy putty can be conquered!

## Ready to Take on Plumbing Repairs?

As you can see, keeping plumbers putty soft takes just a little TLC. Follow these storage tips, and you‘ll have pliable putty ready for plumbing emergencies or DIY projects.

While not ideal for every situation, soft plumbers putty remains an indispensable item for your home repair kit. Combined with silicone caulk and epoxy putty, you‘ll be prepared to tackle many sealing and waterproofing jobs.

Thanks for taking the time to learn about keeping this handy material soft. Let me know if you have any other plumbing putty questions!

---

Source: [How to Soften Plumbers Putty for Effective Use](https://33rdsquare.com/how-to-soften-plumbers-putty-for-effective-use/)