How long does plumbers' putty take to dry and why it matters

If you’re fixing a leaky faucet or garbage disposal, chances are you’ve encountered instructions that tell you to use plumber’s putty. It sounds simple until you’re staring at a tub of soft, clay-like putty that won’t dry.

That’s when the questions start: Does plumbers' putty need to dry? How long does plumbers’ putty take to dry? When can you turn on the water after applying plumber’s putty?

This guide answers all these questions and more. 

What does plumber’s putty do?

Plumber’s putty is a soft, clay-like sealing compound that creates watertight seals around plumbing parts. It’s commonly applied under faucets, around sink strainers, at the base of shower and tub drains, and on pop-up drain fittings in bathroom sinks.

Unlike adhesives or glues, plumber’s putty isn’t designed to bond things together permanently. Instead, it fills in the spaces and creates a tight seal to keep water from leaking out. Additionally, plumbers’ putty's clay-like texture means it’s easy to shape with your hands. That makes it very beginner-friendly. If you don’t get the placement right the first time, you can simply remove the putty, re-roll it, and try again without needing special tools or solvents.

Does plumber’s putty need to dry?

Plumber’s putty doesn’t “dry” like caulk or silicone sealant. Instead, it stays soft and flexible even after it’s used and simply spreads slightly to fill any small openings where water might sneak through. 

Under normal environmental conditions, a plumber’s putty seal forms immediately when the putty is pressed and compressed between surfaces, which means you don’t have to wait hours before using your sink or drain. However, in colder temperatures or very damp environments, it’s a good idea to give the putty about 10 minutes before turning on the water to ensure the seal is fully formed and won’t shift out of place.

Plumber putty dry time vs. silicone sealant

A key difference between plumber's putty and silicone sealant is how each product behaves after it’s applied. Silicone needs time to cure. This means it goes through a chemical process that causes it to harden and stick permanently to the surface. 

Depending on the brand and the environment, silicone sealant takes 30 minutes to an hour to dry, and a full day to 48 hours to fully cure and become waterproof.

And the drying time for plumbers’ putty? It doesn’t cure or harden at all. So once the putty is pressed between two surfaces, it stays soft and flexible and forms a watertight seal immediately.

This key difference is why people misunderstand dry time when talking about plumber’s putty. Many people assume it needs to “set” or “dry” like silicone does, but it doesn’t. Instead of curing, plumber’s putty simply relies on pressure to hold its shape and seal small gaps.

How long does plumbers putty take to dry in real-world use?

Plumber’s putty doesn’t “dry” in real-world use. Instead, it forms a watertight seal as soon as you press it between clean, dry surfaces.

However, if you’re working in a cold or damp area, such as an unheated basement in winter, a poorly ventilated bathroom with high humidity, or an outdoor sink on a chilly day, a good rule of thumb is to wait about 10 minutes before turning on the water. This short wait helps the putty settle fully and keeps the seal from shifting out of place.

How to apply plumbers’ putty properly

A plumber’s putty is a beginner-friendly option for many plumbing projects. Here’s how to apply it properly to ensure you get a tight, leak-free seal. 

Clean the surfaces

Thoroughly clean both surfaces that will come into contact with the putty. Wipe away dirt and grease and remove old putty. Use a rag and mild soap if needed but make sure the surfaces are completely dry before you begin.

Roll it into a rope and apply

Scoop out a small amount of plumber’s putty from the container and roll it into a rope or “snake” shape about the thickness of a pencil. Try to keep the rope even in thickness so the seal is uniform all the way around, and make sure it’s long enough to circle the entire edge of the fixture you’re sealing. Apply the putty rope firmly along the edge, forming one continuous ring with no gaps or breaks.

Press in and wipe away excess putty

After you’ve applied the putty rope around the fixture, carefully press the fixture firmly against the surface. Here, the fixture is the plumbing part you’re installing, like the sink strainer or faucet, and the surface is the area it will rest on or seal to, such as the sink or countertop.

Applying pressure compresses the putty, causing it to spread out and fill any small gaps or uneven areas between the two surfaces. This compression is what creates the watertight seal. 

Meanwhile, as you press or tighten the fixture, you’ll notice some putty squeezing out from the edges. This is normal and a good sign. It means the putty is filling all the tiny spaces where water could leak. Use your fingers or a clean cloth to wipe away the excess putty.

The seal forms immediately from the pressure, so there’s no need to wait for the putty to dry or cure. Once pressed in and cleaned up, your fixture is ready to use.

When not to use plumbers’ putty

Avoid using plumber’s putty on porous surfaces like granite, marble, or other natural stone countertops. These surfaces absorb the putty's oils, leaving stains and discolouration. Similarly, don’t use it on acrylic or ABS plastic, like the kind found in some tubs and shower units, because it can damage the material and lead to cracks or product failure. It also wouldn’t seal properly due to the surface texture.

Additionally, plumber’s putty is not an adhesive, so it isn’t suited for sealing cracks, glueing parts, or securing a toilet to the floor. It lacks the strength and waterproofing ability needed for heavy-duty or structural sealing. These tasks require either silicone caulk, plumber’s tape, or mechanical fasteners. 

Don’t use plumber’s putty on pressurised fittings or pipe threads. It’s not built to withstand high water pressure and will fail in these situations. Instead, use thread sealant or Teflon tape.

Finally, plumber’s putty offers no insulating or weatherproofing properties, so don’t use it around windows, doors, or any exterior surface. It will dry out when exposed to air and fluctuating temperatures, causing it to crack and lose its seal.

Tips for successful plumber’s putty usage

Using plumber’s putty is pretty straightforward, but these tips can make a big difference in how well it works:

• Store plumbers’ putty in its original container with the lid sealed tightly to prevent it from drying out.
• Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from heat sources to maintain the putty’s softness.
• Wait about 10 minutes before running water if you live in a cold or humid environment.
• After about 10 minutes, run a small amount of water to test the seal after installation and check underneath for leaks.
• Do not use plumber’s putty that feels dry or cracks when rolled; it will not form a proper seal.
• Always apply plumber’s putty to clean, dry surfaces to help it bond properly.
• Do not use plumber’s putty where you need adhesive strength.

Final thoughts on plumbers' putty drying time and application

Plumber’s putty works by compression, not by drying. This means that when you press it firmly between two clean, dry surfaces, it moulds to fill tiny gaps and creates a watertight seal. It doesn’t harden or cure like other sealants, so getting the application right is key to stopping leaks. 

Additionally, using plumber’s putty on the wrong materials, like plastic or porous stone, can cause problems like staining or seal failure. That’s why it’s always a good idea to double-check the product type and read the manufacturer’s instructions before you start your project.