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why can't plumber's putty be used on plastic?

B

BTL-A4

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I had to fix some sinks today. The have a plastic drain assembly. The part that meets the bowl had a squishy washer that was toast. I replaced them with what I thought was the same type and size, but the sink leaked when I tested it. The washer did not provide a proper seal. I put plumber's putty there and the leaks were gone.

I noticed after I was done that it says right in the tub not to use it with plastics, but I can't figure out why. Does the putty react with the plastic? It's just mineral & vegetable oil, limestone, talc and clay.
 
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cgrutt

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The oils can leach out and stain plastics or porous stone (marble). Non-staining version is available.
 
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BD1

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Not sure which part you mean. If possible wrap some Teflon tape around and then tighten nut.
 
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B

BTL-A4

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Location
Santa Clarita
BD1 said:
Not sure which part you mean. If possible wrap some Teflon tape around and then tighten nut.
Click to expand...

The part you see when you look in the sink: the drain plug and the flange around it. The seal wasn't seating on the flange and the sink. The putty took care of that.
 
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