Plumbers Putty

[longball53098]

I have a need for good ole plumbers putty. I see it is basically clay with some talc and oils added. The commercial types have the correct mix to keep it soft.

Should I plan on buying some modeling clay and add my own oil and talc or is there a source in Pattaya/Rayong? I have not looked yet in the usual places..

Any old plumbers out there?

[Beardog]

Have you tried global hardware in Rayong. I bet they probably carry some (we used to call it greased wick- string with grease around it ) for cast fittings & such. I wish I could give you a positive, but all the stuff I work with is all PVC or galvanized fittings with PVC inside. Global probably has what your after.

[Crossy]

What's the application?

For sealing threaded fittings use PTFE tape, to seal sink drain fittings etc use silicone

[longball53098]

The stuff in a can or plastic tub is used as bedding compound to install drains, sink faucets and sinks and other uses as a leak sealer.

Using silicone is the option but it is more messy I think and if you need to repair/replace a fixture or whatever the cleanup is much easier I think.

No I have not looked at Global or anywhere as of yet.

Edited August 27, 2009 by longball53098

[bkkbill]

You could use latex caulking as it is easy to clean up with a damp cloth. Might be tough finding plumbers putty here.

[Dave the Dude]

The stuff in a can or plastic tub is used as bedding compound to install drains, sink faucets and sinks and other uses as a leak sealer.

Using silicone is the option but it is more messy I think and if you need to repair/replace a fixture or whatever the cleanup is much easier I think.

No I have not looked at Global or anywhere as of yet.

Hi longball

Im a not too old plumber and in 99% of situations, most plumbers in the UK no longer use Plumbers putty (Plumbersmate/Bosswhite).

As you mentioned, silicone is the normal application.Your right it is messy but lasts well. A sharp craft blade(Stanley knife) is usually used to clean up dried silicone.

With extreme problem basin/sink wastes, I might still use plumbersmate.

Good luck

Dave

[longball53098]

Thanks all

[fridgemagnet]

Why u need such bodging stuff anyway?

If u need to set a waste into a handbasin, use silicone. Generally, silicone is the best sealant - for fitting together bits that DO NOT FIT together.

Make an attempt to find bits that DO fit together.

I know that it's frustrating sourcing stuff in Thai, but it can be done. Do u have a Global store nearby? They're good.

Plumbing does not have to be a complicated nightmare of leaky crap.

Persue simplicity, value elegance, try to do the job using LESS bits.

[fridgemagnet]

Silicone is used to fit together bits that don't fit together properly.

Handbasin wastes need silicone in Thai - as they are the old fashioned type.

Try to find bits that do fit together well & avoid doing with umpteen pieces what can be done with fewer.

It's difficult in Thai, but Global is good, as others have pointed out. The language, & the total lack of knowledgeable assistants does'nt help.

Plumbers' mait is something I have not used for many years - Thai's seem to use grout to do thir bodging.

God - sorry - 2 replies - the computer lost the first reply, or so it seemed, thus the 2 replies.

Edited August 30, 2009 by fridgemagnet

[fridgemagnet]

Oh - & if u really want some effective gunge - try window putty plus oil paint - Swedish putty - needs a blowlamp to undo when completely set.

Edited August 30, 2009 by fridgemagnet

[longball53098]

Sorry I come from the old school and the putty is easy to work and clean up after. I find using silicone based stuff is messy and unless you need to use a lot then you waste a tube for the small jobs. You can use as much putty as you need and put the excess back in the can for another time.

I will most likely make a small batch using modelers clay.

[fridgemagnet]

It needs to be waterproof - thus the oilpaint in swedish putty. Try it - good stuff, easy to make - but what do you need to do?

Generally, being lazy, and liking to keep clean, I use PTFE tape. You can wind on copious quantities to make gaskets, etc. It's so cheap you can use a whole roll for one thing.....

In my '2 replies" post I mentioned that Thais used tile grout to do their bodging. Grout (portland white cement) is waterproof, and should do what you want.

and yes, I am a plumber, with many bits of proper paper to my name, and some 40 years experience.

Edited August 31, 2009 by fridgemagnet

[longball53098]

Thanks for the replies and ideas. Job done using silicone.