Thus, plumber’s putty is often used to create a connection between a sink or tub drain and the drain pipe that carries wastewater away from the source, as this puts the seal under little to no pressure from the water flow. Plumber’s putty repels water easily to create a watertight seal but is not meant to seal off areas subject to significant water pressure. This material is moldable and easy to work with, allowing for versatile application in many areas of the home. Plumber’s putty is a clay-like substance that is ideal for creating watertight seals. However, your plumber may make use of duct sealant when working with an appliance such as a washing machine, refrigerator, or dishwasher, as duct sealant may be used to protect areas with electrical connections or to ensure outlets and switches are safe from nearby sources of water. Thus, it has somewhat limited plumbing applications and is more frequently used to repair air ducts and for other HVAC or electrical purposes. Although duct sealant is designed to repel moisture, it is primarily used to seal air leaks rather than plumbing leaks.

This material is non-conductive, non-corrosive, and will never dry out, allowing it to be easily removed, reshaped, and reapplied when necessary. Duct sealant is used to create a seal that blocks out moisture, dust, and air movement and can also block noise. It is designed for ease of handling and installation, and was originally developed for HVAC purposes. Depending on the job at hand, he may use one or both of these products to complete the service you have requested.ĭuct sealant is a soft compound often likened to dough. Both plumber’s putty and duct sealant are just two of many tools your Northern VA plumber has at his disposal when he visits your home for plumbing installation, maintenance, or repairs.

These products have different purposes and properties that suit them to some repairs over others. Duct sealant and plumber’s putty are two different compounds often used to make repairs around the home.

Sealing ducts with duct seal putty