Turning off the main is a smart move—seen too many folks skip that and regret it. About the plant-based sealants, I’ve had similar issues. Tried one last year, and it just wouldn’t set properly. Maybe they’re not quite there yet for plumbing jobs where you need a solid cure. If anyone’s found one that actually works, I’d be interested too, but for now I’m sticking with the tried-and-true stuff.
Tried one last year, and it just wouldn’t set properly. Maybe they’re not quite there yet for plumbing jobs where you need a solid cure.
That’s been my experience too—really wanted to go with something more eco-friendly, but it just didn’t hold up under the sink. I ended up redoing the whole thing with the regular stuff, and honestly, I wish I’d just started there. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to save money and do right by the environment, but sometimes the old methods just work better for now. Hang in there—at least you caught it before it turned into a bigger mess.
It’s frustrating when you’re trying to save money and do right by the environment, but sometimes the old methods just work better for now.
That’s exactly what I ran into. Tried a “green” sealant on a small bathroom job, and it just wouldn’t cure right under the trap. Ended up with a slow leak that I didn’t even notice at first—just enough to make the cabinet floor all warped. Makes me wonder if these eco-friendly options are really meant for heavy-use spots like kitchen sinks or if they’re more for lighter-duty stuff.
Is there maybe a trick to getting them to set properly? Like, does temperature or humidity mess with the cure time? Or is it just not up to par yet compared to the classic plumber’s putty or silicone? I’d love to use something less harsh, but not if it means redoing everything twice. Just seems like one of those things where “if it ain’t broke...” applies, at least for now.
I had a similar experience with a “green” caulk when I replaced my kitchen sink last year. It just didn’t seem to bond as well, especially where there was any moisture. I ended up having to redo the whole edge with regular silicone after a couple weeks because water started seeping underneath. I wonder if these eco-friendly products are more sensitive to things like humidity or maybe even the type of surface you’re sealing? Or maybe they just don’t hold up as well if there’s any movement in the pipes.
Has anyone actually gotten one of these newer sealants to work long-term in a high-use area? Or is it mostly trial and error at this point? I’d love to cut down on chemicals, but not at the expense of another water-damaged cabinet...
I hear you on the “green” caulk struggles. Tried one of those plant-based sealants on a bathroom job a while back—looked promising, but it just didn’t hold up once the shower started getting regular use. Ended up peeling at the corners and letting water sneak in. I’m all for cutting down on harsh stuff, but in spots where water’s always present, I keep coming back to the tried-and-true silicone. Maybe the eco-friendly options will catch up, but right now, they seem a bit too finicky about prep and conditions.
Humidity, surface type, even slight movement—all that seems to throw them off. I’ve seen a few folks get decent results with them around windows or less wet areas, but for sinks and showers? Still feels like rolling the dice. Not saying it’s impossible, but I wouldn’t risk another cabinet either... Sometimes you just need something that works, even if it’s not perfect for the planet yet.
