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Putty or silicone for a kitchen sink basket?
For a new kitchen sink drain basket, what guides the choice between plumber’s putty and silicone? I’m curious whether the sink material or the basket’s finish changes the recommendation, and how much weight to give the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Removal later is part of the trade-off, but I wouldn’t want to prioritize easy removal over a reliable seal. How do curing time and cleanup compare, and are there sink or drain materials where one option should be avoided? I’m asking about installation, not tracking down an existing leak.
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I’d treat the sink and basket makers’ instructions as the starting point, not a general preference for putty or silicone. A finish or sink material may have compatibility limits, and the product instructions are the best place to check those. If the two sets of instructions conflict or leave compatibility unclear, I’d verify with the manufacturer before choosing a sealant rather than assume either option is safe.
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