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Tub Drain---Plumber's Putty, or Gasket?

06:33AM | 10/13/03

Member Since: 06/06/03
1250 lifetime posts

Tub Drain---Plumber's Putty, or Gasket?

Tags: Plumbing

Greetings group,

I'm working on the tub drain, and noticed that they'd put a rubber gasket between the tub and drainpipe (BELOW tub), and plumber's putty around the tub's bath drain (ABOVE tub). (Both gasket and plumber's putty were completely "shot" by now, 20 yrs)

My Question: is it better to use a rubber gasket (instead of plumber's putty) for the top (bath drain) part? (I bought one that'll fit.) My temptation is to do just like they'd done before--but I welcome your input and expertise.

(Obviously I'll be replacing the gasket for the tailpiece below tub.)
Thanks in advance!

-k2 in Colorado

[This message has been edited by k2 (edited October 13, 2003).]

plumber Tom

08:23AM | 10/13/03

Member Since: 05/10/03
810 lifetime posts

Hi k2. The putty is applied underneath the strainer, then the rubber gasket is applied from underneath. There should also be a cardboard friction ring.

08:48AM | 10/13/03

Member Since: 06/06/03
1250 lifetime posts

Hey there Tom and thanks so much for the quick reply!

I'll go pick up a cardboard friction ring. It certainly makes sense. And I've been having a devil of a time 'catching' the threads of the tailpiece anyway; I think I may pick up some new parts just in case.

Thanks again Sir!

-k2.

kevinrm

01:32PM | 05/06/04

Member Since: 05/05/04
2 lifetime posts

What exactly does the friction ring do? i am getting ready to install the drain in a new tub myself. I was going to put plumbers putty on the underside of the strainer lip which makes contact with the tub. the tailpiece would have the rubber gasket on top and would make contact with the underside of the tub. is this the correct setup.

anything i have bought did not include a cardboard ring of sorts.

thanks in advance.

kevin

WillyE

07:38PM | 05/08/04

Member Since: 04/18/04
13 lifetime posts

Kevinrm, the friction ring would go between the nut and rubber washer. The friction ring provides a surface with less friction than the rubber, and allows you to tighten the nut more smoothly and tighter on the washer.

kevinrm

04:59PM | 05/12/04

Member Since: 05/05/04
2 lifetime posts

Thanks for post willy. that makes sense.