The old debate: putty vs. tape vs. string

Q: I’m about to start a project to replace my old kitchen faucet, and of course have been getting all sorts of advice about the best way to do it. I’m confused, though, when it comes to sealing the pipe connections. Some people tell me to use a product called plumber’s putty, others say use tape, and one retired plumber said string is the way to go. What kind of tape or string are they talking about? Which of the three is best to use? — Terry Y., White Plains, N.Y.

A: Any one of these three products can be used at your discretion in plumbing repairs, as they accomplish pretty much the same thing. They are placed around the threads of screw-in connections to provide a seal against water leaks.

Plumber’s putty is a vegetable-based material that does not dry out and is easy to apply. It’s used in other applications besides sealing threads, because it can be rolled into a string or a ball or spread along a surface.

Plumber’s tape, more properly called Teflon tape, is wrapped tightly around pipe-stem threads before connections are screwed together, sealing the threads.

Packing string is an older type of sealing material that is often seen wrapped around the stems of older fixtures. It’s still a versatile and reliable product, resistant to heat and pressure, though perhaps a bit more frustrating to apply than the two products above.

None of these products is a replacement for proper-fitting hardware and gaskets. Follow the directions provided by either the sink manufacturer or included with the replacement or repair materials. If directions call for use of one of these sealants, use the recommended type: putty, tape or string.