Plumbers putty is a pliable sealant that can be used to seal any type of pipe or connection that may have been exposed from the surface. Plumbing professionals will recommend using plumbers putty for all types of connections that are exposed.
But when it’s time to replace the plumbing, you not only have to remove the plumbers putty but you also have a new connection that is exposed. At https://pexplumbersblog.com/, we will show you how to remove plumber’s putty, so you can continue working on your plumbing project.
Methods for removing plumber’s putty
Removing plumbers putty from pipes can be done quite easily with a few simple methods. Here are a few methods that you can use:
1. Use Your Fingers to Peel the Putty Off
When you’re removing plumber’s putty, it’s often helpful if you use your hands. Plumbers putty can be peeled off with relative ease after it has dried out.
If the plumber’s putty is still wet then just let it dry all the way before attempting to peel it off. When you press the joint, you will observe that old plumbers putty can be removed easily.
2. Use a Utility Knife to Remove the Putty
If you need to remove plumber’s putty, then sometimes it’s easiest for you to use a small blade such as a utility knife.
To do this, make sure that you apply some pressure on your blade so that it makes contact with the dried out putty. Then, just continuously scrape the knife across the putty until it comes off.
3. Apply Heat Gun for Easier Removal
If you have lots of plumbing joints that are exposed, it’s advised that you use a heat gun. This will not only make it easy for you to remove the putty but also sterilize the connection so it is ready for the next step which is applying fresh plumber putty.
To do this, just hold your heat gun about few inches away from the putty that you are trying to remove. Keeps applying heat for a minute or two until it becomes soft, thus allowing you to peel it off with ease.
4. Use Paint Thinner or Mineral Spirits
If you don’t have a heat gun, then you can use paint thinner or mineral spirits to remove the putty. You will need about one cup of paint thinner or mineral spirit and put it in a small tub. Then take your utility knife and continuously scrape along the joint with it until the plumber’s putty is removed.
5. Use Soapy Water to Remove the Putty
Soapy water has been used for removing different kinds of materials. You can use soapy water to remove plumbers putty as well. To do this, all you have to is take some water and mix it with soap.
Then just apply the soapy solution onto the dried putty that is on your surface or pipe. When it comes in contact with the soapy solution, it will start to soften and come off from the surface.
Conclusion
So this is how you remove plumber’s putty. It may sound like a lot of steps and it can be, but removing plumbers putty isn’t as difficult as you might think. Using the right tools for this job makes it easier to remove the dried up putty from your connections. All of these methods have been tried and tested and they work.
