Plumbers Putty When Replacing Tub Drain

[Jacob808]

I need to replace our tub drain and wanted to check which plumbers putty is the right one to use. We have a fiberglass tub with ABS plumbing below. I’ve taken the drain out before and am pretty sure plumbers putty was used when first installed. I have Oatey’s brand regular as well as stain free. Does it matter which one I use? I’ve also read that plumbers putty isn’t advised on ABS plumbing, but the putty isn’t being placed on the ABS, but on the drain/tub. Does that matter as well? Thanks for any help!

 

[Breplum]

On fiberglass we only use clear silicone. It only goes on the flange/tub lip, nowhere else.
There is a rubber gasket that is for the lower half where the tub shoe makes contact with tub bottom of the tub.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[MACPLUMB]

I would use the oatey putty either one, Silicone would be impossible to remove later,

Why do you keep replacing the tub shoe ?

 

[Weekend Handyman]

When I did mine, I used silicon per my manufactures recommendation (MAAX).

 

[Jadnashua]

Some putty is oil based, some is not. You want to use one that won't weep oil into the fiberglass material, so something like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/OATEY-9-oz-Stain-Free-Plumber-s-Putty-31177/203013821
Silicone has both advantages and disadvantages...if you needed/wanted to replace the drain, you likely won't get it out without damaging the tub...good for the tub manufacturer, not good for you.