[paintdrying]

I have a leaking double bay stainless steel sink. Their is no garbage disposal. Can I use silicone instead of plumbers' putty. Also can that rubber gasket be used on the top side of the sink? The basket is leaking
I have never used anything besides putty on the basket, so this is why I ask. I have used silicone around the sink itself.

 

[jmon]

Yes, you can use the silicone, works better than plumbers putty imo.

The rubber gasket is best to be use as a seal underneath, use silicone for seal on top if you want. Just a suggestion.

 

[Ghostmaker]

100% silicone, not the water based stuff.

 

[paintdrying]

use a good amount of silicone then just wipe off the excess? It will not stain the sink? Should I tape around the edges? How long should it set before drying?

 

[TheEplumber]

use a good amount of silicone then just wipe off the excess? It will not stain the sink? Should I tape around the edges? How long should it set before drying?

Put about a 1/4" bead around the basket flange, set it in the hole. Apply slight pressure while giving it 1/8 turn. Install the gasket and nut on the bottom side.
Carefully wipe off excess caulk- don't smear it around. Clean up the film with denatured alcohol. You can then test for leaks.

 

[paintdrying]

Worked out much better than I thought it would. Their was a little silicone left in the grove around the basket. I wiped everythig pretty well, I just did not dig it out of the grove. Will that cause a problem? And as far as I am concerned I will never use putty again

 

[gregzoll]

I leave a small bead where the strainer meets the sink, then take a Cotton Swab with the swab removed off of one end, to press it down after it sets for 15 min's. Then leave alone for a day or so, before you run any water in the sink.