How Long Does It Take For Plumbers Putty To Dry. If you wait for it to dry, you’ll be waiting 10/15 years. It doesn’t “dry”, but it will “dry out”. You can use the fixture immediately after installation with putty.Click to see full answer. Beside this, does plumbers putty harden?Plumber’s Putty is a stainless, long lasting, easy to use fixture setting compound for setting frames, faucets and basket strainers. Product remains flexible and resilient. Plumber’s Putty will not harden, shrink, crack or crumble.Also Know, how long is plumbers putty good for? 2 years People also ask, can you use plumbers putty to stop a leak? Plumber’s Putty for Leaks. Plumber’s putty may only be used to prevent or stop leaks coming from specific areas on a sink. It is not to be used interchangeably with products such as silicone caulk or Teflon tape. Plumber’s putty is used for sink drains and other fittings.Can I use silicone instead of plumbers putty? Why Use Plumber’s Putty Plumber’s putty is one of the basics tools in a plumber’s tool bag. Also, silicone is not as easy you work with and is not as dense as plumber’s putty, so it’s not as good at filling wide gaps, and plumbers don’t need time to dry just like caulk does.