to Mait or not to mate

[tombward]

Hello

Doing my first bit of plumbing, swapping a basin. The waste is a clic clack made by Justtapsplus. It comes with two white foam washers.

I thought I would have to use Plumbers mait for a waste but checked with supplier who said no just the washers.

Does this sound correct? should I use Plumbers mait and washers or just washers?

Thanks

Tom

 

[wheeto]

Just the supplied washers (gaskets).

 

[tombward]

Just the supplied washers (gaskets).

Thanks

Tom

 

[PlumbBobBob]

totally agree if it is supplied by the manufacturer why not use it.

 

[GQuigley67]

I never use the foam washers, either clear silicone or plumbers mait with the rubber washer at the bottom.......just the way I was taught 😛

 

[NickH]

Depends, if the washer fits the basin moulding nicely and obviously seals I use it but sometimes they do nothing so you have to use P. mate.

 

[REDSAW]

Silicon every day, done right never fails and only done once...

 

[Gray0689]

Silicon every day, done right never fails and only done once...

I agree never used plumbers mate and never will

 

[mikegas]

i use a basin mate, no getting silicone everywhere

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Plumbing/Washers+Fixings/Basin+Mate+1+14/d20/sd2703/p37534

 

[GQuigley67]

I only used plumbers mait once on a basin because i forgot my silicone, was actually fine don't see why alot of people hate the stuff

 

[fagsanbooz]

I've been using mait for over 30 years, never let me down, can still disturb the waste fitting sometimes but still holds!! never use it on combined bath or sink wastes, always use rubber washers, but i've always used on vitreous china basins, urinals etc and fireclay cleaners sinks, belfast sinks etc

 

[Avatar]

when ive used mait it always let me down - unless i use it to hold me piccies to the wall or give to the kids to make models from . . .

Basin waste kit for me as well (or silicon if pushed).

 

[GQuigley67]

I was taught not to trust them haha but if they work then why not ?

 

[Resolute]

Not got a vast amount of experience but I tend to use clear silicon. Have never actually tried plumbers mait but keep meaning to get a tub to see what everyone is on about!

 

[pauls]

plumbers mait for me and a bit of ptfe on the thread.

 

[royston]

Use to use mait years ago, saw some other plumbers using silicon, gave it a go and never looked back. Ive found clear silicon does the job better than white, not sure why though.

 

[Bernie2]

Problem with Plumbers Mait is it goes like water if you use hot water on it. Try it.

 

[mredd]

Silicon and a poly washer from plumbcenter.

 

[Bernie2]

I often wonder if they should not make a specific sealant for waste fittings. Its a bit like a none setting mastic for bedding toilet pans on solid floors, nobody seems to make any for the specific job.

In the old days for wastes we used red lead putty and paint with lead washers!!!! Imagine that now?

We bedded pans with a weak OPC mix and left them to set.

Loads of problems when you wanted to change them of course 🙂 🙂 But you could usually fit and forget for 50 years.

Another niggle I have is about toilet seat hinges, it seems you can't get decent ones anymore. Probably because UK people are perhaps heavier than they where.

 

[kay-jay]

i never trust the foam gaskets that come with basin wastes! i always use silicone. with a high end basin waste you get some nice squidgy rubber washers and gaskets and these don't need silicone, but for the most part my custards want cheap - which means silicone!!

oh and i was taught not to use mait on sanitary in a position that can show e.g a waste in a basin or bath because it can put yellow stains on certain acrylics and pot if your not careful, therefore i use it between basin and ped etc etc

KJ

 

[mike_s]

We use Mait, never had a problem, always thought silicone would be more mess and is a diy trick to seal the waste, maybe I'll try silicone someday then.

 

[GQuigley67]

We use Mait, never had a problem, always thought silicone would be more mess and is a diy trick to seal the waste, maybe I'll try silicone someday then.

used silicone alot on commercial builds due to gratings coming seperate and only with one rubber washer, just make sure you've got some rags handy and some toilet roll or something similar. Never leaks if done properly.

 

[Dannypipe]

Silicon, it's a does the job and you never get leaks. I used a suitable wipe to ensure I get every bit of it off the sanitary ware. There are various wipe makes:

Big Wipes, Decorators Wipes etc. I used the little ones that B & Q do for £3 a tub.

I will always ensured that it's sealed around the lower washer too, that way if one seal fails, you have a back up. I haven't had a basin waste leak in years.

When I started out we used mait, I don't miss it though it did always work too!

 

[WHPES]

Forget the foam washers, waste of time. Clear silicone enough to make a seal between the chrome flange and the inside of the basin, and a bead of silicone between the waste thread and the porcelain rim at the bottom, and a bit on the thread to maks sure it doesn't leak. Make sure you've plenty of cheap supermarket kitchen roll as I find this the best for wiping off silicone with. Plumbers Mait is nasty horrible sticky stuff which gets on everything and makes a real mess especially customers floors. Should be banned.

 

[WHPES]

As my old tutor used to call it - "Plumber's Menace". IMO It is the work of satan.