When installing a faucet on a vitreous china sink, which material should be used between the base of the faucet and the sink?

• A. Plumbers putty
• B. Silicone caulk
• C. Teflon tape
• D. Epoxy

Answer: (A)

Plumber's putty is used between the base of the faucet and the vitreous china sink because it creates a flexible, watertight seal that fills small gaps as you tighten the mounting nut. It stays pliable, so it can compress with slight movement and temperature changes without cracking the porcelain, and it wipes away cleanly after installation. This makes it easy to service or remove the faucet later.

Silicone caulk cures into a firmer gasket and can be harder to remove later, which is less convenient for faucet replacements. Teflon tape is intended for threaded pipe joints, not sealing around the faucet base. Epoxy would set hard and create a permanent, rigid bond that risks damaging the sink or making future faucet removal very difficult.