Waited for 12 hours before turning on the water and both drains leak. Plumbers putty takes several hours to dry. Pin On Drains In most of the cases it takes several hours to dry completely. How long does plumbers putty take to dry . In most of the cases it takes several hours to dry completely. If it dries up figure out if there is a need to apply any more layer. It depends on the surface or place where you apply the Plumbers Putty. May also be used to glaze wood sashes. If the repaired surface is used before the putty has completely dried the process has to be done again. It can be some hours or a day. Well you have to close the container tightly after each use. Just make sure to apply it on a surface that was properly cleaned and free of moisture dust or oil. If you leave the container open or loose closed then the plumbers putty will dry out in a month or less time. Just apply assemble and ready to go as long as you take no short cuts. How long does Pl...