O ring lubricant

[fezster]

I replaced a tap quarter turn valve about 6 months ago and used some plumbers grease on the o ring. I recently discovered that a petroleum based lubricant is the wrong type to use on rubber o rings and that a silicon based grease should be used.

The tap has been fine, but is it worth taking it out and regreasing? Or is the damage already done and just wait until it fails?

 

[SandyLyon]

So also be WRAS approved

 

[Burnerman]

Presumably it's the main O ring that seals the insert to the tap body? It'll be fine....Lube here just stops it picking up and splitting when the insert is screwed in, and Fairy Liquid does just as well!
John

 

[scatmanjohn]

A bit of spit is the best lubricant for most applications. Failing that , silicon grease.

 

[dilalio]

Or KY

 

[Ihavenojob]

A bit of spit

And a shove

 

[fezster]

Presumably it's the main O ring that seals the insert to the tap body? It'll be fine....Lube here just stops it picking up and splitting when the insert is screwed in, and Fairy Liquid does just as well!
John

OK thanks. Was just intrigued as to how critical the type of grease was. Got some wras silicon grease on order, so will do it right next time.

 

[Madrab]

Don't use petroleum based lubricants, the chemical make up of most modern O ring material means that petroleum based lubricants will eventually make them perish, same with compression waste fittings etc. Silicon grease is advised IMO.

 

[fezster]

Don't use petroleum based lubricants, the chemical make up of most modern O ring material means that petroleum based lubricants will eventually make them perish, same with compression waste fittings etc. Silicon grease is advised IMO.

That part I understand. My question was more about whether it's worth reapplying, or if the damage is already done.

 

[Madrab]

Takes a while to perish, so if it's easy to redo, no harm in changing.