Faucet Repair O-ring Lubrication Grease

Jan 05, 2004 7 Replies

The problem with these groups is that there are many questions and very few answers. To clear my conscience from a previous posted question, here's an unsolicited answer that might be useful to someone down the line:



You can rebuild your Moen (and other manufacturer's) faucet valves by cleaning the existing parts well and then reapplying the RIGHT KIND of o-ring grease. Unfortunately, places like Home Depot will mindlessly sell you "plumber's grease" in little white tubs from companies like Rec-O-Seal which are NOT for use on rubber, but don't say that anywhere on the container. These petroleum-based greases will cause the valve to stick if not used for a couple minutes, although if you work the stem it will temporarily appear to be well-lubricated.



If you buy grease that specifically states "silicone grease" or "for use on rubber o-rings", it'll work like new and you'll extend the life of your value indefinitely. My valves are 20 years old and work as well as a new valve insert, and the o-rings are still like new.



That being said, if you are a contractor and can pass off the cost to the homeowner, the $13 inserts are the way to go. But as a homeowner, I saved about $150 in parts alone by redoing the valves myself.


A contractor looses money when trying to save the homeowner money on fixing parts or something.... if you do it yourself you and nickel and dime it yourself, but when in business you have to replace the whole parts and get out of there and go on to the next job... ever see an appliance repairman taking a timer out and playing around trying to ge it it work??? no, he just replaces the timer.....an auto mech. does not take the spark plugs out and cleans them off and puts them back in.. he just puts new plugs in....

Bill posted for all of us....

Yeah, big savings since Moen will send new parts free...

This silicone grease is usually available from swimming pool stores. It's used quite extensively on pool valves.

Exactly how today's society is such a disposable society. It will some day catch up with society. Iowa883

3rd generation "Auto Recycler"

just curious: shouldn't the grease be labeled "food grade" if your going to be drinking from the faucet? Not that I ...uhhh...ever used pool grease...uh...before for this application.

This is a myth.

Petrolatum (aka petroleum grease or petroleum jelly or Vaseline) attacks natural rubber, but O-rings are not typically made from that. It does not affect Buna-N (nitrile) rubber, which is what plumbing O-rings are typically made from.

Good info Bill. Thanks for sharing it. Des

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