Silicone grease on diaphragm washer

[M.Joshi]

I think I read somewhere that applying a small amount of silicone grease to the rubber diaphragm washer in a toilet cistern water inlet valve will improve the seal and increase the lifetime of the washer.

Is this true?

[deadgoose38]

I always use silicon grease on all threads and seals when doing plumbing wo= rk. Not sure if it makes them last longer, but threads are easier to snug u= p, and seals seem to seal better. Also, and this is the major issue, gettin= g things apart in the future is much easier. For non-plumbing jobs, stuff l= ike anti-seize is also useful on threads you want to get apart later -- lug= nuts, stuff exposed to the weather, etc.

73 /paul W3FIS

[The Daring Dufas]

I've used "silicone" grease for outdoor antenna connections because silicon is too abrasive but makes great semiconductors. The best thing to use on plumbing connections is Teflon bearing pipe dope or a product I use for a lot of things called Leak Lock. ^_^

TDD

[clare]

Generally, yes.