Changing a tap cartridge/valve help.

beachBOYken · 29 Jul 2025 at 12:08

Hi

Im just wondering should I put any lubricant on a new tap valve/cartridge? Cold water tap in bathroom is starting to leak a little and I can tell the cartridge or washer needs replacing, I know how to change it but not needed to do it a while.

Thanks

SpellowHouse · 29 Jul 2025 at 12:41

Most of them are sealed by rubber washers and they need nothing. Just make sure you clean everything if there are any deposits.

Feek · 29 Jul 2025 at 12:47

Whatever you do, don't force it.

LuckyBenski · 30 Jul 2025 at 01:17

I like to use a tiny bit of silicone grease but, I've not seen confirmation it's a good/bad idea. I just make sure to use the stuff that's safe for water supplies.

beachBOYken · 30 Jul 2025 at 11:13

LuckyBenski said:
I like to use a tiny bit of silicone grease but, I've not seen confirmation it's a good/bad idea. I just make sure to use the stuff that's safe for water supplies.

Yeah I was looking at that, do you put a small bit on just the o ring or thread/spline as well?

hornetstinger · 30 Jul 2025 at 11:24

beachBOYken said:
Hi

Im just wondering should I put any lubricant on a new tap valve/cartridge? Cold water tap in bathroom is starting to leak a little and I can tell the cartridge or washer needs replacing, I know how to change it but not needed to do it a while.

Thanks

You can apply some food safe lubricant to the thread. Not used to stop leaks more to ease removal.

Diddums · 30 Jul 2025 at 11:31

No, no ned for anything. Just pop it in and you're good to go. Make sure to give the tap a proper clean when doing it, scale is what kills these things.

hornetstinger · 30 Jul 2025 at 11:37

Diddums x said:
No, no ned for anything. Just pop it in and you're good to go. Make sure to give the tap a proper clean when doing it, scale is what kills these things.

I've had cartidges really stuck, not due to previous over tightening but due to corrosion, if some food safe grease aids in removal, well worth it. Almost busted tap/knuckles removing one cartridge, the other one was fine.

Diddums · 30 Jul 2025 at 11:40

hornetstinger said:
I've had cartidges really stuck, not due to previous over tightening but due to corrosion, if some food safe grease aids in removal, well worth it. Almost busted tap/knuckles removing one cartridge, the other one was fine.

Grease often contains chemicals that will eat the rubber o-rings. I've changed thousands of cartridges in my life, mixer taps, showers, you name it. I've had maybe three which had to be destroyed to get out, but then the tap was so old and knackered that I replaced them too.

hornetstinger · 30 Jul 2025 at 11:42

Diddums x said:
Grease often contains chemicals that will eat the rubber o-rings. I've changed thousands of cartridges in my life, mixer taps, showers, you name it. I've had maybe three which had to be destroyed to get out, but then the tap was so old and knackered that I replaced them too.

depends what grease you use?

"Silicone grease is generally considered safe and suitable for lubricating O-rings. It is non-toxic, waterproof, and resistant to high and low temperatures, making it a versatile choice for various applications. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants like Vaseline, as they can degrade and damage O-rings"

LuckyBenski · 30 Jul 2025 at 11:49

As mentioned, it's mostly to aid insertion and avoid tearing any o-rings that I add a bit of grease.

I too have busted my knuckles and badly strained my wrist forcing cartridges off

beachBOYken · 30 Jul 2025 at 12:40

Thanks everyone, I got some Black Swan silicon grease, will just use it on the thread to aid insertion and future removal.