O-Ring Lubricant/installation

[Hot tub hottie]

I'm replacing the 2 inch o-rings and split nut union on my Balboa heater. The O-ring is rubber and the split nut union holds together a metal pipe (on the Balboa unit) and a PVC pipe.

What kind of lubricant is safe to use on the rubber o-ring? I know Vaseline deteriorates rubber. Would a silocone lube be ok, or can I used cooking oil/Crisco, OR do I need to go buy some Plumbers Grease? I've read all different answers to similar questions on the plumbing forums.

I don't want to use anything that will deteriorate the rubber o-ring faster than they normally deteriorate on their own. They are a pain to replace, not because putting in an o-ring is difficult, but because these particular o-rings that I have must be ordered on-line and take several days to be shipped (unless I pay $50 to overnight for a $1.29 part--no.)

One other question: if water is trickling out of the Balboa metal housing, can I put the o-ring on, or should I want until both ends are dry, lube them up and then attach them? My boyfriend and I have money riding on this answer, so...can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Thanks in advance for all responses,

HTH (Hot tub hottie)

[spatech (the unreal one)]

I'm replacing the 2 inch o-rings and split nut union on my Balboa heater. The O-ring is rubber and the split nut union holds together a metal pipe (on the Balboa unit) and a PVC pipe.

What kind of lubricant is safe to use on the rubber o-ring? I know Vaseline deteriorates rubber. Would a silocone lube be ok, or can I used cooking oil/Crisco, OR do I need to go buy some Plumbers Grease? I've read all different answers to similar questions on the plumbing forums.

I don't want to use anything that will deteriorate the rubber o-ring faster than they normally deteriorate on their own. They are a pain to replace, not because putting in an o-ring is difficult, but because these particular o-rings that I have must be ordered on-line and take several days to be shipped (unless I pay $50 to overnight for a $1.29 part--no.)

One other question: if water is trickling out of the Balboa metal housing, can I put the o-ring on, or should I want until both ends are dry, lube them up and then attach them? My boyfriend and I have money riding on this answer, so...can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Thanks in advance for all responses,

HTH (Hot tub hottie)

1) I'd use the silicone lube if you happen to have some lying around over Plumber's grease, Vasoline, EVOO, PAM, butter or whatever else is in the kitchen.

2) You don't have to wait until the o-ring or heater ends are totally dry to apply.

3) We don't allow usernames like "hot tub hottie" without picture ID.