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)

[david_bilton]

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)

try magic lube a silicone lube you can do this wet or dry and give the srews on the split nut a little twist as well good luck

[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)

try magic lube a silicone lube you can do this wet or dry and give the srews on the split nut a little twist as well good luck

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your answer. Have a wonderful weekend!

[micksmith]

I had to contact where I purchase my o rings from and they said Servisol silicone greese.

[Dnepr Dave]

Ive used silicone grease on "O" rings for years, it works great!

Dave

[PreservedSwine]

Nothing works well too.

The heater doesn't need to be dry to install the o-ring/gasket.

[bfunke]

+1 on magic lube. I have a 60gm tube bought several years ago at Bart's in Litchfield Park Arizona. It's great stuff for neoprene o-rings and seals on pools and spas. I found it also works great on door hinges at the house. It is very sticky so use sparingly. A little goes a long ways.