Plumbing question

[bluedog225]

Since the heat is lingering down here, I’m taking on some inside projects. The stars of aligned and I found motivation, my tools, my parts and some free time.

I’m sure I’ve replaced these since I moved in this place in 1991 but I can’t remember when. I don’t doubt it’s been 20 years.

Is there any harm in dressing these new washers with something like Dow 111?

Seems like it would be kinder to the washer material and help them seal.

Thanks

 

[The Cobbler]

won't do anything worthwhile . but you should replace the shaft o ring & lube the stem threads with plumbers grease

 

[bluedog225]

Ok. Those had occurred to me.

Plumbers grease instead of teflon tape?

And the shower diverter seems to have two nylon washers on it. I’m most concerned about the top one circled in the photo below being missing on the hot and cold water valves.

I don’t know if these were lost or not part of the original equipment.

Any idea?

And thanks

 

[bluedog225]

No o-ring to be found.

Stamped USA space P-1

I’m guessing price pfister.

 

[bluedog225]

Disregard that last one. I found the stem washer.

 

[bluedog225]

Seems odd. The inner ring was surrounded by a ton of what looks like packing. I had to dig it out with a dental tool to get to the ring.

As above, I’m open to any suggestions.

It looks like I can buy replacement valves at Home Depot over $20-30 bucks apiece. But I’d like to go ahead and fix these.

 

[jrsulo]

Just go get the whole rebuild kit at Home Depot or Amazon,,,,,comes with everything !!!

 

[bluedog225]

Well, I went and got a new diverter at Home Depot. Of course they were out of the hot and cold. So I’ll need to rebuild. I’m curious about this self – forming graphite valve packing. Do I just pack it in around the stem above the O-ring and compress it down. One turn around the stem and compress it in there?

 

[jhelrey]

They make ceramic replacements that will last forever.

 

[bluedog225]

Well, for better or worse, it’s done. Seems to be holding water. Those old flat washers going bad sneaks up on you. Feels like butter now and seals good.