What is the best lubricant for faucet handles?

Author: Maudie Kuhn  |  Last update: Monday, October 27, 2025

Silicone grease is commonly used in plumbing due to its compatibility with plastics and rubber. It's the go-to option for elements in contact with potable water systems. Silicone greases are nontoxic, nonhazardous, and can withstand various temperatures. They're perfect for faucet valves, rubber washers, and O-rings.

How to lubricate a faucet handle?

- Instead of WD-40, which can attract dirt, use a silicone-based lubricant or plumber's grease. Apply a small amount to the moving parts of the lever mechanism. Reassemble the Faucet: - Once everything is clean and lubricated, reassemble the faucet by reversing the disassembly steps.

How do I make my faucet handle easier to turn?

Comments Section
  • Get a pair of channel locks and clamp them on and leave them as a knob.
  • Alternatively, lube it up with some kind of grease, then repeat step 1.
  • Replace the entire thing with a new faucet. Bonus points if you break the handle off a new faucet and repeat step 1.

What can I use to lubricate my faucet cartridge?

The Danco Waterproof Silicone Sealant Grease is ideal for lubricating faucet stems, valves and cartridges when repairing a leaky faucet. Silicone Faucet Grease helps reduce friction provides long-lasting lubrication and helps hard-turning faucets work smoothly.

What is a good substitute for plumber's grease?

Here are a few options: Silicone Grease: This is a common alternative that provides good sealing properties and is resistant to a variety of chemicals. It's often used in plumbing and electrical applications. Petroleum Jelly: Also known as Vaseline, this can be a temporary solution for low vacuum applications.

★★★★★ Lubrication Hero! Do it Best Silicone Grease Review & Demo - Tackle Any Sticky Situation!

What lubricant do plumbers use?

Silicone grease is commonly used in plumbing due to its compatibility with plastics and rubber. It's the go-to option for elements in contact with potable water systems. Silicone greases are nontoxic, nonhazardous, and can withstand various temperatures.

What is the best lubricant for a Moen cartridge?

For one-handle faucets with a 1225 cartridge, simply remove the cartridge and lubricate it both inside and out with a silicone-based grease (Moen part number 99915). Do not use plumber's grade faucet grease, silicon sprays or any lubricant that may contain petroleum.

Can you use WD-40 on faucet handle?

Lubricate it.

If cleaning doesn't work, you can try using a penetrating oil like WD-40 around the perimeter and any exposed crevices of the handle to loosen it. Let the oil sit for a moment before trying to wiggle it free.

Is synthetic grease the same as silicone grease?

composition. Synthetic grease may consist of synthetic oils containing standard soaps or may be a mixture of synthetic thickeners, or bases, in petroleum oils. Silicones are greases in which both the base and the oil are synthetic. Synthetic greases are made in water-soluble and water-resistant forms…

How do you fix a stiff faucet handle?

If the handle is stiff to rotate without the cartridge, then it is possible there may be some build-up within the handle preventing it from rotating smoothly. Try soaking your handle in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water for 30-60 minutes to see if this helps clear the build-up.

How to fix a leaky old fashioned faucet handle?

To disassemble the faucet:
  1. First, remove any decorative caps and unscrew the handles.
  2. Then, remove the now-exposed nut with a wrench and remove the stem.
  3. Lift out the seat washer and replace it with one coated in plumber's grease.
  4. Replace the O-ring as well.
  5. Reassemble the handles, and the leak should be fixed.

What is the best grease for taps?

Black Swan SG1 Silicon Grease Ideal for Taps
  • TIMCO Silicone Lubricant - 380ml. ...
  • 500g Red Rubber Grease Tin - Ideal for Brake Assemblies - Lubricating Grease. ...
  • Rocol 12251 Sapphire Aqua-Sil Bearing Grease 85gm. ...
  • ROCOL Sapphire Aqua-Sil Bearing Grease Tube 85G for High-Temperature Applications.

How to lubricate a stiff tap?

To loosen a stiff tap, WD-40 Multi Use Product is ideal. Shake it well and spray it on and within the crevices of your tap. Make sure you spray the liquid in all the right places, focusing on the areas where the tap turns. For precision application, use WD-40 Multi Use Product Smart Straw.

Do I need to grease a new faucet cartridge?

While it's not mandatory for all cartridges, applying plumber's grease to the O-rings can make the installation smoother and help prevent future leaks. It's a recommended step for optimal performance.

What do plumbers use to lubricate O-rings?

What lubricant is best for o rings? Silicone lubricant grease. Protective, waterproof, simple to use. As o rings are made from synthetic rubbers such as Neoprene, nitrile, and EPDM, you can use petroleum grease to perfectly lubricate the o ring.

Is silicone grease better than petroleum jelly?

Q: Is silicone grease always better than petroleum jelly? A: Not necessarily. Silicone grease excels at temperature resistance, water repellency, and dielectric insulation, but also costs more. If your application is simple, low-load, and low-heat, petroleum jelly might suffice.

Can I use olive oil to lubricate an o-ring?

Vegetable oil isn't just for use in the kitchen. Some engine manufacturers recommend vegetable oil to lubricate O-Ring seals. In these applications, if petroleum-based lubricants are used, the result will be swelling and cracking of the seal, leading to a leak.

What can be used instead of plumbers grease?

If necessary, additional grease can be added to the joint before tightening it completely. Other products that might seem like they could work are olive oil, Vaseline, and WD-40.

Will vinegar damage finish on faucet?

“Faucets with black, bronze, or gold-colored coatings and finishes may get damaged or discolored by the vinegar's acidity. Vinegar also has a strong odor, though it's not toxic. However, if you're cleaning with it, it's always a good idea to ventilate the space.

What should you not use WD-40 on?

7 places to never use WD-40 — you'll be surprised
  • Hinges. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Bike chains. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Locks. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. ...
  • Sensitive electronics. ...
  • Wax polishes and some wax coatings. ...
  • Anything that comes into contact with food.

What is the difference between Delta and Moen?

Moen is renowned for its durable, metal-constructed products that promise long lifespans. Delta emphasizes innovation, offering features like touch and motion-sensing faucets to enhance convenience.

How often do you need to replace a Moen cartridge?

The problem is that this system is designed really well, and the cartridges can last 30-40 years before something goes wrong with them.

What is valve lubricant?

Valve lubricants can either be synthetic or organic and their main role is to reduce surface-to-surface friction in the moving parts of the valve. Without a lubricant, the surfaces will wear out very fast.

Previous article
Should you remove all old soil when repotting?
Next article
What is the new technology for clothes drying?