I have a water filterthat uses a 5 inch X 1/8 inch O ring to prevent leaks. Unfortunately the manufacturer didn’t provide a deep enough “trough” to keep it in place while tightening the filter holder. The O ring slips out of place and leaks.
I wonder if I could cement the ring to the holder to keep it in place until I can tighten it. What cement should I use? Is there a better way?
RTV silicone is usually compatible with rubber. Whatever you use, it’ll need to remain flexible after setting.
I’m wondering if you have the correct replacement O-ring. They do come in different thicknesses, as well as different diameters. You might check to see what alternatives might be available, as having the correct part may be key here. I’m not sure that gluing an O-ring is going to solve the problem you describe.
Grease the o-ring and mating surfaces with a thin coat of food-grade silicon plumber’s grease, which should be available at any good hardware or home-improvement store.
That’ll keep the friction from pulling the o-ring out of the groove as you tighten the housing.
When you put the o-ring in the groove, does it fit correctly or do you have “some extra” that you have to puh into the groove. The o-ring needs to fit properly so that you don’t have to fight the thing.
The o-ring could be something called buna-n, which is a synthetic rubber, or viton. I’m not a big fan of putting “stuff” in the groove to hold an o-ring. However, I found a website where they suggest putting a drop or two of either ACC or another product sold by Loctite, which is probably an ACC type item, to hold the ring in position.
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general-archive/cement-o-rings-93126/
If it is just to hold it in place for assembly try vaseline.
Brent[C):-)]
Like BATMAN suggested, I use Vaseline petroleum jelly to hold the O-ring in place while the filter is tightened. The Vaseline also helps plug the ring against any leaks, and also makes it easier to remove later.
Thanks guys. Next time I remove the filter I will check for correct length i.e. no loops or stretching.
I am using the ring that came with the filter housing and I even checked another filter at Home Depot and the rings are the same. As suggested, I do use vaseline to hold it while tightening.
If each replacement filter is supplied w/ a new “O” ring, then RTV would be fine, if you need that O ring later, use the Vasolene or the graese described. Unusual installation, generally the O ring will fit and stay in place, whether in the housing or on the filter assy.
I agree, try the petroleum jelly first, rather than any glue. Forgot about that old mechanic’s trick.
As for the store having another one with the same O-ring, it’s possible there’s a batch of that product out there with incorrect O-rings from the factory. I’d still recommend seeing about potentially better fitting O-rings that might be slightly different sizes that could work if it just doesn’t seem right.
We ran into a similar problem with an old Sears bellows type pool filter that had been in service for thirty some odd years. Generally had to replace the O-rings every two or three years. One year the O-rings they sent were the wrong diameter (too thin) and would roll out of the grooves. Went to the hardware store and got a pair a little thicker and they worked great.
Bruce, Vaseline is a petroleum jelly that will undoubtedly attack an O-ring over time. O-rings are cheap, mind you, but there’s no reason to test them unduly in my opinion, and I doubt the product is any good for the plastic filter cap fixture and canister.
We have two in-line filters since I am on a deep well with tannins and some sediment. One feeds the house plumbing and the other filters the outdoors plumbing because I use buried bleeder hoses in my raised beds. I don’t want the bleeders to be choked off from the inside.
The lube provided to me by the outfit installing the filters when I got bigger ones is called O-Ring Lubricant marketed by Polytech Products, Inc. in Calgary. As stated earlier by both Mike and Steve, it is a non-toxic silicone valve and manifold lube.
Crandell
I had the same problem year’s ago on a pool filter and vaseline did the trick…
Cheers Frank
Hi Bruce, On our whole house filter, I use LaBelle #107 white plastic compatable grease. After positioning the O ring, I carefully apply the grease with my finger. And. as an aside…never stretch these rings. They WILL NOT return to their original shape. Jeez,I have enough trouble lining up the filter cartridge to watch the position of the ring. Run the canister up hand tight 'till it seats, then a scotch more with the plastic box wrench. 6 filter changes and still using the same ring.
Hey partsguy, I like your idea on using LaBelle grease! The best part is using a bit of scotch to help it out!!!
Blind Bruce!
I second the scotch! Works on almost everything, at least that is until you have to focus![(-D][(-D][(-D.
Very funny! Thanks for the laugh!
Dave]
I’ve got an irrigation water filter that I have to remove & clean about monthly and it has an o-ring on the filter housing that is about 2" diameter. As noted above, to keep the o-ring from falling on the ground I sometimes use ACE Hdwe “Silicone Grease, Waterproof”, which I think I bought to grease the rollers on my GE dishwasher which didn’t slide worth a hoot.