I have a shower valve that, over the years, got pretty gummed up. It has an inner flower-like controller for temperature and an outer handle for flow level and direction (just through the hand-held, just through the overhead, through both). It’s sort of like this, but a different design:
https://www.fergusonhome.com/product/summary/723949
The inner temperature controller was stuck fast. So, I took it apart, descaled it, and then used 3-in-1 oil to lubricate it, but I know that’s not a long-term solution.
What’s a better oil, grease, or lubricant for a shower temperature valve like that?
3-in-1 is not very good at all. Never use WD-40 or the like.
I believe there is a plumbers silicone grease, look for this, it is what my BIL long ago told me to use and he was a plumber for 50+ years.
Before applying the plumbers silicone grease try to get the 3-in-1 back off. Liquid dish soap is probably the best way.
Sorry for the changes, but I was just reading that 3-in-1 also degrades any synthetic parts in the valve, just not as badly as penetrating oil.
OK, I think I have some of that. I use it for the o-rings on my water filter, not to lube, but as a seal (as per the directions on my filter). So, remove the 3-in-1, and then rub the silicone grease on the moving parts?
Sounds correct. I’ve never done it, I just assisted my BIL when he was fixing the main shower valves in my house in 2001. We were also fixing the seats and ensured their was no burrs left, but probably not helpful in your case.
OK, thanks!
Ugh, I hate dealing with silicone grease – it’s impossible to wash off your fingers. I guess that’s why it’s useful in wet, soapy conditions!
No latex gloves around? My go to for staining and caulking and dealing with uncured resin.
I do have those! That’s a good idea, honestly never occurred to me.
Good Luck, it sounds like you already did the hardest part.
The hardest parts were: (1) Finding the right size Allen wrench, (2) Actually loosening the screw, which was probably either glued in with that locktite stuff or just stuck from 15 years of scale buildup.
My go-to for that sort of application:
Store this in your plumbing lore logbook:
I just got cataract surgery so now I can actually see things in the shower. The first thing I discovered was water leaking from behind the valve plate. Figured it was shot so we call the management company to send out FRANK for replacement. He doesn’t mind if I hover around trying to learn something — he’s a good guy. He takes off the handle, takes off the plate, then I had to step out of the room for a moment. When I return, he’s gingerly tightening the shower head pipe coming out the wall. I said, “No! Really?” He smiles and says Always carry a little mirror on a stick. He stuck the mirror in the wall next to the valve and discovered the shower pipe was leaking inside the wall. Tighten and done.
I live for that kind of experience. TIL… .