Installing new sewer gate valve

[P8nsbus]

I have a Valterra T84 double "L" gray & black connection with a leaking gate valve. I'm going to replace the whole T84. Do the gate valves need any type of lube to keep them sliding freely and/or help seal when the valve is closed?

[Oldchinahand]

We replaced our blk/gray gate valves about a year ago. Pretty simple process, a little lube on the gaskets eased the insertion. We used the same lube, Pool Lube, we use on the myriads of gaskets on our home pool filtration system. Keeps the gaskets from drying out and cracking. Also protects from chemicals and acids.

May be other similar products out there, but we purchase ours at Leslie's pool service.

Pool Lube is great on the fin gasket around the toilet bowl ball valve also. We apply (actually I apply. SWMBO hasn't really embraced this whole equality thing) lube about twice a year.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

[Topsail]

I recently replaced a broken worm gear and straight gear for the TV antenna and used food equipment grade silicon spray sold by a local RV company to lube the new gears. This silicon spray is also recommended to lube the gate valve during installation and for the dump handle shafts periodically.

I had to replace a leaking black water gate valve and this did the trick. The spray can was about $15 bucks, but it will last a long time.

[JoeC]

P8nsbus: I agree with Oldchinahand. Use a solid silicone-based grease to initially lube the gate valve and it doesn't hurt to do the toilet ball valve every now and then also. I would not recommend disassembling the gate valve again just to lube it as you may do more harm than good and it's not a very pleasant job either.

[jbrattain]

Oldchinahand has it right. "Pool Lube" is wonderful stuff for lubricating or sealing almost anything. It's technically Dow Corning silicon sealant. It's the same chemical as silicon caulk, except it never sets up or hardens. It's sold by Dow corning as a vacuum sealant, O-ring sealant, non-petroleum lubricant, etc. Everyone should have at least one small tube in their toolbox.

[puttin]

I can't speak to the "pool lube" product (interesting though). I just use plumber's grease- about 2 bucks from the hardware store....good for anything that comes in contact with water

[jbrattain]

I keep both, but I use the silicon lubricant most of the time because it isn't quite as "messy". However, both are difficult to get completely off the hands.

[JoeC]

puttin and others: Please be aware that some grease products may be harmful to the rubber compounds that are used in plumbing seals. Use only products that are designed for "o" rings and other rubber based products to prevent premature failure of the seal.