Tips for Applying Plumber’s Grease on Shower Faucets

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In case you happen to hear an unpleasant squeak from your shower, then don’t assume that you’re dealing with a mouse. Most probably it’s the shower faucet making the noise.

The shower faucet may squeal terribly, especially when it has dirt and dust build up within the cartridge. The cartridge is located behind the faucet handle.

Most manufacturers actually advise homeowners to apply some plumber’s grease on the shower faucet on a regular basis. Doing so clears out any debris and prevents rust.

Applying grease also makes it easier to operate the faucet handle and eliminates the squeaking noise. It’s actually a simple job to do that only requires some plumber’s grease and few tools.

Source: thebathoutlet.com

What’s Plumber’s Grease?

The kind of grease applied in shower faucets is known as plumber’s grease. It looks like Vaseline and is very effective in oiling faucets. It lasts longer than other oil compounds.

Plumber’s grease is waterproof and comprises of silicone oil (polydimethylsiloxane) in combination with silicone grease. It’s a dielectric grease in nature, but is relatively thicker than regular grease.

This type of grease is mainly used for lubricating and protecting plumbing fixtures. It’s commonly used by plumbers when installing O-rings and faucets. It’s also referred to as faucet grease since it’s regularly used for fixing noisy faucets.

Squeaky Shower Faucets

The main problem experienced with some new shower faucets is that they’re difficult to operate and produce squeaking noise.

These problems can be solved by lubricating the faucet. To do this, remove the handle to access the cartridge. Then remove the cartridge and clean it.

Once clean, lubricate it and assemble everything back in place. It’ll only take you some minutes to do this job. You’ll only need plumber’s grease, pliers, and a screwdriver.

You’ll only apply the grease on the faucet assembly parts that regulate water flow. These parts often vary based on the design of the shower system.

Most of the showers designed today feature cartridges for starting or stopping water flow and regulating the water temperature.

If you want to stop your shower from squeaking, then you should disassemble the faucet assembly to access the cartridge located behind it.

How to Apply Faucet Grease

Most showers today come with faucets that operate with cartridges. Manufacturers often advice homeowners to lubricate their shower faucet cartridges regularly even if they’re not squeaking.

Disassembling the faucet components to clean and lubricate the cartridge with faucet grease keeps it free from rust and prevents it from squeaking.

In some faucet designs, you’ll first remove the screw that keeps the handle in place. You can find the screw behind the faucet.

Once done, you’ll find a plate sitting behind the shower faucet. Remove the screws that hold the plate in place. Once done, remove the plate.

Doing so will prompt the collar sitting around the cartridge to come out. You’ll easily see some U-clips around the cartridge. Use pliers to remove the U-clips, thereby prompting the cartridge to come out.

Use paper towels to clean the cartridge. Then apply faucet grease around the cartridge. Once done, reassemble everything back in place.

Contact our team for professional assistance. Our technicians are available 24 hours to help fix any type of plumbing problems, and we’ll send a plumber to your door.