You’re not wrong about ball valves being less hassle, but I’ve still had one seize up after a couple years of ignoring it—guess nothing’s truly “maintenance free.” I get the urge to try cheaper alternatives like coconut oil, but honestly, I learned the hard way that some things just need the right product. Silicone grease isn’t that pricey if you shop around, and it saves a lot of headaches (and weird smells). Still, props for experimenting... just maybe stick to the tried-and-true next time.
Yeah, I’ve seen plenty of “maintenance-free” valves seize up when nobody’s touched them for years. You’re spot on about silicone grease—it’s cheap insurance. Tried olive oil once out of desperation… never again. Stick with what’s proven, even if it’s boring.
I get the logic behind sticking with what’s proven, but I’m not totally convinced that silicone grease is the only way to go. When I moved in, none of my valves had ever been touched, and I was told by the inspector that “maintenance-free” meant just that. Out of curiosity, I left a couple alone and only greased the main shutoff with silicone. Two years later, the “untouched” ones still move fine, but the greased one actually felt a bit sticky—almost like the grease had thickened up or collected dust.
I’m not saying ignore maintenance, but I wonder if sometimes we overdo it with lubricants. Maybe it depends on the water in your area or the type of valve? I’ve heard some people swear by graphite powder instead of grease, especially for older brass valves, though I haven’t tried it myself. Olive oil, though… yeah, I can imagine that going sideways fast. Food oils just don’t hold up.
I guess my point is, sometimes “boring” works, but sometimes it’s just habit. I’d rather check valves every year or so and only grease if they start feeling stiff. Otherwise, I feel like I’m just adding another thing to the to-do list that might not even help. Maybe I’ll regret it if one seizes up at 2 AM, but so far, so good.
I’d rather check valves every year or so and only grease if they start feeling stiff.
I used to think the same, but after a seized gate valve cost me a flooded basement (and a 3am call to a plumber who charged double), I’m a bit more cautious. Sometimes the “maintenance-free” label is just wishful thinking, especially in older buildings. I’ve noticed hard water in my area tends to gum things up faster, too. Grease isn’t perfect, but I’d rather deal with a sticky valve than one that won’t budge when I need it most.
That’s wild—never thought about hard water making things worse, but it makes sense. I’ve always just assumed if a valve turns, it’s fine, but now I’m second guessing that. Do you use a specific kind of grease, or just whatever’s on hand? I’m always worried about using the wrong stuff and messing something up. Also, does anyone actually replace old valves, or is that just overkill?
