I've used plumber's grease a few times in a pinch, and it does the job short-term. But from what I've seen, it tends to break down quicker than silicone, especially with hot water valves. Silicone lubricant seems to hold up better over time and doesn't gum up as much. Honestly, for the extra couple bucks, silicone's probably worth it if you don't wanna redo the job anytime soon... just my two cents.
"Silicone lubricant seems to hold up better over time and doesn't gum up as much."
Interesting... last time I had a faucet spraying everywhere, I grabbed plumber's grease because it was handy. But now I'm wondering—does silicone really make that big of a difference long-term? Might have to test it myself next time.
I switched to silicone after a plumber friend laughed at my tub of plumber's grease (rude, right?). Honestly, it does seem smoother, and like you said...
"doesn't gum up as much."
But long-term miracle solution? Jury's still out for me.
I've had similar experiences with silicone—definitely smoother going on and less mess overall. But yeah, calling it a miracle fix might be overstating things a bit. Over time, I've noticed silicone can sometimes dry out or lose its effectiveness, especially if exposed to heat or constant water flow. Still beats plumber's grease in most cases, though... just keep an eye on it and reapply occasionally to avoid surprises down the line.
Good points about silicone—I've found the same thing. It's definitely a solid choice, but not foolproof. Personally, I've had better luck with silicone when I make sure surfaces are thoroughly clean and dry before applying. Also, keeping an eye on it every few months helps catch any deterioration early. Still, compared to plumber's grease, silicone is usually less messy and easier to handle, so you're on the right track there... just don't expect it to last forever.
