The pump for my head gets hard to pump. I've tried a number of thing; vegetable oil, WD40 and more recently, petroleum jelly. The latter works great; I apply it directly to the rubber ring of the pump. Over a period of a couple of weeks, however, it gets harder and harder again. Any more lasting lubrication suggestions? Mike McKendy Sea Sharp
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Do not use ANY petroleum based lubricant
in a toilet...petroleum damages rubber. That means no more WD-40 or petroleum jelly. Buy a tube of teflon grease. Take the top off the pump....put a very healthy squirt in it, pump a few times to spread it all over the inside the pump...put the top back on. Once a year should keep your toilet working smoothly for a full season.
in a toilet...petroleum damages rubber. That means no more WD-40 or petroleum jelly. Buy a tube of teflon grease. Take the top off the pump....put a very healthy squirt in it, pump a few times to spread it all over the inside the pump...put the top back on. Once a year should keep your toilet working smoothly for a full season.
Head lubricant
Check our Raritan Eng Web Site for recommendations. You can order the lubricant from their site.
Check our Raritan Eng Web Site for recommendations. You can order the lubricant from their site.
Peggie
I was using the liquid lube for heads, taking apart the pump every month and fingering it inside. Then I decided to just pour some down the commode to see if it got to the pump, and it did. Okay?
I was using the liquid lube for heads, taking apart the pump every month and fingering it inside. Then I decided to just pour some down the commode to see if it got to the pump, and it did. Okay?
Teflon grease?
Hey Peggie. I looked around at various hardware type stores and never saw "teflon grease" speeled out. I did see teflon products that you use on threading for plumbing issues that "seals and lubricates".... is that the same thing? Thanks Brian
Hey Peggie. I looked around at various hardware type stores and never saw "teflon grease" speeled out. I did see teflon products that you use on threading for plumbing issues that "seals and lubricates".... is that the same thing? Thanks Brian
Ok if you prefer monthly over annually
Seems like a lot of extra work to me, though. Thick teflon grease is what's in every toilet when it leaves the factory...and why new toilets seldom need any lubrication for at least a year, sometimes two. Otoh, any lubricant that's thin enough to pour down the toilet is just gonna wash out again in few flushes...how many weeks it lasts depends on how much the toilet is used. A tube of SuperLube (thick teflon grease) costs about $4...is also the grease that should be used in seacocks, y-valves manual diaphragm pumps... takes all of 15 minutes once a year as part of spring commissioning...and that tube should last several years. Liquid head lubes are about $7/bottle, require frequent use and therefore replacement a couple of times a year..and occupy storage space in the head that could be put to better use. Your call.
Seems like a lot of extra work to me, though. Thick teflon grease is what's in every toilet when it leaves the factory...and why new toilets seldom need any lubrication for at least a year, sometimes two. Otoh, any lubricant that's thin enough to pour down the toilet is just gonna wash out again in few flushes...how many weeks it lasts depends on how much the toilet is used. A tube of SuperLube (thick teflon grease) costs about $4...is also the grease that should be used in seacocks, y-valves manual diaphragm pumps... takes all of 15 minutes once a year as part of spring commissioning...and that tube should last several years. Liquid head lubes are about $7/bottle, require frequent use and therefore replacement a couple of times a year..and occupy storage space in the head that could be put to better use. Your call.
Check auto supply and swimming pool supply
stores...The best is Super Lube (who makes a full line of lubricants)...the only one you want, though, is the thick grease that comes in a tube..NOT a spray or liquid. Thick teflon grease is used in pumps that are submerged or--like toilet pumps--have liquids running through them...because although it's water soluble, it doesn't dissolve easily.
stores...The best is Super Lube (who makes a full line of lubricants)...the only one you want, though, is the thick grease that comes in a tube..NOT a spray or liquid. Thick teflon grease is used in pumps that are submerged or--like toilet pumps--have liquids running through them...because although it's water soluble, it doesn't dissolve easily.
Lowe's carries Super Lube Teflon Grease
Brian: I have purchased Super Lube Teflon Grease at Lowe's.
Brian: I have purchased Super Lube Teflon Grease at Lowe's.
Did I ruin my toilet???
While sailing my new to us boat for it's maiden voyage from Toronto to her new home in Rochester, my First Mate mentioned that the toilet was difficult to pump and that it had a squeek. Not having read this thread, and being out in the middle of the lake, I grabbed what every mechanical guy has in his tool box: WD40. I sprayed the shaft of the pump and gave it a few strokes, and it loosened right up and the squeek went away. Now I have fluid, brown icky looking stuff, under the toilet. I doubt it is waste material, and more probably rubber gasket stuff that I harmed with the WD40. I am going to investigate today, and start taking things apart. I dread what I might find, thinking a rebuild kit or something is in my future. Any advise? Ken Palmer, S/V Water Colors
While sailing my new to us boat for it's maiden voyage from Toronto to her new home in Rochester, my First Mate mentioned that the toilet was difficult to pump and that it had a squeek. Not having read this thread, and being out in the middle of the lake, I grabbed what every mechanical guy has in his tool box: WD40. I sprayed the shaft of the pump and gave it a few strokes, and it loosened right up and the squeek went away. Now I have fluid, brown icky looking stuff, under the toilet. I doubt it is waste material, and more probably rubber gasket stuff that I harmed with the WD40. I am going to investigate today, and start taking things apart. I dread what I might find, thinking a rebuild kit or something is in my future. Any advise? Ken Palmer, S/V Water Colors
Just one shot of WD-40 wouldn't cause that
I suspect your toilet is leaking...that if you look closely, you'll find a hairline crack in the pump housing. Depending on its make/model/age, you may be better off replacing than rebuilding or repairing.
I suspect your toilet is leaking...that if you look closely, you'll find a hairline crack in the pump housing. Depending on its make/model/age, you may be better off replacing than rebuilding or repairing.
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