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Author:
sum (FL)
I am not having a problem, but I am curious.
The lift rod of a lav faucet that moves up and down is connected to a horizontal rod, with a plastic ball near it's other end. You have a threaded cap that secures the ball to the connection on the tail piece. The ball gets moved around every time the lift rod is shifted up and down.
There is no grease, or sealant or anything in the connection between that cap and the tail piece, or the ball. I have always just hand tightened that cap. Yet there is no leak. Every time I put that cap on I expected a leak but it doesn't when I run the faucet to test the drain. There is putty between the flange and the porcelain sink; There is a gasket plus silicon under the sink where the nut tightens; There are gaskets under the p-trap nuts and trap adapter nut; But there is nothing there to "help" seal the lift rod ball and cap except hand tightened pressure. Seems like a weak link does it not?
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
packy (MA)
correct. i ALWAYS apply silicone grease to that plastic ball and socket. you'll be able to make it a little tighter without losing any ease of movement.
BTW, what is more important is that the horizontal rod that the ball is attached to is brass or stainless. the cheaper units save money by making the rod out of steel. in a few years it will rot away and when you go to replace it you must use the EXACT size/diameter ball or it will leak.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
I always assumed the ball and nut were made out of nylon, teflon or some other self-lubricating plastic.
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