Will O rings alone fix a leak?

[Rph52G]

I recently replaced a Price Pfister ceramic cartridge valve, one -piece hot-cold volume control, cost about $26 since it was old (12 years) and started leaking. The other one was only a year old and started binding. I flushed the water line and had a lot of debris from hard water.

I'm wondering if I can add 7 new O rings and that would eliminate the cartridge leak? Or is the entire cartridge compromised due to age/hard water wear? I have no idea what size rings I'd need, even it if works. I know it's a small matter, but I like to reuse as much as possible.

Also, is it a good practice to flush the water annually? All my pipes are copper.

 

[Rph52G]

I'm referring to a ceramic cartridge, 974-042.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Dj2]

You can try lubricating the cartridge (use plumber's grease), maybe that will help.
Normally new O rings should be enough to stop a leak, but they have to be perfect fit, or they will leak too.
I think the right part is 974-242.

 

[JohnnyCom]

Call Pfister and they will send you a free new cartridge under their lifetime warranty.

 

[hj]

1-800-PFAUCET for the new cartridge.