I've replaced the flat washer on the end of the bathtub's hot water valve stem assembly many times, with the new washer lasting anywhere from three to twelve months before starting to drip again. The seat isn't replaceable, but I've dressed it as best I can. I'm guessing that the key variable is how much I tighten the valve stem after replacing the washer, but until now I haven't thought of keeping notes on how much I tightened it each time. My working theory is that I should tighten it as little as possible to prevent immediate drips, as this makes the faucet handle easiest to turn and, I assume, puts the least pressure on the new washer as it is turned to open and close the water flow. On the other hand, if it's barely tight enough, I wonder whether it will allow drips to start sooner and perhaps erode the washer and/or the brass faster. It also seems difficult to tell right away when the stem is tight enough to stop actual leakage, as the faucet will drip occasionally for a while after being run just from residual water, not from an actual leak.
Is there a good rule of thumb for how much to tighten the stem, such as by hand and then another 1/x turn?
Is there a good rule of thumb for how much to tighten the stem, such as by hand and then another 1/x turn?
