Change Slip Joint Washer Every Time

[Chefwong]

In my wheelhouse of plumbing...it's generally -new- remodel stuff. Once she's buttoned up, plumbing tools might come back out another decade later ;-)

Lately, I have been disassembling tailpieces, putting them back, etc.
I did not replace the washer last time I undid/redid the connection, but I did replace washer while I had it open this time around (8 months later).

For all your pro's or joe's out there, do you replace them for good measure each and every time you are touching/have access to them upon disassembly/re-assembly. It doesn't make sense not to as the washer is fatigued for however it was previously tightened to. Just wondering it this considered best practice or it's not even up for discussion, it should have been replaced if disassembled....if the world of a pro

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

I only replace them if they're visibly or obviously defective. Most of the time, just cleaning them of grease makes them good as new. Not a lot of experience with finding "old" rubber slip joint washers yet. I always keep an abundant supply of those washers with me to guarantee that I won't need to use them.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jeff H Young]

my use of new or reuse varies. if I'm using the tubular parts over I'll use the washers over most of time.
I've mainly used the white nylon. but find the soft rubber ones seal pretty darn good probably better than the nylon they seem to form over the seams better seal. I'm just a bit on the fence which ones I prefer, but reuse isn't a sin!

 

[Chefwong]

I've only used the rubber ones when they came out awhile back. I like them more than than the nylon.

Not all of them are the same. They also make a rubber one I believe that is -softer- that is meant for the nut to be hand tighten only as well.
The one I have in my stash seems a bit thicker overall that the ones that come stock with the tailpiece.

 

[Mr tee]

I like the rubber ones on brass but since most stuff is plastic these days plastic is what I usually use, and they don't get hard in my tool box. I have used brass rings on tub drains in concealed locations and somewhere I have a few leather ones. I have also seen them in lead. The last two are museum pieces.

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

in the 60s my dad said that an inspector made him change the nylon washers to lead washers because Only lead was in the code book.