In article , Bert
Coules writes
I did have a suitable O-ring, fitted it and tried a test re-assembly without
lubricant. The result was a spectacular leak from around the O-ring. So I
obtained some silicone grease (exorbitantly priced from B&Q - Toolstation
denied all knowledge of the stuff) and tried again. The "grease" proved to
be rather more liquid than solid and was absolutely useless: it simply ran
off.

Hmmn, doesn't sound right, even unlubed the O-ring should have sealed if
it was the right size for the job.

Surprised not to see it at TS as it's just what you need to lube seals
on pushfit drainage and I see Sfx don't carry it either, just a couple
of quid he http://www.bes.co.uk/products/094.asp for the smallest
size but you have to go local when you're in a hurry. Local plumbers'
merchant shouldn't have been too much. Runny doesn't sound right at all,
the BES stuff mentions 'high tack' and it has the texture of vaseline

I gave up temporarily but later took the tap spout to a small plumber's
merchant (where I should have thought of going in the first place). There I
was told that there should be no O-ring: the sliding surfaces simply rotate
against each other. What about lubrication? Oh - use Vaseline, the chap
said.

If there is a rectangular slot running radially around the spout then it
still sounds like an O-ring seal, just the wrong profile used.

Given the bother you're having maybe a cheap replacement tap may be the
way to go.
--
fred
it's a ba-na-na . . . .