When it comes down to lubricating plumbing fixtures, it’s essential to understand the differences between plumber’s grease and silicone grease.
Plumber’s grease has chemical ingredients and should only be applied to plumbing that is not used for consuming water.
If water is to be ingested from the plumbing setup, you should use silicone grease.
Both are effective lubricants, but it all hinges on your safety. Let’s compare the two and see what will work best for you.
Plumbers Grease vs Silicone Grease: How Do They Differ?
A Quick Look
| Comparing factors | Plumbers grease | Silicone grease |
| Materials | Silicone grease and a wide assortment of waterproof chemicals | Silicone oil (some varieties have silica thickener) |
| Variety | Only one | Comes in different formulations |
| Best uses | Installing o-rings or faucets | Faucets, valve stems, ballcock linkages |
| Effectiveness | More effective due to its high formulation | Less effective |
| Potential for contamination | May contaminate water | Doesn’t contaminate water |
| Toxicity | Toxic in nature | Made from food-grade components only (non-toxic) |
| Effects | Can impact the stability of rubber and plastic plumbing parts | Doesn’t have any impact on rubber or plastic |
| Contact with potable water | Can not be applied to potable water sources | Can be applied to potable water sources |
1. Formulation
Plumber’s
It’s made with silicone grease and a wide assortment of waterproof chemicals.
They can be toxic, so you can’t use them on particular plumbing setups.
People like to compare it to Vaseline because of its texture, but it’s thicker than the classic Vaseline.
Silicone
Silicone grease is also known as dielectric grease. This type of grease is made with silicone oil.
Some varieties have silica thickener in them, which makes them a more delicate consistency.
2. Best uses
Plumber’s
This grease is applied to plumbing parts to protect and lubricate them.
A plumber often uses it while installing o-rings or faucets. In many circles, it is referred to as faucet grease because it’s often used to fix faucets.
Silicone
This grease lubricates and blocks corrosion that forms on faucets, valve stems, ballcock linkages, and other areas when waterproof lubricant is required.
3. Potential for contamination
Plumber’s
You need to be earnest in figuring out what you need this grease to do.
If not, because of the ingredients in the formulation, the plumber’s grease might contaminate your water.
Silicone
This lubricant is made from food-grade components only.
It’s excellent in protecting the surface you are greasing and humans overall.
4. Safety
Plumber’s
Using this grease on sliding or turning metal products is advised.
The base of the lubricant is petroleum and can impact the stability of rubber and plastic plumbing parts.
Silicone
This grease is very safe to use on o-rings (rubber or nitrite), combats many harmful chemicals, and is very resilient regarding water.
5. Water resistance
Plumber’s
Yes, the formula for plumber’s grease is waterproof and resistant.
Silicone
Yes, this grease is also waterproof and resistant.
6. Lifespan
Plumber’s
As long as the grease is adequately stored in its original seal, it should last around 5 years. Many manufacturers tell homeowners to use plumber’s grease regularly on shower heads.
It cleans out debris and stops rust from forming.
It also makes using the faucet’s handle much more effortless and eliminates any squeaking noises that might occur.
Silicone
The shelf life for most grease and lubricants is 5 years.
Grease can dry out, so it’s advised that you use this grease regularly for your plumbing fixtures. It makes everything run smoother.
7. Contact with potable water
Plumber’s
If you apply this grease to places that do not have contact with potable water, it’s very effective for your plumbing needs.
Silicone
Because it can be ingested, this grease is often applied to potable water sources where it might meet food, beverages, and dental equipment.
8. Temperature effects
Plumber’s
Plumber’s grease is made to withstand hot temperatures.
It keeps its consistency from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Silicone
Silicone grease is also made to handle high temperatures.
9. When to Use?
Plumber’s
Plumber’s grease is often used by professionals and the average person for plumbing needs.
It’s regularly applied and used to fix squeaky and noisy faucets and so is known a lot of the time as faucet grease.
Due to its chemical makeup, it’s not recommended to use it where water might be ingested.
Silicone
Silicone or dielectric grease is a waterproof lubricant with a thick consistency that’s great for greasing many plumbing fixtures.
It’s made up of food-grade components and is commonly found where there are potable water sources.
FAQs
Q. Can I use WD-40 instead of the plumber’s grease?
No, it would be best if you didn’t use WD-40 when you need to use the plumber’s grease instead.
The WD stands for water disbursement, has a thin consistency that won’t stay put, and has no lubrication in its formula.
WD-40 is suitable for cleaning o-rings, but they will dry out eventually and functionality will be limited because the o-rings will no longer seal and break down inside your faucet.
Q. Is there a substitute for the plumber’s grease?
Not really. The product is made for a reason.
Some think they can use Vaseline or olive oil, but this is not a good idea. Over time (around 6 months to 1 year), it will break down your rubber plumbing components (like o-rings).
You will have to replace them at that time and use proper grease on the fixtures.
Q. How do you clean off silicone grease?
Fill a sink or basin with tepid water and add a little dish soap (degreasing kind).
The soap will break down the grease so the residue can be removed.
You might have to change the water and soap a couple of times before the sticky substance is removed.
Q. What type of grease do you use on o-rings and rubber parts?
Use silicone grease on o-rings and other rubber plumbing parts.
If you use petroleum-based grease, it can affect the product’s integrity and stop working correctly.
