Steam valve replacement washer profile

CaptSkinny

I have to replace the main washer in several old steam valves, but I'm not sure the replacement should look like. The surface at the end of the valve stem where the washer sits is rounded (concave) rather than flat. Do I need to match this profile, or will a flat rubber washer do?

Larry Weingarten

Hello, I'm just a plumber... so is it possible to get a photo of the seat that this washer mates with? That would help me anyway to be better able to answer your question.

Yours, Larry

acwagner

I had the same problem. I ended up just making my own by getting a sheet of silicone and cutting out a circle sized to fit.

CaptSkinny

@Larry Weingarten - I've added photo of the valve seat. I didn't look at it close enough to notice the groove before.

Larry Weingarten

Hi @CaptSkinny , It looks to me like a flat washer will work fine, though it needs to be able to take the heat. Silicon rubber, if it's not too soft seems a good fit. @acwagner nailed it! The seat itself looks to be in good shape.

Yours, Larry