[The Art Doctor]

On water related items I like to do as Kube suggests putting a thin smear of sealant on both sides and waiting a couple minutes before installing. Additionally, I only install a little more than finger tight to draw the parts together and walk away. I then fully tighten in the morning as this keeps you from squeezing out the sealant and allows it to bond to all surfaces before being compressed. I worked in a garage as a kid for a short time and this was the bosses method to avoid comebacks for leaks.


Also does not hurt to check machined surfaces for flatness with a quick swipe of a sharp file.