Sometimes when I change the filter in my system I later have trouble with leaks. The strange thing is that the leaking often does not develop for days, or even sometimes weeks. (It seems to wait until I've stopped checking.) Problems especially develop after the water supply for the house has been shut off for a while then turned back on (i.e, pressure released, then reapplied). Recent examples include the installation of a new water heater; or post vacation.

When this leak happens I open up the housing and often (but not always) find that the o-ring has been pulled up into the threads at one side. I always hand tighten the housing and have tried using olive oil to lubricate the o-ring. Now I'm planning on trying food safe silicone grease. Anyone have any experience with this and have any words of advice? Thanks in advance and I apologize if I'm slow to reply to your response.


System details: The system is a generic 10", granular activated coconut carbon, undercounter filter plumbed to a spigot next to the sink. It's been in operation for about 4 years. I use this water in my machine's pourover tank which has a cat-ion softener.

I would replace the O-ring... and put a drip pan under the filters, just in case. Examine the seating surfaces for stray dirt, carbon bits, cuts, scratches, and cracks.

Randy, I'll definitely change the O-ring. (It will be its third.) Good idea on taking a closer look at the seating surfaces. I'm also thinking about putting in the drip pan at an angle towards the front of the cabinet so that if a leak does develop it will flow out of the cabinet and onto the floor where it will be noticed.