Rubber Gasket Guide: Tap Washers, Flat Gaskets, O-Rings and Flange Seals in Rubber, EPDM, Nitrile and Silicone, Sizes, Hot Water and Gas Suitability, Replacement, Leaks and Indicative Rates in Pakistan
A rubber gasket is a flat or ring-shaped seal that stops leaks at pipe joints, taps, flanges and fittings, and many household drips are fixed by simply changing a worn one. Prices run from about PKR 5 for a small washer to PKR 400 for a large flange gasket. This page covers tap washers, flat gaskets, O-rings and flange seals in rubber, EPDM, nitrile and silicone, sizes, hot water and gas suitability, replacement, leaks and indicative rates in Pakistan. For related pages see bib cocks, flexible pipes and ball valves.
Types of gasket
- Tap washer. A small flat disc that seals the tap seat.
- Flat gasket. A ring for hoses, unions and flanges.
- O-ring. A round ring in a groove, for valves and cartridges.
- Flange seal. A large ring between pipe flanges.
Indicative rates
These ranges show common retail figures.
| Gasket | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Tap washer, each | PKR 5 - 30 |
| Hose or union gasket, each | PKR 5 - 40 |
| O-ring, each | PKR 5 - 80 |
| Flange gasket, 2 to 4 inch | PKR 60 - 400 |
| Assorted washer and O-ring kit | PKR 150 - 800 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Rubber materials
Natural rubber suits cold water, EPDM resists heat and water well and suits hot water up to 100 degrees, nitrile suits oils and gas and silicone suits high heat and drinking water. Use the material that matches the fluid and temperature.
Hot water and gas
Use EPDM or hot-water-rated gaskets on geyser and hot lines, since ordinary rubber hardens. For gas use only gas-rated nitrile gaskets. Never use water gaskets on gas joints.
Sizes and fit
A gasket must match the fitting size, such as half-inch hose or two-inch flange, and be soft enough to seal. A hard or flattened gasket will leak. Take the old gasket to the shop to match the size.
Replacement and leaks
Turn off the water, undo the fitting, clean the faces, fit the new gasket flat in its seat and tighten evenly, not too hard. A drip from a tap usually means a worn washer, and a leak at a union means a flattened gasket. Replace gaskets whenever a joint is opened. Plumbing and gas work should be done by licensed tradespeople and pressure tested before it is covered.
What to check before buying
- Material. EPDM for hot, nitrile for gas
- Size. Matches the fitting
- Condition. Soft and flat
- Seat. Clean faces
Before you decide
Match material and size, replace gaskets whenever a joint is opened and tighten evenly. A rubber gasket costs almost nothing and prevents leaks that waste water and damage walls. Keep an assorted kit of washers and O-rings in the toolbox so a dripping tap is a five-minute job, and discard old gaskets rather than reusing them. Keep a few spare clips of each size for later repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A flat or ring-shaped seal that stops leaks at pipe joints and fittings. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
As indicative ranges, a tap washer is about PKR 5 to 30 and a flange gasket about PKR 60 to 400. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
EPDM or hot-water-rated rubber. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Usually a worn washer. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
It is better to fit a new one whenever a joint is opened. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Message us on WhatsApp with what you need and where it will be used. We check what we can supply and send a written rate showing the model, quantity, warranty and delivery, so you can judge it against other offers. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Fixing a leaking joint?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.