A portable piping system is only as reliable as each connection in the line. When your pipe or hose fittings have worn-down, damaged, or improperly maintained seals, it can lead to leaks, lost pressure, costly downtime, and even the risk of injury on the jobsite.

O-rings—or in the case of flange fittings, rubber gaskets—help create the leak-proof seal that keeps your connections secure. Taking care of these seals is an important part of every portable piping setup.

Here are three important things you should know about keeping your O-rings and rubber gaskets in tip-top shape:

1. Only Use Compatible Genuine Bauer O-Rings

If you’re using True Genuine Bauer fittings, you need Genuine Bauer O-rings. Watch out for knock-offs on the market, which are becoming more and more common.

How do you know if it’s an authentic Bauer O-ring or a knock-off? Look for “BAUER HK” stamped on the inside of the O-ring like the examples below.

At Wolf Creek, we carry a large inventory of True Genuine Bauer O-rings ranging in size from 2 to 8 inches.

Our True Genuine Bauer-branded sealing rings are made from SBR (styrene-butadiene) and are acceptable for most applications involving water, sewage, particles, and vegetable-based oils. They are capable of handling temperatures ranging from -22 to 203 degrees Fahrenheit. We also carry non-Bauer O-rings for A-type and B-type fittings in 10-inch and 12-inch sizes.

For customers in the fracking and oil refinery industries, we also carry Genuine Bauer oil sealing rings made from NBR (Nitrile-butadiene). These oil O-rings can handle temperatures ranging from -31 to 257 degrees.

Remember: A-type and B-type O-rings are not interchangeable. Always choose the correct O-ring for your fitting type, size, and application.

2. Lubricate O-Rings Before Each Use


Proper lubrication can extend the life of an O-ring, especially during temperature fluctuations. Taking the time to lubricate O-rings will make setting up and tearing down fittings faster and easier, and it also helps prevent finger injuries.

How do you lubricate O-rings? Simply apply a protective layer of Oatey Pipe Lubricant or Dawn dish detergent and water directly to the O-ring during setup.

Pro tip: Check out our Warhammer Multi-Closing Tool. This multipurpose closing tool makes assembly and disassembly safer and easier, and it works with both A-type and B-type fittings.

Note: Red rubber gaskets for flange fittings are designed to create a secure seal without lubrication. For the best performance, keep rubber gaskets dry and free of debris in storage.

3. Replace O-Rings and Gaskets After Each Use

With extended use, O-rings and gaskets can dry out, crack, or lose their shape. This damage compromises the seal and increases the risk of leaks. That’s why we recommend replacing your O-rings and gaskets after every application rather than waiting for visible damage or a connection failure.

Always having extra O-rings and gaskets on hand will make it easier for your crew to build replacement into their normal setup routine.

Stock Up on Seals Before Your Next Project

Overlooking O-rings and gasket replacement can lead to poor performance, leaks, and unnecessary delays. Avoid the last-minute scramble by stocking up on these items before your next portable piping project.

Need Genuine Bauer O-rings? What about red rubber gaskets for flange fittings, or the must-have Warhammer Multiclosing Tool? We’ve got you covered!

Contact Wolf Creek Portable Piping to add these essential support items to your next order. We always have plenty of O-rings and gaskets in stock and ready to ship across North America.