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I always smear a wee bit of silicone grease on the washer when I change them. It will help prevent it sticking in future. (Not forever obviously).
Reminds me I used to unscrew the works from brand new draincocks and carefully wrap the rubber washer in ptfe tape to prevent it sticking. Used to do that on oil boilers where the draincock was directly into the boiler. Maybe a bit mad.
It is the heat that damages the washer, so if a draincock is installed on a long dead leg, or on a pipe that is dropped down below the rest of system, then the washer seems to last.
If possible it is IMO best to have a screw-in draincock, into a female fitting, so you just need to undo the nut and swap entire lot.
Some 1/2" screw in draincocks came with a tapered edge suitable for using a nut and olive, which is very handy.
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