Premature seal degradation is often caused by excessive system temperatures, over-tightening during installation, or a build-up of aggressive limescale in hard water areas. If a gasket is pinched or crushed because the installer applied too much torque, the rubber material loses its elasticity and eventually splits. To maximise the lifespan of replacement seals, ensure the mating metal surfaces are completely clean of debris before installation and tighten the component strictly to the manufacturer recommended torque settings.