Character of contract pressure distribution between the outside surface of the sealing material and rigid cylinder wall depending on geometrical sizes and mechanical properties of a sealer under its unilateral compression, is defined. The magnitude of the axial load for achieving tightness is determined. The dependence between the magnitude of the axial load necessary for achieving tightness and geometrical sizes is determined. It is shown that with a decrease in the height of the sealing element, the axial load necessary for achieving tightness greatly increases. Threshold height of the sealer, above which contact pressure depends little on the magnitude of the axial load, is defined. The stress-strain state of the sealing element is defined with regard to viscous-elastic properties of its material. It is shown that this greatly influences its sealing ability.