Restore Your Kitchen Faucet with This Simple Washer Replacement Guide
Is your kitchen faucet leaking or dripping water even when turned off? Those annoying leaks are often caused by a worn out rubber washer inside the faucet mechanism. Replacing the washer is an easy do-it-yourself home repair that can stop faucet leaks fast with just a few basic tools and new washer.
With these simple steps, you can restore your kitchen faucet to leak-free operation in less than an hour.
Signs Your Kitchen Faucet Needs a New Washer
A worn out washer leads to some clear signs that your faucet needs repair. Here are the main symptoms to look for:
Dripping or Leaking Water
The most obvious indicator is water dripping from the faucet spout when the handle is turned off. This constant drip-drip-drip happens because the washer no longer creates a watertight seal inside the faucet.
You may only see a few drops at first, but the leak will get worse over time without a washer replacement. The drip remains even when the handle is completely shut off.
Loose Handle
As the rubber washer wears out, it allows the faucet handle to wiggle or move up and down when turned on and off. A loose faucet handle is very common with a bad washer.
You may also find the handle is harder to turn and doesn't operate smoothly. Together, these symptoms point to the need for a new washer.
Inability to Control Water Temperature
Faulty washers also cause the hot and cold water to improperly mix. You'll notice the faucet water temperature is unpredictable no matter how you adjust the handle.
One moment the water is too hot, the next too cold. This frustrating symptom arises as the worn out washer allows water to leak out.
Types of Kitchen Faucet Mechanisms
Before replacing a faucet washer, it helps to understand the different types of kitchen faucet mechanisms. This allows you to identify which part needs repair.
Compression Faucets
The most common and basic type of kitchen faucet is a compression faucet. The defining feature is a rubber washer that seals the space around the stem when the handle is closed.
As the washer wears out, it no longer maintains a tight seal, allowing water to leak out. These faucets require periodic washer replacement.
Cartridge Faucets
Cartridge faucets don't use rubber washers. Instead, they rely on a cylindrical cartridge to control water flow and mixing.
If you have a cartridge faucet, leaks indicate damaged seals inside the cartridge, not the washers. Cartridges must be repaired or replaced as a unit.
Ball and Disc Faucets
Ball and disc faucets operate with a single control lever and use a rotating ball or disc valve to direct water flow. Neither design uses washers, so leaks require repairing or replacing the ball or disc.
Identifying Your Faucet Type
Check for identifying marks near the base of the spout to determine if you have a compression, cartridge, ball or disc faucet. This ensures you can complete the correct repair.
Now that you know what type of faucet and issue you're dealing with, let's move on to replacing the kitchen faucet washer.
Turn Off the Water Supply
Before taking any parts off your faucet, you need to shut off the water. Locating the shutoff valves and turning them to the closed position is step number one.
Locate the Shutoff Valves
The shutoff valves control water flow to the faucet and are found under the sink. There will be two valves, one for hot and one for cold.
Trace the supply lines up from the faucet base to locate the valves. They are often red and blue plastic knobs below the sink.
Close Both the Hot and Cold Valves
To completely stop water flow for your repair, turn both the hot and cold valves clockwise to the closed position. Give them an extra turn past hand tight.
The handles will run parallel to the valve body when fully closed. Make sure both valves are shut off.
Relieve the Water Pressure
After closing the shutoff valves, turn on the faucet momentarily. This depressurizes the lines and drains out residual water.
Once the flow stops, turn the faucet back off. Your pipes are now empty for a quick washer replacement.
Remove the Faucet Handle
With the water off, you can safely work on removing components. Start by taking off the faucet handle using the following steps:
Pry Off the Decorative Cap
Use a small flat screwdriver to gently pry up the plastic or metal cap that covers the handle screw.
Insert the screwdriver tip under the cap edge and twist to pop it off. Take care not to scratch the faucet finish.
Unscrew the Handle Screw
With the cap off, you'll see a screw in the center of the handle base. Unscrew it counterclockwise using a Phillips or flat screwdriver.
On some faucets, you may need an Allen wrench to remove the screw. Remove the screw and set it aside in a safe place.
Lift Off the Faucet Handle
The screw attaches the handle to the control stem. With the screw out, gently lift up on the handle to detach it from the faucet body.
Don't force the handle. Wiggle it loose if necessary. Place the detached handle aside until you're ready to reassemble the faucet.
Remove the Old Washer
Now that the faucet handle is off, you can access the damaged washer and remove it. Follow these simple steps:
Locate the Washer Inside the Stem Hole
Peer down into the hollow faucet body with a flashlight. The washer will be nested around the brass faucet stem.
You're looking for a small (usually black or red) rubber ring fitted inside the stem hole.
Use Needle-Nose Pliers to Remove It
Attach needle-nose pliers securely on the old washer. Turn counterclockwise to unscrew and pry it out of the stem hole.
Some twisting force is required to detach the washer. Pull it completely free of the faucet.
Clean the Stem Hole Area
Take a minute to wipe out any dirt, debris and mineral deposits around the stem hole before inserting the new washer.
Use a toothbrush or rag to scrub away any gunk for a smooth installation.
Install the New Faucet Washer
Installation of a new washer involves just a few steps to complete your kitchen faucet repair:
Choose the Right Size and Material
Bring your old washer along to find an exact replacement at the hardware store. Compare size, thickness and material.
Common kitchen faucet washer materials are rubber, neoprene and fiber. Purchase the same style as your original.
Press the New Washer into the Stem Hole
Drop your new washer into the open stem hole, following the contour of the brass faucet stem.
Use your fingers or pliers to press the washer snugly into place at the base of the hole. It must make a watertight seal.
Reverse Steps to Reassemble
Replace the handle, screw and cap by following the previous steps in reverse order to reassemble your faucet.
Tighten the handle screw fully before snapping the decorative cap back on. Make sure all parts are securely attached.
Turn the Water Back On
The final steps involve restoring water flow and testing your faucet repair:
Reopen Both Shutoff Valves
Turn on the hot and cold water shutoff valves counterclockwise to allow water into the faucet supply lines again.
Double check that both valves are fully open in the on position.
Check for Leaks
Turn your faucet handle on to a warm setting. Check under and around the spout for any drips or sign of leaks.
If a leak persists, you may need to tighten the handle screw or reposition the washer.
When no more water drips out, you can enjoy your fully functioning and drip-free kitchen faucet again. Just a simple washer replacement stopped the leak.
With the ability to complete basic washer repairs yourself, you can take care of your kitchen fixtures and plumbing needs without the hassle and cost of a plumber.