Easy How To Replace Washer In Kitchen Faucet

Can you replace a washer in a kitchen faucet yourself? Yes, absolutely! Most homeowners can easily handle faucet washer replacement with basic tools and a little patience. This guide will show you exactly how to fix a leaky kitchen faucet by changing the worn-out washer. If your sink is dripping, this simple dripping faucet repair is often the quickest fix.

Why Faucets Leak: Deciphering the Culprit

Kitchen faucets leak for a few main reasons. Water needs a tight seal to stop flowing when the handle is off. Over time, the parts that make this seal get old, hard, or cracked. This is where the washer comes in.

Cartridge vs Washer Faucet: Knowing Your Type

Before you start any kitchen faucet repair guide, you must know what kind of faucet you have. Not all faucets use washers. Knowing the difference helps you buy the right parts.

Faucet Type	Mechanism	Washer Use?	Common Issues
Compression Faucet	Uses two handles (hot/cold). Handles turn down to press a washer against a valve seat.	Yes, uses a rubber washer.	Leaks around the spout or handle base.
Cartridge Faucet	Uses one or two handles. Movement controls a plastic or metal cartridge.	Usually no, uses O-rings or a sealed cartridge.	Leaks often require replace faucet o-ring or replacing the whole cartridge.
Ball Faucet	Common in older single-handle sinks. Uses a rotating ball mechanism.	No, uses seals and springs.	Prone to leaks around the handle base.
Ceramic Disc Faucet	Modern, highly durable type. Uses two ceramic discs that slide against each other.	No, very few moving rubber parts.	Rarely leaks; usually due to cracks in the discs.

If you have an older, two-handle faucet, chances are good that you need to focus on faucet washer replacement. If you have a single-handle faucet, you might be dealing with a cartridge or O-rings instead.

Gathering Your Tools and Supplies

A successful repair needs the right gear. Having everything ready makes the job faster and less messy. This is the first step in our washer replacement steps sink process.

Essential Tools List

You will need these basic items:

Adjustable wrench or basin wrench (for tight nuts under the sink).
Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips).
Pliers (needle-nose pliers work well for small parts).
Utility knife or small pick (to remove old washers).
A small container or tray (to hold removed screws and parts).
Towel or rag (to clean up water and dry surfaces).
Plumber’s grease (silicone-based, safe for rubber parts).

Choosing the Right Replacement Parts

Finding the correct replacement is key. You cannot just use any washer. Using the wrong size will cause the leak to return quickly.

We recommend buying a best faucet washer kit. These kits contain various common sizes of rubber washers and O-rings. This way, you are prepared for slightly different sizes.

If you know the brand and model of your faucet, taking an old washer to the hardware store ensures a perfect match. Look for washers made of durable rubber or silicone.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change a Faucet Washer

Follow these steps carefully to complete the faucet washer replacement. Remember to work slowly and keep track of every small piece.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

This is the most crucial safety step. If you skip this, you will have a major spray when you open the faucet body.

Locate the Shut-Off Valves: Look under the sink. You should see two small valves attached to the water lines—one for hot and one for cold.
Turn Them Off: Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. Do not overtighten them.
Test the Faucet: Turn on the faucet handles (both hot and cold) above the sink. A small amount of residual water might drain out, but the flow should stop completely. If water still pours out, you must shut off the main water supply to your house and try again.

Step 2: Protect the Sink and Drain

You do not want tiny screws or washers falling down the drain!

Place a towel or stopper firmly in the sink drain.
Lay a soft cloth over the sink basin to protect the finish from dropped tools.

Step 3: Removing the Faucet Handle(s)

The handle must come off to reach the stem or cartridge inside.

Find the Cap or Screw Cover: Most handles have a decorative cap on top (often marked H or C). Gently pry this cap off using a small flathead screwdriver or a utility knife tip. Be very careful not to scratch the finish.
Remove the Handle Screw: Once the cap is off, you will see a mounting screw holding the handle in place. Use the correct screwdriver to remove this screw. Keep this screw safe!
Pull Off the Handle: Wiggle the handle gently while pulling up. If it is stuck due to mineral buildup, rocking it side to side often loosens it. Do not force it hard.

Step 4: Accessing the Stem and Washer

With the handle gone, you see the faucet stem assembly. This is what holds the washer.

Remove the Packing Nut (Bonnet Nut): There will be a large nut holding the stem into the faucet body. Use your adjustable wrench to grip this nut firmly. Turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it. This nut is often tight, so you may need firm pressure.
Remove the Stem: Once the packing nut is off, you can lift the entire stem assembly out of the faucet body. You might need to turn the stem slightly to help it slide out.

Step 5: Inspecting and Replacing the Washer

This is the heart of the faucet washer replacement.

Locate the Washer: Look at the bottom end of the stem you just removed. You will see a small rubber washer held in place by a brass screw. This is usually the culprit for leaks.
Remove the Old Washer: Use your screwdriver to remove the small brass screw holding the washer. Remove the old, hardened, or cracked washer.
Examine the Seat: Look down into the hole in the faucet body where the stem sat. This is called the valve seat. If the seat is rough or pitted, a new washer will not seal well. You may need a seat-dressing tool, or you might need professional help if the seat is severely damaged.
Install the New Washer: Place the new washer (from your best faucet washer kit) onto the stem. Reinsert the brass screw and tighten it gently. Do not overtighten, as this can warp the new washer.
Checking for O-Rings (If Applicable): While the stem is out, inspect any O-rings around the body of the stem. If these look worn, now is the time to replace faucet o-ring components as well. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease to the new O-rings before installing them.

Step 6: Reassembly

Reassembling the faucet requires putting the parts back in reverse order. Tighten fittings until snug, but avoid excessive force.

Insert the Stem: Gently place the stem back into the faucet body. Turn it so the screw hole lines up correctly.
Tighten the Packing Nut: Screw the packing nut back over the stem and tighten it with your wrench. It needs to be tight enough to keep the stem secure but loose enough that the handle can still turn smoothly.
Attach the Handle: Place the handle back onto the stem. Secure it with the handle screw. Replace the decorative cap.

Step 7: Testing Your Repair

Turn the water supply back on slowly.

Restore Water: Go back under the sink and turn the hot and cold shut-off valves counter-clockwise to the open position.
Check for Leaks: Turn the faucet handle on and off several times. Check for drips coming from the spout.
Check the Base: Look closely around the handle and base where you worked. If you see water leaking from there, the packing nut might be too loose, or you might need a new packing washer (a different washer located under the packing nut). Tighten the packing nut slightly more if necessary.

Addressing Common Kitchen Faucet Problems Beyond the Washer

While a bad washer often causes a drip from the spout, other issues lead to leaks elsewhere. Knowing these helps in effective dripping faucet repair.

Leaks Around the Handle Base

If water pools around the base of the handle when the water is on, you likely have an issue with the packing material or O-rings around the stem.

Compression Faucets: This usually means the packing nut needs tightening or the packing washer inside needs replacing.
Cartridge Faucets: If you have this type, the seal around the cartridge housing is failing, and you need to replace faucet o-ring seals or the entire cartridge unit.

Difficulty Turning Handles

If the handle feels stiff or hard to turn, it often relates to friction inside the assembly.

Lack of Lubrication: The threads on the stem or the packing material are dry. Solution: Disassemble and use plumber’s grease.
Over-Tightened Nut: The packing nut is too tight, squeezing the stem too much. Solution: Loosen the packing nut slightly.

Water Pressure Issues

If your faucet suddenly has low pressure after a repair, check these points:

Clogged Aerator: The aerator (the screen at the very tip of the spout) catches debris. Unscrew it and clean it out.
Debris in Lines: Sometimes, sediment breaks loose when you shut off the water. Check the aerator screen first.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Proper care helps prevent future leaks and saves you time on repairs. This section enhances your overall kitchen faucet repair guide.

Regular Cleaning Prevents Buildup

Mineral deposits (limescale) from hard water can roughen the metal surfaces where the washer sits. This ruins the seal quickly.

Wipe down faucets weekly with a soft cloth.
Periodically soak the aerator in white vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup.

Lubrication is Important

Use plumber’s grease on any moving rubber parts, like O-rings and the threads of the stem, every year or so. This keeps rubber supple and reduces wear. This is especially important if you frequently need to replace faucet o-ring parts.

Don’t Force It

When tightening screws or nuts during faucet washer replacement, remember that you are working with brass or softer metals. Over-tightening strips threads or crushes rubber parts instantly. Tighten until the component is snug, then stop.

Fathoming Faucet Stem Removal Nuances

Removing the stem is often the hardest part. Here are specific tips for tough removal jobs.

Handling Stubborn Handles

If the handle will not budge, try this gentle heat trick:

Wrap a rag around the handle base.
Apply gentle heat from a hairdryer for a minute or two. The slight expansion can break the seal caused by mineral deposits.
Try wiggling the handle off again.

Dealing with Worn Valve Seats

As mentioned in Step 5, if the valve seat is pitted, the new washer will fail fast.

Seat Grinding vs. Seat Replacement:

Seat Grinding: Some specialized plumbing kits include a tool to carefully grind the brass seat until it is smooth again. This requires precision.
Seat Replacement: If your faucet allows it, you can sometimes unscrew the old seat and screw in a new one. This is generally better than grinding if you are new to plumbing.

If you cannot easily access or repair the seat, the leak will likely continue, meaning you might need to consider upgrading your faucet entirely, moving past the cartridge vs washer faucet debate for now.

Summary of Washer Replacement Steps Sink Success

For quick reference, here is a condensed list of the essential washer replacement steps sink success:

Turn off water supply under the sink.
Drain residual water by turning on the faucet.
Plug the drain hole.
Remove the handle cap and screw to take off the handle.
Use a wrench to loosen and remove the packing nut.
Pull out the faucet stem.
Unscrew the small brass screw holding the old washer.
Replace the washer and grease the stem O-rings.
Reassemble everything carefully in reverse order.
Turn the water back on slowly and check for drips.

This entire process falls under the umbrella of basic common kitchen faucet problems and is highly manageable for DIYers looking to avoid a service call.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long should a faucet washer last?

A: A good quality rubber or silicone washer should last between 5 to 10 years under normal use. Factors like water hardness, water acidity, and how often the faucet is used will affect its lifespan.

Q: If I replace the washer, why is my faucet still dripping?

A: If the faucet still drips after a successful faucet washer replacement, the issue is likely the valve seat being damaged or pitted. The new washer cannot form a perfect seal against a rough surface. You need to clean, grind, or replace the valve seat. If it is a single-handle faucet, you might need to replace faucet o-ring seals or the entire cartridge assembly.

Q: Do all single-handle faucets use washers?

A: No. Most modern single-handle faucets use a cartridge or a ceramic disc mechanism instead of the traditional rubber washer found in compression faucets. If you have a single handle, search for guides on how to change a faucet washer related to cartridges, which usually involve replacing seals or the cartridge unit itself.

Q: What kind of grease should I use for faucet repairs?

A: You must use silicone-based plumber’s grease. This type of grease is safe for contact with drinking water and will not degrade rubber or plastic parts. Do not use petroleum jelly, as it can break down rubber washers and O-rings over time, leading to faster failure.

Q: Can I fix a leak without shutting off the water?

A: It is extremely risky. While you might be able to remove the handle without shutting off the main supply, as soon as you loosen the packing nut, water under pressure will spray out. Always shut off the supply valves under the sink first for a safe dripping faucet repair.