If your kitchen faucet is dripping or leaking, you might need to change a washer. Yes, changing a washer is a common fix for a dripping kitchen faucet, often resolving the issue without needing a whole new fixture. This guide will show you how to do this simple kitchen faucet repair yourself. We will cover everything from shutting off the water to putting the new part in place. Fixing a leaky tap saves water and money.
Preparing for Faucet Washer Replacement
Before you start replacing faucet washer, you must gather the right things. Good preparation makes the job fast and easy. Think of this as setting up your simple repair station.
Tools Needed for Faucet Washer Replacement
You need a few basic tools for this job. Most people have these items already. If not, they are easy to find at any hardware store.
- Screwdrivers: You will likely need both a flathead and a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Adjustable Wrench or Basin Wrench: This helps loosen packing nuts or retaining nuts.
- Pliers: Needle-nose pliers can be helpful for pulling out small parts.
- Utility Knife or Small Pick: Good for scraping off old sealant or prying off caps.
- New Washers: Make sure you have the correct size.
- Penetrating Oil (Optional): Use this if parts are stuck from rust.
- Cloth or Old Towels: To catch water drips and protect the sink surface.
- White Vinegar: Useful for cleaning mineral deposits.
How to Turn Off Water to Kitchen Faucet
This step is vital. You must stop the water flow before taking anything apart. If you skip this, you will have a flood!
Locating the Shut-Off Valves
Look under your kitchen sink. You should see two small valves coming out of the wall or floor. One controls the hot water, and the other controls the cold water.
- Identify the Valves: Look for handles or knobs connected to the pipes leading up to the faucet.
- Turn Them Off: Turn both valves clockwise until they stop turning. You are tightening them, which shuts the water off.
- Test the Faucet: Turn the faucet handles on fully. A small amount of water might drain out, but after that, it should stop completely. If water keeps flowing freely, the valves are not fully closed.
What If There Are No Local Shut-Off Valves?
Sometimes, older homes lack valves right under the sink. If this is the case, you must turn off the main water supply to your entire house.
- Locate your main water shut-off valve. This is often in the basement, garage, or near the water meter outside.
- Turn this main valve off clockwise.
- Open the sink faucet again to drain any remaining water pressure in the lines.
Identifying Your Faucet Type
Replacing O-rings in kitchen faucet parts or replacing a washer depends on what kind of faucet you have. Kitchen faucets usually come in two main styles: compression and cartridge. Washers are most common in older compression faucets.
Compression Faucets (Washer Faucets)
These are the older style. They have separate hot and cold handles that you must turn down until they stop to shut off the water. These use a rubber washer pressed against a valve seat to stop the flow. If you have a drip, it is usually a worn-out washer.
Cartridge Faucets
These are more modern. They often use a single handle or two handles that turn only a quarter or half turn. Inside, they have a cartridge—a self-contained unit. Cartridge vs washer replacement in kitchen faucet is a key difference. If you have a cartridge faucet, you are usually replacing the whole cartridge, not just a small washer, although small O-rings are still present.
Ball and Disc Faucets
These are also common in modern kitchens. They use moving balls or ceramic discs to control flow. While they don’t use traditional washers in the same way, they do have seals and O-rings that wear out.
For this guide, we focus on the common washer found in compression faucets, which is the most frequent cause of simple dripping.
Step-by-Step: Fixing Dripping Kitchen Faucet (Compression Style)
Now we tackle the heart of fixing dripping kitchen faucet—the replacement itself.
Step 1: Removing the Faucet Handle
The handle covers the internal parts. You need to take it off first.
- Find the Screw: Look for a decorative cap on top of the handle. Pop this cap off gently using a small flathead screwdriver or a utility knife. This cap often hides the handle screw.
- Unscrew: Use the correct screwdriver to remove the handle screw. Keep this screw safe!
- Remove the Handle: Pull the handle straight up. If it is stuck, wiggle it gently. Do not force it too hard, as you might break the stem underneath.
Step 2: Accessing the Stem and Packing Nut
Once the handle is off, you see the faucet stem (or spindle). This screws down into the faucet body.
- Locate the Packing Nut: Look for a large nut circling the base of the stem. This is the packing nut. It holds the stem assembly tightly in the faucet body.
- Loosen the Nut: Use your adjustable wrench to turn the packing nut counter-clockwise. It might be tight. If it won’t budge, a little penetrating oil can help loosen it up. Wipe away any grime.
- Remove the Stem Assembly: Once the packing nut is loose, you can unscrew the entire stem assembly from the faucet body by turning it counter-clockwise, just like turning the water on and off, but keep turning until it comes out.
Step 3: Locating and Removing the Old Washer
The washer is at the very bottom tip of the stem assembly.
- Examine the Stem Tip: At the bottom of the stem, you will see a small brass screw holding a rubber washer in place.
- Remove the Screw: Use your screwdriver to remove this small screw. Be careful not to strip the head.
- Take Out the Washer: The old washer will likely be hard, flattened, or cracked. Pry it off the screw or stem tip. Note its exact shape and thickness.
Step 4: Selecting the Correct Replacement Washer
Getting the right fit is crucial for stopping leaks. This is where your faucet washer size guide knowledge helps.
Faucet Washer Size Guide
Washers are not one-size-fits-all. They come in different diameters and thicknesses.
- Match the Old Part: The best way is to take the old washer with you to the hardware store. Match the diameter and thickness exactly.
- Material Matters: Washers are usually made of rubber, neoprene, or fiber. Rubber is common, but neoprene resists heat and wear better.
Table 1: Common Faucet Washer Dimensions (Illustrative)
| Washer Type | Inner Diameter (Inches) | Outer Diameter (Inches) | Thickness (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Kitchen | 1/4 | 1/2 | 1/8 |
| Medium Kitchen | 3/8 | 5/8 | 3/32 |
| Large Kitchen | 1/2 | 3/4 | 1/8 |
If you are unsure, sometimes you need to buy a small assortment pack until you find the perfect fit.
Step 5: Installing the New Washer
- Place the New Washer: Slide the new rubber washer onto the bottom of the stem.
- Secure It: Reinsert the small brass screw that holds the washer in place. Tighten it just enough to hold the washer firmly. Do not overtighten, or you might damage the new washer instantly.
Step 6: Checking and Replacing O-Rings (If Applicable)
While you have the stem out, inspect the stem for any O-rings. Replacing O-rings in kitchen faucet mechanisms prevents leaks from around the handle area (where the stem enters the faucet body), not just the spout drip.
- Locate O-rings: These are small rubber rings located on the body of the stem, usually near the threads or under the packing nut.
- Remove Old Rings: Cut the old O-rings off carefully with a pick or utility knife.
- Install New Rings: Roll the new O-rings onto the stem. A tiny bit of plumber’s grease on the new O-rings helps them slide on easily and keeps them supple for a better seal.
Step 7: Reassembling the Faucet
Now, put everything back together in reverse order.
- Insert the Stem: Carefully place the entire stem assembly back into the faucet body. Screw it in clockwise until it seats firmly.
- Tighten the Packing Nut: Hand-tighten the packing nut first. Then, use your wrench to give it a slight snug turn. It needs to be tight enough to stop leaks around the stem but loose enough so the handle can turn smoothly.
- Replace the Handle: Put the handle back on the stem. Secure it with the handle screw. Snap the decorative cap back into place.
Special Considerations for Different Faucet Styles
While the washer replacement focuses on older compression taps, modern faucets need slightly different approaches when kitchen faucet repair is necessary.
Dealing with a Single Handle Faucet Washer Replacement
If you have a single-handle faucet, you are most likely dealing with a cartridge or ball valve system, not a traditional washer.
- Cartridge Faucets: To fix a drip, you usually remove the handle, remove the retaining clip or cap holding the cartridge, and pull the old cartridge straight up. You then insert a new, matching cartridge. These often come with new O-rings included.
- Ball Valves: These require removing a cap, cam assembly, and ball. You replace the small inlet seals and springs located beneath the ball.
Two Handle Kitchen Faucet Washer Change (For Non-Compression Types)
If your two-handle faucet is modern (not compression), the process is similar to the single-handle type: remove the handle, remove the retaining nut, and pull out the internal mechanism (cartridge or stem unit) for replacement.
Final Checks and Testing
You have finished the physical work. Now, test your repair carefully.
Step 1: Turning the Water Back On
This must be done slowly to avoid a pressure surge.
- Go back under the sink (or to the main shut-off).
- Slowly turn the hot and cold shut-off valves counter-clockwise.
- As you turn them on, listen for any loud hissing or rushing sounds indicating a major leak.
Step 2: Testing for Drips and Leaks
- Turn the faucet handle(s) on fully, both hot and cold, to flush out any debris in the lines. Let the water run for a minute.
- Turn the faucet completely off.
- Watch the spout. Does it still drip? If yes, the new washer may be the wrong size, or the valve seat might be damaged.
- Check around the base of the handles. Are there any small leaks where the stem enters the faucet body? If so, tighten the packing nut slightly more, or replace the O-rings.
Deciphering Valve Seat Issues
If changing the washer doesn’t stop the drip, the problem might not be the washer itself but the valve seat. The valve seat is the metal part inside the faucet body that the washer presses against.
Over time, mineral deposits or corrosion can create pits or rough spots on the valve seat. Even a brand new washer cannot seal against a damaged surface.
Cleaning or Resurfacing the Valve Seat
If the seat looks rough, you have two options:
- Cleaning: Sometimes, just wiping the seat clean with a soft cloth soaked in white vinegar can remove minor deposits.
- Resurfacing: Specialized tools called valve seat dressers or grinders can smooth the metal surface. This is slightly more advanced kitchen faucet repair. If you are not comfortable using this tool, it might be time to call a professional plumber or consider replacing the entire faucet if it is very old.
Maintaining Your Repaired Faucet
To keep your faucet running smoothly and avoid future drips:
- Don’t Overtighten: Always remember that rubber washers wear out faster if you wrench the handle down too hard every time you use it.
- Periodic Checks: Every year or so, check under the sink to ensure the shut-off valves turn easily.
- Water Quality: Hard water causes mineral buildup (scale). Using a water softener can extend the life of your faucet components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my single-handle kitchen faucet dripping from the base instead of the spout?
If water pools around the handle base of a single-handle faucet, this almost always means the O-rings or seals located inside the cartridge assembly are worn out. You need to replace the entire cartridge unit or the specific O-rings associated with that model.
Can I use silicone grease instead of plumber’s grease when replacing O-rings?
Yes, silicone grease is generally preferred for plumbing applications because it is water-resistant and will not degrade rubber components like some petroleum-based lubricants might. Plumber’s grease is usually silicone-based anyway.
How often should I expect to change a faucet washer?
In homes with hard water or very high water pressure, a rubber washer might only last 2 to 5 years. In homes with soft water, it could last 10 years or more.
What is the difference between replacing a washer and replacing a cartridge?
A washer is a small, simple rubber disc used in older compression faucets. A cartridge is a complete, sealed internal unit used in modern faucets (single or double handle) that controls water mixing and flow. Replacing a washer is usually easier and cheaper than replacing a cartridge.
My faucet stem is stuck. What should I do?
If you struggle with tools needed for faucet washer replacement and the stem won’t turn, apply penetrating oil around the packing nut and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Tap the handle lightly with the wooden end of a tool to try and break the corrosion seal before trying to unscrew it again.