Fix Dripping: How To Change Washers In A Kitchen Faucet Guide

If your kitchen faucet is dripping constantly, it usually means you need to change the washers inside. This guide will show you exactly how to do that. Dealing with a fixing leaky kitchen faucet issue is often simpler than you think, and a DIY faucet washer replacement can save you money.

Why Faucets Drip

Faucets drip for a few main reasons. The most common cause is worn-out washers or seals. These small rubber parts keep water from flowing when the handle is turned off. Over time, they get hard, cracked, or simply wear down from constant use. When this happens, water sneaks past them, causing that annoying drip. Knowing this helps with kitchen tap washer repair.

Another part that can fail is the O-ring. Changing faucet O-rings is a common part of faucet maintenance. These rings seal the base of the spout or stem. If they fail, water might leak around the base instead of just dripping from the spout.

Common Faucet Types and Their Parts

Not all faucets are built the same way. The parts you replace depend on the type of faucet you have. This knowledge is key for successful kitchen faucet washer replacement.

Faucet Type	Main Sealing Component	Action Needed for Drip Fix
Compression Faucet	Rubber Washer	Replace the washer under the stem.
Ball Faucet	Rubber Seats and Springs	Replace the small seats and springs.
Cartridge Faucet	Cartridge Unit (contains seals)	Replace the whole cartridge or internal seals.
Ceramic Disc Faucet	Ceramic Discs	Rarely fail, but may need seal replacement if they do.

For older styles, you will definitely be dealing with washers. For newer models, you might be doing a cartridge faucet washer replacement.

Preparing for Faucet Repair

Before you start any replacing faucet seals job, good preparation is vital. Rushing leads to lost screws and bigger messes.

Tools You Will Need

Gather these items first. Having everything ready makes the job much smoother.

Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Pliers (needle-nose are helpful)
Replacement washers, O-rings, or a new cartridge kit (Get the right parts beforehand!)
White vinegar or scale remover
Old rag or towel
Penetrating oil (if parts are stuck)

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

This is the most important safety step. How to stop kitchen faucet drip starts here.

Look under the sink. You should see two shut-off valves. One is for hot water, and one is for cold water.
Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. This shuts off the water flow to the faucet.
Test the faucet. Turn the handles on full blast. If water still flows out, you need to find the main water shut-off for your house and turn that off instead.
Once water stops flowing completely, drain any remaining water from the lines by turning the handles on again briefly.

Step 2: Protect Your Sink

Lay a towel or rag inside the sink basin. This stops small screws or parts from falling down the drain. It also protects the sink finish from scratches from your tools.

Taking Apart a Compression Faucet (Washer Style)

Compression faucets are the oldest type. They use separate hot and cold handles that you must tighten down to stop the water flow. This is where you most often do a true kitchen faucet washer replacement.

Step 3: Remove the Handle

Look for a decorative cap on top of the handle. Pry this cap off gently using a thin flathead screwdriver or a utility knife.
Beneath the cap, you will see a screw. Unscrew this screw and set it aside safely.
Lift the handle straight up and off the faucet stem. If it is stuck, wiggle it gently. Do not force it too hard.

Step 4: Access the Stem (Valve Body)

The handle was attached to the faucet stem. This stem screws into the main faucet body.

You will see a packing nut surrounding the stem base where it enters the faucet body. This nut holds the stem assembly tight.
Use your adjustable wrench to loosen this packing nut by turning it counter-clockwise. It might be tight, so firm pressure is needed.
Once the nut is loose, unscrew the entire stem assembly. Turn it counter-clockwise until it comes free from the faucet body.

Step 5: Replacing the Washer

Now you can see the old washer that causes the drip. This is the core of fixing dripping kitchen tap problems in these models.

Look at the bottom tip of the stem you just removed. You will see a screw holding the washer in place.
Use your screwdriver to remove this small screw.
Take off the old, flat, or cracked washer.
Match the old washer to a new one from your replacement kit. Make sure the size and shape are identical.
Place the new rubber washer onto the stem. Secure it firmly with the small screw. Do not overtighten this screw, or you might damage the new washer.

Step 6: Inspecting and Replacing O-Rings

While you have the stem out, check the O-rings. These rubber rings sit around the main body of the stem. They prevent water from leaking out around the handle base.

If the old O-rings look cracked or flattened, slide them off.
Lubricate the new O-rings with plumber’s grease before sliding them onto the stem in the exact same spot as the old ones. This helps seal them well and makes reassembly easier. This is part of thorough replacing faucet seals.

Step 7: Reassembly

Now, you put everything back in reverse order.

Screw the stem assembly back into the faucet body. Hand-tighten first, then use the wrench to secure the packing nut snugly.
Place the handle back onto the stem.
Reinsert the handle screw and press the decorative cap back into place.

Working with Cartridge Faucets

Many modern faucets, especially single-handle types, use a cartridge instead of traditional washers. Cartridge faucet washer replacement often means replacing the entire unit, though sometimes only internal seals need attention.

Step 3 (Cartridge): Accessing the Cartridge

Remove the handle. This usually involves unscrewing a small set screw located on the side or back of the handle base. You might need an Allen wrench (hex key) for this.
Once the handle is off, you might see a dome-shaped cap or retainer clip holding the cartridge in place.
If it’s a cap, unscrew it. If it’s a clip (often brass or plastic), use needle-nose pliers to gently pull it straight up and out. Keep this clip safe; it locks the cartridge.

Step 4 (Cartridge): Removing and Inspecting the Cartridge

The cartridge itself will have tabs or notches that align it with the faucet body.
Grip the top of the cartridge with pliers and pull it straight up. It might require a good, steady pull. Be careful not to scratch the inside of the faucet body.
Inspect the old cartridge. If the dripping was severe, the internal seals are likely bad, meaning you need a new cartridge.

Step 5 (Cartridge): Replacing Seals or the Cartridge

If replacing seals: If your cartridge housing has accessible rubber seals (sometimes visible when the cartridge is removed), you can try replacing faucet seals individually. Remove the old seals and springs, clean the housing, and insert the new ones. Always lubricate new seals.
If replacing the whole cartridge: Take the old cartridge to the hardware store to ensure you buy an exact match. Insert the new cartridge, making sure the alignment tabs fit perfectly into the slots in the faucet body.

Step 6 (Cartridge): Reassembly

Insert the retaining clip or tighten the retainer cap back over the cartridge. This holds it securely so it cannot move when you turn the water on.
Reattach the handle.
Secure the set screw.

Maintenance for Ball Faucets

Ball faucets use a rotating metal or plastic ball to control water flow. They rely on small rubber seats and springs to seal against the ball. This is a specific type of kitchen faucet repair guide work.

Step 3 (Ball): Disassembly

Remove the handle screw and lift off the handle.
Unscrew the cap or collar that covers the ball mechanism.
Carefully lift out the cam, packing, and the rotating ball itself. Keep track of their orientation.

Step 4 (Ball): Replacing Seats and Springs

Look down into the faucet body housing where the ball sat. You will see two small openings.
Use needle-nose pliers or a small screwdriver to carefully pry out the old rubber seats and the small springs underneath them. Discard them.
Insert the new springs first, pointy end down, into the openings.
Place the new rubber seats directly on top of the springs.

Step 5 (Ball): Final Checks and Reassembly

Check the small O-rings around the base of the spout if the leak seems to be coming from the base. This covers changing faucet O-rings for this type.
Reinsert the ball, making sure its groove lines up with the pin inside the faucet body.
Place the cam and packing back on top. Tighten the collar or cap until it is snug.
Reattach the handle.

Final Steps: Testing Your Repair

Once everything is back together, it is time to test your work. This confirms you have successfully managed the DIY faucet washer replacement.

Slowly turn the hot and cold water shut-off valves back on underneath the sink. Turn them slowly to avoid a sudden surge of pressure.
Check under the sink for any immediate leaks around the supply lines.
Turn the faucet handle(s) on and off several times. Move the handle through its full range of motion.
Observe the spout tip. Is the drip gone? If you did a good job with kitchen tap washer repair, the dripping should stop immediately.
If you still see a small leak around the handle base, you may need to slightly tighten the packing nut (for compression faucets) or ensure the retaining clip/cap is secure (for cartridge faucets).

Tips for Success and Common Hurdles

Even with the right steps, issues can arise. Here are solutions for common problems encountered when how to stop kitchen faucet drip.

Dealing with Stubborn Screws

Sometimes, mineral buildup cements screws or nuts in place.

Penetrating Oil: Apply a small amount of penetrating oil around the joint and let it sit for 15 minutes. This can loosen rust or corrosion.
Heat (Use Caution): Briefly applying heat from a hairdryer (not a torch!) to a metal nut can cause it to expand slightly, helping it loosen. Use heat sparingly, especially near plastic parts.

Ensuring Proper Seating

If you replace washers or seals but the faucet still leaks, the part might not be sitting flat.

Take the stem or cartridge out again.
Look inside the faucet body housing. Is there grit, rust, or old rubber stuck in the seat area? Use a small cloth wrapped around a pencil to carefully clean out the entire cavity. Any debris will prevent a good seal.

Identifying Part Numbers

The biggest hurdle in kitchen faucet washer replacement is finding the correct size parts.

Always take the old, worn-out washer, O-ring, or the entire cartridge to the store with you. Most hardware stores have comparison kits or staff who can help match the components.
If you know the brand and model of your faucet, searching online for a specific repair kit for that model is the fastest way to get the right items.

Long-Term Faucet Health

To keep your faucet drip-free longer, simple maintenance helps.

Water Quality: Hard water deposits (limescale) wear down rubber parts faster. If you have very hard water, consider a water softener.
Gentle Operation: Teach everyone in the house not to crank the handles too hard. Over-tightening wears out washers quickly.
Annual Check-up: Once a year, consider turning off the water and quickly checking the O-rings and seals, especially if you notice any stiffness in the handles. This proactive approach minimizes the chance of major drips later.

By following these steps for fixing dripping kitchen tap, you can effectively manage most common faucet leaks yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long should new faucet washers last?

A: New, good-quality rubber washers and O-rings typically last between 5 to 10 years under normal use. If you have very hard water or use the faucet heavily (like in a busy household), they might need replacement sooner, perhaps every 3 to 5 years.

Q: Can I just tighten the faucet handle to stop the drip?

A: In compression faucets, tightening the packing nut might stop a very minor leak around the handle base. However, if the drip is coming straight out of the spout, tightening the handle will not fix the worn-out washer inside. You must replace the damaged part for a permanent fix.

Q: Do I need plumber’s grease when replacing faucet seals?

A: Yes, absolutely. Plumber’s grease (a silicone-based lubricant) is essential when replacing faucet seals and O-rings. It protects the rubber from drying out, helps the parts slide into place without tearing, and ensures a watertight seal when the faucet is assembled.

Q: What if my faucet is a mixer tap (one handle controls both hot and cold)?

A: Mixer taps usually use cartridges or ceramic discs, not traditional washers. The repair involves cartridge faucet washer replacement or replacing the entire cartridge unit. The process outlined in the “Working with Cartridge Faucets” section applies here.

Q: My faucet is leaking from the base after I changed the washer. What now?

A: A leak at the base usually means the O-rings on the stem or spout are worn out. This means you need to focus on changing faucet O-rings or the seals located where the spout swivels or where the stem enters the main faucet body. Make sure to apply plumber’s grease to the new rings.