How to Replace a Washer Faucet

Repair the Washer in a Faucet Easily

A leaky faucet can occur for many reasons, the most common being that the washer inside the faucet has worn down and needs to be replaced. You do not need to call a plumber to replace a washer in a faucet, since you can do the job yourself in about 10 minutes with a few simple tools. Before you begin, make sure you have purchased a replacement washer that is designed for your model faucet, or have a selection of washers on hand to choose from.

Things You'll Need

• Crescent Wrench
• Flat Head Screwdriver
• Replacement Washer
• Plumber's Putty (If Desired)

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. The water supply control knob will be located on the hose or pipe feeding into the faucet, usually under the actual sink. Turn the faucet on and then turn the knob until the water supply is cut off.

2. Place your crescent wrench on the bottom lock nut at the base of the faucet. Tighten the crescent wrench until it is snug and then turn the nut counter-clockwise to loosen it. Some water may leak out when you do this but it will only be a small amount.

3. 

   Lift the faucet up and away from the sink and turn it over so you are looking up inside the faucet itself. You will see the washer for the faucet in its base. Using a flat head screwdriver, pry up gently in the middle of the washer to remove it.

4. Replace the washer in the faucet with your replacement part, or match the size of the old washer to a new one and install it in the same position as the old.

5. Turn the faucet back over and quickly replace it in the sink. Retighten the lock nut by turning it clockwise. Turn your water supply on and test the faucet.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a small amount of plumber's putty on the base of the faucet before you place it back in the sink and tighten the lock nut. This will help provide an extra layer of leak protection.

• Never attempt to replace a faucet on a washer without turning off the water supply first. The force of the water can shoot the faucet into the air once the lock nut is loosened, causing injury.

References

• The water supply control knob will be located on the hose or pipe feeding into the faucet

Resources

• Common Plumbing Problems