How to Change Washers in the Kitchen Faucet

Continual drips coming from your kitchen faucet are caused by worn out washers. These drips are not only annoying, but they also run up your water bill. You can stop the drip once you know how to change washers in the kitchen faucet. When replacing washers you want to be sure to use washer that are the same size and shape as the old ones. For this reason it is a good idea to remove the washers and take them with you when purchasing replacements. These instructions are applicable for a two-handled kitchen faucet.

Things You'll Need

• Small flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Open-end wrench set

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the kitchen faucet. There are two water shut-off valves underneath the kitchen sink: one for the cold water supply and one for the hot water supply.

2. Insert a small flat-head screwdriver between the top of the faucet handle and the decorative cap to pop the cap off of the handle. Remove the set screw securing the handle to the faucet stem with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the handle up and off of the faucet stem.

3. Use an open-end wrench to remove the packing nut from the washer stem. Lift the stem and the packing nut out of the faucet body. Some faucets will require that the stem be unscrewed rather than simply lifting it out of the faucet body.

4. Inspect the packing washer for damage on the outside of the faucet stem. Remove the screw that secures the seat washer in the faucet body with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Lift out the seat washer and take it with you to a hardware store or plumbing supply center. Make sure that you purchase an exact duplicate of the washer you took out of the faucet. If you are replacing the washers in both faucet handle, be sure to pick up enough replacement washers.

5. Insert the new seat washer into the faucet body and secure it with the retaining screw. If you are replacing the packing washer on the faucet stem, slide the new washer over the threads and flush against the lip of the faucet stem.

6. Set the faucet stem inside the faucet body and thread it back into place. Place the packing nut over the stem and tighten it down with an open-end wrench.

7. Place the faucet handle back over the stem and secure it with the retaining screw. Snap the decorative cap back into position on the top of the faucet handle. Repeat the process for the opposite handle and turn the faucet's water-supply valves back on after you have completed the project. Turn the faucets on and off a few times and check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) when working on the faucet.

References

• Kitchen Faucet Washers
• Faucet Washers