How to Repair a Washer on a Faucet
There are several different kinds of faucets. If your faucet has a single handle to turn the water on and off, then it does not have any washers to be replaced. If your faucet has two handles, one for hot water and one for cold, then the handles have washers that should be replaced when the faucet is leaking. This type of faucet is called a compression faucet.
This is a straightforward process. You will take each faucet handle apart, replace the washers and put the faucet handles back together.
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- New washer
- Adjustable wrench
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Instructions
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Replacing the Washer in a Faucet
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1
Turn off the water supply underneath the sink.
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2
Remove the decorative cap from the top of the faucet handle. You may need to pry it off. Loosen the screw that was underneath the cap. Lift the handle up off of the locknut.
Using an adjustable wrench, remove the locking nut by turning it counterclockwise.
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3
Pull up the stem assembly by hand. If it doesn't come out easily, gently turn it counterclockwise.
Loosen the screw on the bottom of the stem assembly that holds the washer in place. Replace the washer and tighten the screw. Put the faucet back together by reversing the above steps.
Repeat for the other faucet.
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Tips & Warnings
If the spout drips after you have replaced the washer, replace or reface the valve seat (where the stem assembly rests).
Replacing the washers will only remedy a drip from the spout. If your sink faucet handles leak, you should try tightening the locknut or packing nut. If the leak persists, you will need to replace the o-ring that sits next to the washer. If your faucet has a packing nut instead of a locknut, you should wrap new packing around the stem under the packing nut. (Packing nuts do not have an o-ring.)
