How to replace faucet washers – a step by step guide

If you want to replace faucet washers on your own, there are a few simple steps you will need to follow. 

Some jobs around the home will need a professional with experience and expertize. Others can be done yourself. This not only saves money but can also save time too, as you can simply get on with it without having to wait for a plumber to be free. 

Replacing faucet washers is one of those tasks. It is also worth knowing how to unclog a toilet without a plunger and how to fix a leaky faucet by yourself – and how to prevent such problems from occurring.

‘Washers don’t last forever,’ confirms Lucy Searle, global editor in chief for Homes & Gardens. ‘When old or damaged, they will cause the faucet to leak, as the washer can’t form a watertight seal. This is easy enough to fix though and it won’t take long either.’ 

Martha Stewart is a firm advocate of doing jobs like this yourself. ‘When the sink is clogged or the toilet runs, don't rush to phone the plumber,’ she says. ‘With the right tools and basic instructions, you can solve most minor plumbing problems in your home, including knowing when to drip faucets.’

How to replace faucet washers

The good news is that this is one of the simplest DIY plumbing tasks and it shouldn’t take long either. In fact, it should only take a few minutes and it won’t need much in the way of tools. You won’t need to do any drilling or mess around with any pipes and, as Polly Shearer, bathroom expert at Tap Warehouse confirms, replacing faucet washers is simple, satisfying and totally safe. 

You need to check first whether the faucet has a washer or ceramic disc cartridge. This guide deals with changing a washer so if your faucet has a ceramic disc cartridge then you need to do things differently. 

‘Many people are unaware that the cause of a leaky faucet can come from the washer itself. When they get worn, they start to become less effective, so a solution to this is to change the washer,’ says Polly.

1. Turn off the water supply

There should be an isolation valve underneath the faucet, which can be used to turn off the water to that particular sink. If you don’t have one of these, turn off the water at the mains. If you’re changing the washer on the hot water faucet then you will need to turn off the boiler and immersion heater too. 

2. Insert the drain stopper

This will prevent you losing any screws or components down the drain if you drop them. It’s also a good idea to place an old towel inside the sink to avoid damaging the surface if you drop something. 

3. Remove the cover from the faucet

Do this using your screwdriver, carefully. This will expose the valve, which can then be removed using the spanner. If it is stiff then hold the faucet in place with a wrench if you have one, but protect the faucet with a cloth first. 

4. Secure the washer

The washer is underneath the valve, secured in place with either a screw or a nut. Remove the washer with a spanner or, if it’s too difficult to undo, spray some WD-40 around it and allow this to soak in before trying again. 

5. Replace the old washer

Replace the old, worn washer with a new washer in the same size. 

6. Put the faucet back together again

Screw the valve back into place, being careful not to overtighten as this can damage the faucet. Fasten the top back onto the faucet and you’re all done. 

7. Turn the water back on

Remove the towel from your sink, take out the plug and turn the water back on.

Why do faucet washers need replacing?

Most faucets, whether kitchen or bathroom, comprise two parts – the seat and washer. 

When you turn the faucet on, the washer is directed towards the seat, creating pressure. This in turn forces water out through the spout. When you turn the faucet off, the washer creates a watertight seal by pushing against the seat, ensuring no water flows through. 

When washers are old and worn, they don’t create this watertight seal and can cause the faucet to leak. When a faucet starts to leak, the first thing to check is if it needs a new washer. They cost very little and can be purchased from DIY or hardware stores as well as online and tend to be sold in packs with different sizes to choose from to match your existing washer. 

Do I have to turn the water off to replace a washer?

Mixer units may also have a separate 'o-ring' seal at the base of the spout. This can be replaced without turning off the water supply, but make sure you get the correct size replacement before starting work. 

How often should I replace a faucet washer?

As they are prone to constant wear and tear, you can expect to change a washer every one to two years.