Kitchen Faucet Washer Replacement For Beginners

Dealing with a leaky kitchen faucet can be frustrating, especially if you're unfamiliar with basic plumbing repairs. But replacing a worn out kitchen faucet washer is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to fix a dripping or leaking faucet yourself.

If you're a total beginner when it comes to home repairs, have no fear - replacing a faulty washer in your kitchen faucet doesn't require any special skills. With a few basic tools, a replacement washer, and these step-by-step instructions, you can stop that annoying drip and restore your faucet to full working order in no time.

Understand Your Kitchen Faucet

Before you can replace a kitchen faucet washer, it helps to understand the basic anatomy of a typical faucet. Most standard two-handled faucets have a similar internal design consisting of:

• Hot and cold water supply lines
• Shutoff valves to control water flow
• Faucet handles attached to a stem or cartridge
• Flow restrictor and/or aerator at the tip
• Rubber washers between the valve seat and moving components

The washers provide a water tight seal inside the faucet body, keeping water from leaking out around the valve stems. Over time, these washers wear out from the constant friction of opening and closing the valves. Replacing them restores that watertight seal.

When To Replace The Kitchen Faucet Washer

A kitchen faucet with worn out washers will almost always show some telltale signs of trouble. Here are some of the most common indicators that it's time to replace the washers:

Signs of a failing kitchen faucet washer

• Dripping or leaky faucet
• Decreased water pressure
• Difficulty controlling water temperature
• Loose faucet handle
• Stuck faucet handle
• Handle needs extra jiggling to turn on/off

If you notice any of these issues with your kitchen faucet, don't wait - replacing the old washers now can help avoid bigger problems down the road. Catching a washer failure early keeps the constant dripping or leaks from wearing down other faucet components over time.

Dripping or leaky faucet

The most obvious sign of a bad washer is when water continues dripping out of the faucet spout after shutting it off. This happens when worn washers allow water to leak through the valve even when closed. Replacing the faulty washers stops the drip and eliminates the annoyance of that maddening sporadic drip-drip-drip sound!

Decreased water pressure

Worn out washers can also cause the water pressure to drop or flow to decrease even when the faucet is wide open. If you notice the water stream seems weaker than normal or isn't as full, faulty washers could be the problem. New washers create a better seal to restore normal water pressure.

Preparing for Kitchen Faucet Washer Replacement

To ensure a smooth faucet repair job, a little prep work and having the right tools on hand will be a big help. Follow these tips to get set up for success:

Turn off water supply

Start by shutting off the water supply lines underneath or behind the sink. This prevents water from spurting out when you remove the faucet components. Look for cutoff valves on the hot and cold supply lines and turn them clockwise to shut off.

Protecting sink area

Have some old rags or towels ready to place inside the sink to prevent scratches just in case you drop any small parts. You'll also want a cloth to lay under the faucet to avoid nicking up the surface when using tools to disassemble it.

Gather replacement washer and tools

Make sure you have the right size replacement washers on hand before taking the faucet apart. Most standard kitchen faucet washers are 13/16 inch, but take the old washer with you to the hardware store to double check sizing if unsure. You'll also need a few basic tools - small adjustable wrench, channel lock pliers, screwdriver, flashlight, and safety goggles.

Removing The Old Kitchen Faucet Washer

Once you're prepped with all your supplies, it's time to dig in and remove the old worn out washer. Carefully dismantling the faucet is key here. Follow these steps:

Disassemble faucet

The exact disassembly process varies by faucet model, but typically involves unscrewing a retaining nut holding parts together, then pulling off the faucet handle and handle seat to reveal the valve and washer. Consult manufacturer instructions if you have them.

Locate washer

Look for a flat circular rubber washer seated inside the valve assembly. You may need to wiggle out any O-rings around the washer as well. A small screwdriver can help pry off the old washer if it's really stuck on.

Remove old washer

Slip off the worn out rubber washer and discard it. Examine remaining faucet parts for any damage like corrosion, cracks, or stripped screws. Replace any damaged components while you have the faucet disassembled.

Installing The New Kitchen Faucet Washer

Select proper replacement washer

Make sure the new washer is the identical size and shape as the old one. Using the wrong sized washer won't create an effective seal and lead to continued leaking.

Insert new washer

Seat the new washer into place in the valve opening. Make sure it lays nice and flat. Replace any O-rings around the washer as well if previously removed.

Reassemble faucet

Put the faucet back together by reversing the disassembly steps. Tighten any loose screws, then reattach the handle seat, faucet handle, and retaining nuts or clips until snug.

Turn Water Back On

The final steps involve turning the water back on and testing for leaks:

Check for leaks

Slowly turn the hot and cold water valves back on under the sink. Remove the drain stopper and turn on both handles to allow air bubbles to flush out. Let water run for a few minutes while carefully checking for any drips or leaks around the new washer.

Test water pressure and flow

Turn faucet handles all the way on and off a few times. Water should flow properly with expected pressure. The new washer creates a tight seal to stop drips and restore normal water flow.

Troubleshoot Kitchen Faucet Washer Replacement

Hopefully your kitchen faucet repair goes smoothly with no issues after replacing the washer. But problems like continued leaking or dripping can occur if:

Washer size mismatch

Using the wrong sized replacement washer won't form an effective seal inside the valve. Double check that the new washer exactly matches the original.

Improper installation

An improperly seated washer, loose valve components, or cracked washers can all lead to a leaky faucet after repair. Carefully follow reassembly steps.

If other faucet parts like O-rings or valve seats are worn out or damaged, they'll need replacement too. Inspect all components before reassembling.