A damaged washer can cause a dripping faucet, wasting water and increasing your water bill. Fortunately, replacing a washer in a mixer tap is a relatively simple repair that only requires a few basic tools. This guide will walk you through the steps to replace the washer, restoring your faucet to proper working order and stopping the drips.
Tools Needed (Prepare these tools before you start)
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Before commencing any repair work, the water supply must be turned off first. The stopcock is usually located under the kitchen sink or basin, or inside the unit.
After turning off the water, open the tap to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
Step 2: Remove the faucet handle
If necessary, carefully remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver or Allen key.
(Different faucets have different disassembly methods)
Step 3: Disassemble the faucet valve cartridge
The tap cartridge is visible beneath the handle.
An adjustable spanner, monkey wrench, pump pliers, or pipe wrench can be used to loosen the screw and remove the cartridge.
Step 4: Check and replace the rubber pads
The rubber washers can be found at the bottom of the valve stem. Check the rubber washers for signs of wear or damage.
If the rubber washers are old or damaged, carefully remove them with a screwdriver and replace them with new ones.
Ensure that the new rubber washers are the same size. It is recommended to replace all rubber washers at once to prevent leaks again in the near future.
Step 5: Reassemble the faucet
After replacing the rubber washer, reassemble the faucet.
Ensure all parts are tightened, but be careful not to overtighten to avoid damaging the faucet.
Step 6: Restore water supply
Once assembled, turn the water supply back on and check for any remaining leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many traditional mixer taps use rubber washers, but some newer models feature ceramic cartridges and do not have rubber washers. Before performing repairs, you should first identify the type of tap.
If a faucet is dripping or leaking, it usually means the rubber washer has aged or is damaged. You can disassemble it to check the condition of the rubber washer for confirmation.
Replacement rubber washers can be purchased at general hardware stores or plumbing supply stores. When purchasing, please ensure the size is the same as the original rubber washer.
Most traditional faucets rely on a small rubber or ceramic washer that presses against the valve seat when the faucet is closed, preventing water from flowing through. Over time, due to continuous friction and mineral deposits in the water, the washer gradually wears out.
When the washer wears out, its sealing effect deteriorates, and it may also harden or crack, making the problem worse with each turn of the faucet. This problem is more common because limescale can corrode the washer and the valve seat below it.