How To Replace A Bathroom Faucet Washer

How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet Washer

A leaky bathroom faucet can be a frustrating and costly problem. The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. This is a small rubber or plastic disc that sits inside the faucet stem and prevents water from flowing when the faucet is turned off. Over time, the washer can become brittle, cracked, or deformed, leading to leaks. Thankfully, replacing a faucet washer is a simple and affordable repair that most homeowners can do themselves.

Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:

A Phillips head screwdriver
A pair of adjustable pliers
A basin wrench
A small flathead screwdriver
A new faucet washer
A roll of Teflon tape
A bucket or towel to catch any dripping water

It is important to ensure that the new washer is compatible with your faucet. The size and material of the washer can vary depending on the make and model of your faucet. If you are unsure what type of washer you need, consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local hardware store for assistance.

Steps to Replace a Bathroom Faucet Washer

Once you have gathered the necessary tools and materials, follow these steps to replace the faucet washer:

Turn off the water supply. Locate the water shut-off valve for your bathroom sink and turn it clockwise until it is completely closed. It's also recommended to turn off the water supply to your entire house, just in case. Check the faucet for any remaining water by briefly turning it on.
Remove the faucet handle. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the handle from the faucet stem. If your faucet has a decorative cap, remove it before removing the handle.
Remove the packing nut. Using adjustable pliers, grip the hexagonal packing nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Be careful not to damage the chrome finish of the faucet.
Remove the stem. Once the packing nut is removed, gently pull the stem out of the faucet body. The worn-out washer should be attached to the end of the stem.
Replace the old washer with the new one. Carefully remove the old washer from the stem and replace it with the new one. Ensure that the new washer is properly seated on the stem and not loose.
Reassemble the faucet. Insert the new washer-equipped stem back into the faucet body and tighten the packing nut. Be careful not to overtighten the nut, as this can damage the faucet. Apply a thin layer of Teflon tape to the threads of the packing nut for a more secure seal.
Replace the handle. Once the packing nut is secured, reattach the faucet handle and tighten it with the Phillips head screwdriver.
Turn on the water supply. Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the packing nut further or check if the washer is properly installed in the stem.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to make the replacement process smoother and ensure a successful repair:

Use a basin wrench. If the packing nut is difficult to access, a basin wrench can be used to provide better leverage and grip.
Clean the faucet stem and body. Before reassembling the faucet, thoroughly clean the stem and the inside of the faucet body to remove any debris or mineral deposits that may cause future leaks.
Check for other issues. If the faucet continues to leak after replacing the washer, there may be other issues, such as a worn-out O-ring, a cracked faucet stem, or a damaged faucet seat. If you suspect another problem, it is best to seek professional assistance.

Replacing a faucet washer is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can save you money and frustration in the long run. With the right tools and a little patience, you can fix that leaky faucet and enjoy a fully functional bathroom sink once again.