How to Change a Washer in a Kitchen Faucet

Changing a washer in a kitchen faucet is simple and straightforward, but if you're not familiar with plumbing, it may be difficult. First of all, you should know what kind of faucet it is. Most of them have a single handle where you press upwards to release the water. Inside the handle is a ball and washer that is against a rotating ball. When the washer wears out, the faucet can leak water or start to drip. If the washer is worn out, it can cause a leak.

Consider the location of the leak

In some cases, it may be easier to replace the washer. A loose packing nut, a bad o-ring, or a worn-out faucet washer may be the culprit. However, if you're not sure, consider the location of the leak to determine whether a washer is the most appropriate solution. Once you've determined the location of the leak, you can choose the right replacement.


Insert a thin sheet of plywood

If you're not familiar with plumbing, a basic DIY repair may help. First, insert a thin sheet of plywood into the cabinet. It should be narrow enough to fit through the opening of the door, but wide enough to lay on. Once you've laid out the washer, you can support it with up to six or eight quart-size paint cans. Use a spanner wrench to tighten the nut to the right tension against the stainless steel ball.

Use an adjustable wrench

If you're not confident enough to change the washer, you can make use of an adjustable wrench to unscrew the valve. Once you've removed the washer, you can clean it by hand or replace it completely. Once you've done that, you can put it back together in the same way as you took it apart. It's easy to do this in a  nivito and is not difficult at all.

Change the washer

If the leak is a constant problem, you can change the washer. If the leak is in the base of the faucet, it's possible that there's a larger problem. To fix this, you'll need to remove the spout. Then, remove the spout. Depending on the type of faucet you're working on, you may need to remove the entire handle.


Remove the handle

The last step in replacing a kitchen faucet is to remove the handle. Then, remove the stem of the faucet and remove the parts of the faucet. Check the parts for leaks. The O-ring and washer inside the valve seat are the most common culprits of leaks. To change them, you need to be sure to buy the correct size and shape. The best way to do this is to use a universal screwdriver.