Crescent wrench Flat-head screwdriver Phillips screwdriver Adjustable pliers Needle-nose pliers Steel wool
If the water supply won’t shut off completely, you’ll have to replace 1 or both shutoff valves. [4] X Expert Source Patrick JohnsHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2022. Unless you have some plumbing experience, it’s probably best to call a professional to do this repair.
If your sink has a stopper that fully blocks the drain opening, you can use that instead.
You’ll usually find a small indentation somewhere beneath the rim of the cap—if you do, wedge your screwdriver into this spot. If you’re only replacing the washer on 1 tap (e. g. , cold), don’t bother popping the cap or working on the other tap (e. g. , hot). But this might be a good time to replace the washers on both taps. [7] X Expert Source Patrick JohnsHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2022.
Depending on the type of screw, you may need to use either your flathead or Phillips screwdriver. Don’t lose track of this screw or any of the other parts you remove—you’ll need them later!
In some cases, you may have a compression-style sink with separate faucets—that is, a hot faucet and cold faucet, each attached to their respective handles. If so, grip the faucet with one hand while you loosen the packing nut with the wrench in your other hand. Then pull the tap stem up and out of the faucet. If the packing nut won’t budge, try spraying it with a lubricant like WD-40, then wait 5-10 minutes and try again. If it still won’t move, call a plumber so you don’t cause damage to your sink trying to get it out. [10] X Research source
Alternatively, you can cheaply buy a collection of various rubber tap washers beforehand, and use the closest match during your repairs. But it’s best to use a perfect match whenever possible. [13] X Research source
Depending on the tap stem model, the washer might press into an indentation in the bottom or slide over the end of the stem and into a channel. Your best bet is to place the new washer in the same spot where you found the old one.
If you loosen any limescale or debris inside the tap seat, try to wipe it out with a paper towel wrapped around your finger.
Insert the tap stem into the tap seat; Tighten the packing nut with a crescent wrench until it’s snug; Place the handle over the tap stem; Tighten the screw that holds the handle in place with your screwdriver; Press the cap over the screw until it snaps into place.
If nothing leaks, you’re all done! If there is a leak, then the washer likely wasn’t the culprit in the first place. In many cases, the problem is a rutted or damaged tap seat. It’s possible to repair/replace the tap seat yourself if you have some plumbing skills, but it’s better to call a plumber if you’re a novice. [18] X Research source
