The best way to fix a leaky faucet is to learn how to replace a faucet washer in your sink. This easy repair is simple and can save you money. It only takes a few minutes and requires a few basic tools. First, turn off the water supply to your sink. Locate the main valve under the sink or in the water line. Then, loosen the cap on the stainless steel kitchen faucet. Remove the stem of the faucet.
Remove the handle
To replace the faucet washer, remove the handle. Use a screwdriver to pry the old washer out. The new one should fit into the circular metal ridge on the faucet. Once the old washer is out, install the new one. Be careful not to over tighten it, or else the new one will ratchet out of place. Wear safety goggles and gloves while performing this task.
Take the handle off the faucet
Next, you need to take out the old seat washer. It should be free from any obstructions. Then, remove the seat washer and the O-ring. Once you have the seat washer, you can replace the handle and the decorative cap. The new O-ring should be similar to the old one. Make sure the new one is secure and does not rattle loose or squeeze. Once you have the seat washer, you need to take the handle off the faucet.
Remove a faucet washer
If you’re not sure how to remove a faucet washer, the first step is to disconnect the supply lines. Then, you need to unscrew the nut holding the stem in place. If the nut is too tight, you can try using WD-40. Lastly, you need to inspect the washer. Typically, the worn one will be sunken and grooved. Then, replace it.
Before you begin, turn off the water supply. There is usually a shutoff valve under the sink. If there is no shutoff valve, shut off the water supply at the main shutoff valve. Then, you can use a wrench to unscrew the nut. Afterward, you can check whether the worn washer is still connected to the faucet valve. If it’s still attached, use the same tool to unscrew the nut.
Loosen the cartridge screw
If you’re unable to locate the nut, you can loosen the cartridge screw and then remove the washer. The seat washer is the part of the faucet that gets compressed by the handles. If the faucet leaks, the seat washer is most likely to be the culprit. The seat washer is usually held in place by a screw. To remove it, unbolt the nut and unscrew the seat retaining cup.
