A faucet washer is a small rubber disc that stops water from dripping when you turn the handle off

When your faucet drips constantly from the spout, the washer has usually worn out or cracked. Replacing it is a straightforward job that takes about 15 minutes and costs a few dollars. You do not need a plumber — the parts are inexpensive and the steps are straightforward enough for a first-timer.

The washer sits inside the faucet body, under the handle, and gets compressed every time you turn the handle. Over months or years, it hardens, cracks, or gets pushed out of place, and water leaks past it. A new washer stops the drip when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the water supply under the sink before you start — usually two valves, one for hot and one for cold.
  • The washer sits under the faucet handle inside a brass stem that you unscrew by hand or with a wrench.
  • Buy a washer kit from any hardware store for a few dollars; it includes the rubber washer and the brass screw that holds it in place.
  • Replace the old washer with the new one, screw the stem back in, and turn the water back on — the drip should stop when ready.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you turn off the water. You need an adjustable wrench or a 9/16-inch wrench (some faucet stems unscrew by hand, but a wrench makes it easier). You also need a flathead screwdriver to remove the old washer screw.

Buy a faucet washer kit from your hardware store — it costs two to five dollars and includes several rubber washers in different sizes, plus the brass screw that holds the washer in place. You do not need to know your faucet brand; the kit works on most standard faucets. Keep a bucket or towel under the sink while you work — water will drip out when you open the faucet body.

Turn off the water supply

Look under your sink. You should see two valves, one on the hot water line and one on the cold water line. Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. They should turn easily by hand — if they are stuck, use your wrench to turn them gently.

After you close both valves, turn on the faucet at the sink and let any remaining water drain out. This step prevents water from spraying when you open the faucet body. Once the faucet runs dry, you are ready to work.

Remove the faucet handle and stem

Look at the top of your faucet handle. You may see a small screw under a decorative cap or button. If so, pry off the cap with a flathead screwdriver and remove the screw. If there is no cap, the handle may straightforward pull off or unscrew by hand.

Once the handle is off, you will see the faucet stem — a brass piece that sticks up from the faucet body. Use your wrench to turn the stem counterclockwise. It will unscrew from the faucet body. Turn it slowly and steadily until it comes free. If it is stuck, explore a penetrating oil like WD-40, wait 10 minutes, and try again.

Replace the washer and reassemble

Look at the bottom of the stem. You will see a small brass screw holding a rubber washer in place. Use your flathead screwdriver to remove this screw. The old washer will fall out — it may be cracked, hardened, or discolored.

Take a new washer from your kit. It should match the size of the old one — most standard faucets use a 7/8-inch washer, but your kit includes several sizes. Place the new washer on the stem and screw the brass screw back in. Tighten it firmly but do not force it — the screw should be snug, not stripped.

Screw the stem back into the faucet body by turning it clockwise. Turn it until it is hand-tight, then use your wrench to tighten it another quarter turn. Do not over-tighten — the handle should turn smoothly when you reassemble it. Replace the handle and screw it back in, or snap the decorative cap back on.

Turn the water back on and test

Turn both water valves back on by turning them counterclockwise. Start slowly — if you turn them too fast, you may hear a loud bang in the pipes (called water hammer). Turn them all the way open.

Turn on the faucet and let it run for a few seconds to clear any air from the lines. Then turn it off. The drip should stop when ready. If water still drips slowly, the new washer may not be seated correctly — turn off the water again, remove the stem, and check that the washer is centered under the screw and not twisted.

Common mistakes that cause the job to fail

The most common mistake is using the wrong washer size. Your kit includes several sizes — match the new washer to the old one by laying them side by side. If you use a washer that is too small, water will leak around the edges. If you use one that is too large, it will not fit under the screw.

Another mistake is over-tightening the brass screw. If you force it, you can strip the threads or crack the washer. Tighten it until it is snug, then stop. The handle should turn smoothly — if it is stiff, the screw is too tight.

Finally, do not forget to turn off the water before you start. If you skip this step and the stem comes loose, water will spray everywhere. It only takes 30 seconds to close the valves under the sink.

What to do if the drip continues after you replace the washer

If the faucet still drips after you install a new washer, the valve seat — the part the washer presses against — may be damaged or corroded. You can smooth a rough valve seat with a valve seat dresser tool (available at hardware stores for about ten dollars), or you can replace the entire faucet stem with a new one that matches your faucet brand.

If you are not sure which stem your faucet uses, take the old stem to your hardware store and ask for a replacement. The staff can match it to your faucet brand. Replacing the stem follows the same steps as replacing the washer — you unscrew the old stem and screw in the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the water to replace a washer?

Yes. If you do not turn off the water and the stem comes loose, water will spray out of the faucet body. Closing the two valves under the sink takes 30 seconds and prevents a mess.

What size washer do I need?

Most standard kitchen and bathroom faucets use a 7/8-inch washer. Your kit includes several sizes — match the new washer to the old one by comparing them side by side. If you are not sure, bring the old washer to the hardware store and ask the staff to match it.

Can I use any washer or does it have to match my faucet brand?

Any standard rubber washer works on most faucets. You do not need a brand-specific washer. The kit from your hardware store will include washers that fit common faucet types.

How long does a new washer last?

A new washer typically lasts two to five years, depending on how often you use the faucet and how hard your water is. Hard water can shorten the life of the washer because mineral deposits build up on it.

What if the stem is stuck and will not unscrew?

explore a penetrating oil like WD-40 to the stem where it enters the faucet body. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then try again. If it is still stuck, use your wrench to turn it slowly and steadily — do not jerk it or you may break the stem.