Have you ever had to replace a washer in your bathroom faucet and wondered if it would fit?
This can be an overwhelming experience when you don’t know the answer. Whether you are a DIYer or just curious, it’s important to understand the different types of washers available.
Here, we break down what makes up a universal washer and why knowing this information is crucial for making sure your faucet components are compatible.
Read on to learn more about how faucet washers work and their compatibility across brands!
Do Faucet Washers Come In Different Sizes?
Yes, faucet washers come in different sizes and styles. Depending on your needs, you may need to purchase a larger or smaller size of faucet washer.
Standard-sized washers are typically 5/8 inch in diameter, but there are also 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch models available for smaller fixtures.
Additionally, some specialty faucets may require an even more specific size of washer that is not available in standard hardware stores.
Be sure to double check the measurements before purchasing any replacement parts to ensure that it fits correctly into the fixture.
If you do not feel confident enough to measure and select the correct size yourself, it’s best to consult with a professional plumber who can help you make the right selection.
With the proper size washer in hand, installing it to fix a leaky faucet is usually a straightforward process. By replacing old and worn out parts, you can often restore an existing fixture back to perfect working order again.
Are Faucet Washers Universal?
No, faucet washers are not universal and come in different sizes. The size of the washer depends on the type of faucet you have installed.
To ensure that your replacement faucet washer is the correct size for your faucet, make sure to check both the internal and external diameter of your old one before purchasing a new one.
Additionally, some manufacturers produce washers for specific models or brands of faucets so it is important to be aware of this when selecting a replacement part as well.
In any case, always double-check with the manufacturer’s website to verify that you are getting the right sized part for your particular model.
Is It Easy to Replace a Faucet Washer?
Yes, it is relatively easy to replace a faucet washer. It does not require any special plumbing skills or tools, and it should take less than 30 minutes.
Before starting the repair, you will need to turn off the water supply for the faucet and drain out any remaining water in the system. The process of replacing a faucet washer includes:
1. Remove the handle – this involves removing a screw that is used to secure the handle to the stem assembly. Once removed, you may be able to lift off the handle from its post by hand or use a pair of channel lock pliers if necessary.
2. Unscrew packing nut – there is typically a nut located beneath the handle that is used to secure the stem assembly in place. Unscrew this nut so the stem can be removed.
3. Remove stem – by pulling gently on the stem with a pair of pliers, you should be able to remove it from its post and access the washer located at the bottom of it.
4. Replace washer – once you have removed the old washer, replace it with a new one. Make sure to use a washer of similar size as the original or else it may not fit properly and cause an issue with leaking water later on down the line.
5. Reassemble components – after replacing the washer, reassemble all of the components in reverse order. Make sure to securely tighten the packing nut and replace the screw that held the handle in place.
Once all of these steps are complete, you should be able to turn on the water supply again and test out the new washer to make sure it is functioning properly.
If not, double check your work and see if any components need to be tightened or replaced. With a little bit of patience and careful attention, replacing a faucet washer can be an easy job for most DIYers.
Read: Are kitchen tap washers all the same size
Conclusion
Faucet washers come in different sizes, but you can also find universal ones. It is easy to replace a faucet washer, but always make sure to turn off the water before starting.
Always have a few extra on hand, just in case one breaks when you are taking it out or putting a new one in.
Hey! I’m Anne. Welcome to Kitchen Faucet Advice! Anne have started this blog to help happy families to get right kitchen faucet for their lovely kitchens. When she is free, she loves writing about her experiences and play with her dog!