How to change a tap washer
By Tom Drake | 20th May 2024 | 5 min read
If your tap is dripping, this could be caused by a broken or damaged tap washer. In this guide, we’ll show you how you can change a tap washer to stop your tap dripping.
Do all taps have a tap washer?
Not all taps have a tap washer. Many modern taps use a ceramic cartridge instead of a washer, but you can’t always tell which your tap has. In general, taps which need a half or quarter turn to switch on and off will have a ceramic cartridge. Taps that need to be turned a full rotation or more will have a tap washer.
Changing a tap washer steps:
- Turn off your water
- Remove the tap head
- Unscrew the tap valve
- Remove the tap washer
- Replace the washer
You will need:
1. Turn off your water
Before you can replace your tap washer you need to turn off the water to your tap. If there's an isolation valve before your tap, you can use this to turn off the water supply to just the tap. If there isn’t an isolation valve, you’ll need to turn off all the water in your home at the stopcock.
Once you’ve turned off the water, run the tap to drain any water remaining in the pipes. When you’re working on your tap, cover the plug hole to prevent any parts falling down the drain if you drop them.
2. Remove the tap head
The method for removing a tap head can differ depending on the type of tap you have, but you’ll usually need to remove a cap to access a screw underneath. The cap can usually be unscrewed by hand or popped off using a flathead screwdriver. Once you’ve removed the cap, you should be able to see a screw. Use a screwdriver to unscrew this until you can completely remove the tap head.
3. Remove the tap valve
Once you’ve removed the tap head, you should be able to see the tap valve, also known as a tap gland. You can now use an adjustable spanner to loosen the nut on the tap valve. If the nut is stuck, you may need to grip your tap with a pair of water pump pliers to steady it. Cover the area you’re gripping with a cloth to protect the tap from damage.
Unscrew the tap valve completely until you can remove it from your tap.
4. Remove the tap washer
The tap washer is a small black washer that you’ll find at the bottom of the tap valve. It will often be held in place by a screw or nut that you can undo. If there isn’t anything holding it in place, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver to pop it out.
Once you’ve removed the tap washer, inspect it for damage. Even if it doesn’t appear to be worn or cracked, it’s a good idea to replace it while your tap is disassembled.
5. Replace the washer
Once you’ve removed the washer, you can measure it and find a tap washer that’s the same size. Different types of tap will have different washers, so a washer you buy for one tap won’t necessarily work on another.
Once you’ve replaced the washer, follow the steps above in reverse order to reassemble your tap. You can then turn the water back on and test the tap to see if it’s stopped dripping.
How do tap washers work?
When a tap is turned off, the tap washer is compressed against the tap seat. This creates a seal that stops water from flowing.
Why do I need to change my tap washer?
A worn or damaged tap washer won’t create a tight seal against the tap seat when the tap is turned off. This can allow water to leak through, which causes the tap to drip.
What tools do I need to change a tap washer?
The tools you need will depend on the type of tap you have. Most taps will require an adjustable spanner, screwdriver, water pump pliers and a new tap washer.
My tap is still dripping after I replaced the tap washer
If you've replaced the washer and your tap is still dripping, the valve seat may be damaged. The tap washer forms a seal against the valve seat when the tap is turned off. If the valve seat is damaged, a watertight seal can’t be created, and the tap will continue to drip.
Can I fit a new tap?
Fitting a new tap may be easier than you think. Take a look at our guides to fitting a kitchen and bathroom tap.
