How to Replace Washers in Faucets
- 1). Turn off the water to your sink. There should be a shut-off valve. Remove the circular decorative plate on top of the faucet handle by gently prying it up with your finger. This is the plate that labels each handle either hot or cold. It should come out easily, and will snap back in easily, too. Set the plate aside. Remove the plate from the other handle, too, and change the washer in both handles.
- 2). Remove the Phillips head screws that hold the handle on. Set the screws aside with the plates so that they do not get lost. Remove each faucet handle. Set them aside.
- 3). Use a pair of medium-size channel lock pliers to grasp the plastic part that is now visible. This is the part that the handle turns that controls the water flow. Gently, with a right to left motion and slight upward pressure, wiggle that piece up and off. Set it aside with the handle for that side. Do the same on the opposite side.
- 4). Remove the O ring. The O rings should be replaced at this time as well. Under the O ring is the washer. Lift the washer up and out. Discard the old one and insert the new. Replace the O ring. Slide the piece you removed with the channel locks back into place. Do the same for the opposite side.
- 5). Place the handles back, making sure that each is on the correct side. Insert the screws down through the holes. Tighten the screws using the screwdriver. Do not over-tighten or you will strip the screws. Replace the decorative plates, making sure that hot is on the hot handle and cold is on the cold handle. Turn the water back on. Test your faucet to make sure the leaks have stopped.
