## Replacing Kitchen Sink Faucet Washers: A Comprehensive Guide
Replacing kitchen sink faucet washers is a common task that can be completed by most homeowners with basic plumbing skills. By following these instructions, you can save money by avoiding costly plumber fees.
### Materials Required
– Replacement faucet washers (pack of 5 or 10)
– Adjustable wrench
– Pliers
– Screwdriver
– Basin wrench (optional)
### Types of Faucet Washers
There are two main types of faucet washers:
**Hot Washers:** Made of a durable, heat-resistant material, hot washers are designed to withstand the hot water and steam from the hot water line.
**Cold Washers:** Made of a softer material, cold washers are used on the cold water line to create a seal against the faucet body.
### Preparation
1. **Turn off both the hot and cold water supply** under the sink.
2. **Open the faucet** to drain any remaining water.
3. **Gather your materials** and place them within reach.
### Removing the Old Washers
1. **Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut** located at the base of the faucet handle.
2. **Grip the handle and pull it straight up** to remove it.
3. **Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the bonnet nut** located inside the faucet handle assembly.
4. **Carefully lift the bonnet nut and remove the stem** and washer assembly.
5. **Use the pliers to remove the old washers** from the stem.
### Installing the New Washers
1. **Place the new hot washer** onto the hot water stem.
2. **Place the new cold washer** onto the cold water stem.
3. **Insert the stem and washer assembly** back into the faucet body.
4. **Tighten the bonnet nut** using the adjustable wrench.
5. **Place the handle back on** the stem and tighten the packing nut using the wrench.
### Testing the New Washers
1. **Turn on the hot and cold water supply** under the sink.
2. **Open the faucet** and check for any leaks around the handle or spout.
3. **If there are any leaks, tighten the packing nut or bonnet nut as necessary.**
### Additional Tips
– If the leak is still not fixed after replacing the washers, there may be a problem with the faucet body or O-rings. In this case, you may need to replace the entire faucet.
– Use a basin wrench to loosen the packing nut if it is too tight to turn by hand.
– Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut, as this can damage the faucet.
– If you are not comfortable replacing faucet washers yourself, it is best to call a licensed plumber.
## Conclusion
Replacing kitchen sink faucet washers is a relatively simple task that can be completed in less than an hour. By following these instructions and using the proper tools, you can save money and keep your faucet in good working condition.