A faucet that drips after you shut it off almost always has a worn seat washer. Replacing it takes about 15 minutes and a few cents in parts. Here's how.
What you'll need
- A replacement rubber washer that matches the old one's size
- A screwdriver and an adjustable wrench
- A rag, and the right material — EPDM or neoprene for water
Step by step
- Shut off the water at the supply valves under the sink, then open the faucet to drain the pressure.
- Remove the handle (often hidden under a decorative cap) and unscrew the packing nut to expose the valve stem.
- Pull the stem and find the rubber washer held by a small screw at the bottom.
- Replace the washer with an exact size match — measure OD, ID and thickness as shown in our size guide.
- Reassemble in reverse order, turn the water back on, and test.
Choosing the right washer
For potable water and hot taps, EPDM is the best material; neoprene is a fine general-purpose alternative. A precise size match is what stops the drip for good. Find your replacement washer here.