This article will discuss the method to change a washer on a mixer tap. Washers and O-rings seal the connections and joint points to avoid water leaks. These washers or O-rings wear out with time and cause water leaks at the connection points. When the washers wear out, you need to change them immediately because the issue often goes unnoticed till the water bill surprises you.

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Changing a washer is not tricky, and homeowners must know how to do it. Therefore, if you are searching for a washer replacement method, you have precisely landed in the right place. Let us go through the article to understand the methodology.

A Brief Overview of the Mixer Tap

Since we are discussing the mixer taps, we must get a basic idea about them. Substantially, the mixer taps contain one faucet and usually one tap handle. Only one handle controls the hot and cold water flow. You may call an assembly of a tap with two handles and one spout a mixer.

Styles of Mixer Taps

There are various styles of mixer taps, like a single lever, wall-mounted, pull-out, or monobloc. You’ll frequently see mixers in the kitchen sink and bathroom, including all the essential plumbing stationaries.

Washer for a Mixer Tap

Before we start the method to change a washer on a mixer tap, let us have a look at the types of washers used in the standard mixer taps. The following are the common washer types:

Fiber Washers: These washers are complicated but more manageable to compress than their nylon and rubber counterparts making them less vulnerable to water exposure.

Nylon Washers: These washers are reliable, long-lasting, lightweight, and cost-effective with low surface friction because of internal lubrication.

Polythene or Rubber Washers: Rubber washers are malleable and preferable for taps made of hard material. These washers are softer than those made of nylon. Extensive water exposure causes cracks in these washers.

Ceramic disc cartridges: These are far more long-lasting than rubber washers but are pronto cracks and leaks.

How to Change a Washer on a Mixer Tap?

Sequentially, we have covered enough basic information on the mixer taps and washers to move forward to the washer replacement method. Now, questions like How to change a washer on a mixer tap in the bathroom or the kitchen arise. The following cascaded steps will lead you to the successful replacement of a washer on a mixer tap installed in any part of your building.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

You should turn off the water supply before beginning the plumbing work because it will disturb you during the process. In addition, it can cause a waste of water and hence money. Therefore, find a suitable valve to turn off the water supply of that part of the house where you are carrying out the maintenance work. If you do not have a dedicated valve, turn off the main water supply.

2. Remove the Tap’s Headgear

A dual mixer tap contains two handles on either side of the spout for cold and hot water supply. Whichever work you do on these taps, replace the washers because you must change them after some time to keep them healthy.

How to Do?

Remove the covers of the tap caps with the help of a screwdriver.
The screw is precisely below the cap. Hold the tap head in one hand and disengage the screw to remove the headgear.
You can now remove the tap valve using an adjustable spanner.

3. Remove the Worn Washer or O-ring

You need to locate and remove the old washer to replace it with a newer one. Here are the steps to remove the old washer.

You can usually find the washer mounted at the base.
Remove the O rings using a screwdriver.
You can watchfully take the washer off with the help of your screwdriver.
You can find multiple O-rings, and not all will need to be replaced simultaneously, but a few of them. Carefully segregate them and replace the damaged ones.
Make sure you screw all the parts tightly to avoid any leaks.

4. Replace the Washer

Now you can replace the washer, but make sure your new O rings are in place.
Examine the tap seat; if this is damaged, a change of washers will not help you avoid the leaks.
If the tap seat is in good condition, place your new washer on the valve and lubricate the assembly.
Now screw the headgear back into place. Use a spanner to tighten the tap.
Now tighten the whole assembly and put the tap cover on.

5. Examine the Spout

Your tap spout also contains an O-ring, so it is better to check it.

Disengage the spout using a spanner.
Remove the tap spout.
Check the O rings for any wear out.
If they’re damaged, remove them with a screwdriver.
Replace them with new O-rings.
Reassemble your tap.

Conclusion

After feeling any leakage around the taps or spout, you must immediately change the washer on a mixer tap. Mixer taps can have multiple types of washers, and you need to know the type of washer used in your assembly. Follow the replacement procedure to replace the worn-out washers with fresh ones.