When a tap head is turned on or off, a rotating screw forces the tap washer to move up or down (respectively) within the body of the tap assembly. This lifts it away from the seat and opens up the flow valve. In doing so, it allows pressurised mains water held in the plumbing system to pass through the tap spout at varying volumes and speeds. Key to this function is the fact that tap washers are typically made from materials that can be squeezed or compressed to form a watertight seal (although exceptions do exist for certain tap types). This enables them to seal off the valve opening more effectively, even in cases where general usage-related wear and tear has caused small surface irregularities over time. These O rings are heat-resistant and compatible with petroleum and silicone fluids. They are commonly used to contain hydraulic fluids as well as non-aromatic fluids and solvents. Common O ring uses To sum up, the correct size of the washer for your kitchen tap plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and leak-free operation of your tap. The standard size for kitchen tap washers in the UK is usually either ½ inch (12.7 mm) or ¾ inch (19.05 mm).

What type of tap washer should I buy? The one aspect that tends to cause more confusion and uncertainty than any other regarding this question is often getting the correct sizing. O rings can be used for static seals (e.g. taps) or for dynamic applications (e.g. pistons). These torus-shaped rings may also be called toric joints.

Ceramic vs Standard Tap Washers

Turn off Your Water Supply: Before you start, you'll need to turn off the water supply to your kitchen tap. This is usually done via the isolator valves located beneath the sink. Not all taps have their own isolation valve, so you might have to just switch off your main water supply instead. If you’re working on a hot water or mixer tap, make sure to turn your boiler or immersion heater off as well. Once you’ve isolated the tap from its water supply, turn the handle into the on position to let out any residual water. When the tap runs dry, you’re all good to go.

A bath tap washer, like any other tap washer, is a small, disc-shaped component found inside the base of your tap. Its job is basically just to stop water flowing through the tap’s spout when the handle is in the off position, hence why you get those drips ( drip… drip…alright, we’ll stop now) when it isn’t working properly. Nylon is the most common material used to make tap washers. Its cheap, lightweight and easily manufacturable, as well as sturdy enough to resist the wear and tear of everyday use. The other materials all have their pros and cons, but they all serve the same purpose. They do all eventually degrade, which is why they need replacing every so often. As for size, tap washers can range from 9mm to 40mm in diameter, depending on the build of the tap itself. Rubber washers and gaskets are displaced and distorted more aggressively than some other materials under high compression forces. This can lead to increased signs of wear after extended use.

hot and cold tap washers

The standard DIN / ISO 1629 governs the classification and designations of these seals. The most common and widely sold O rings are made of NBR (Nitrile). When you’ve found the screw, you can remove it using the appropriate screwdriver. You can then lift the handle off, revealing the valve beneath.