Tap Washer Buying Guide

What is the Definition of a Tap Washer?

Also known as sealing washers or packing washers (in certain tap types), tap washers are simple disc-shaped devices with a central hole or opening. They function as a type of gasket that helps to seal off mains water flow behind a tap when the tap head is turned to the ‘off’ position.

What Can Tap Washers Be Used for?

Tap washers are commonly found in plumbing kits and tool boxes. The vast majority of tap washer uses are in performing quick replacement jobs. In most cases, they’re the go-to solution wherever a tap is dripping, leaking, or becoming difficult to open or close. Some examples of tap washer uses might include:

• Basin mixer tap washers
• Bath tap washer replacement
• Hot water tap washer
• Kitchen tap washers
• Lever tap washer replacement
• Mixer tap washers
• Outside tap washers
• Pillar tap washers
• Swan neck tap washers

What Does a Tap Washer Do?

Tap washers are designed to be used in nearly all types of taps, where their key role is to help control the flow of water. They can also work to prevent leaking and contamination while a tap is shut off. Regardless of the washer type and material, their basic function is to press down against the seat or flow valve on the inside of a tap assembly, creating a closed-off seal that stops water from flowing to the spout when the tap head is turned to the ‘off’ position.

How Do Tap Washers Work?

They achieve their purpose by creating an impenetrable physical barrier between the tap seat and the spout. The material construction of most tap washers also means that they’re able to fill and even out any irregularly-shaped voids between different parts of a tap fitting (generally the valve and the tap seat), effectively sealing off the tap spout from the valve.

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.

However, there is a finite amount of wear that a washer, seat or valve opening can sustain before the sealing properties no longer work effectively. At some point, the washer or various other moving parts of a tap will need to be replaced. Most often, this is due to damage from water erosion, or physical stress and degradation caused by repeated mechanical or compression forces in normal use.

Ceramic Tap Washers

Ceramic tap washers, often called ceramic disc washers, tend to be found on newer tap assemblies. They are commonly found on so-called ‘quarter-turn’ taps and monoblocks (mixer taps), where the operating mechanism doesn’t require rotating the tap head through multiple turns to start or stop the water flow.

They also work differently to the other more traditional sealing washer types outlined above. In a tap that uses ceramic tap washers, a pair of close-fitting slotted ceramic discs replace the more standard nylon, rubber or fibre washer. One of the two ceramic discs is fixed in place, while the other can rotate through 90 degrees (hence quarter-turn).

When the tap is in the ‘on’ position, the openings in the washers are aligned, allowing water to flow through both discs and out through the spout. When the tap is shut off, one ceramic disc rotates so that the slots no longer align, and water is effectively blocked from passing through.

There are various advantages to this type of mechanism:

• Ceramic tap washers are hard-wearing and highly resistant to water erosion, meaning that they tend to last a long time
• They’re very low friction in operation, further contributing to both longevity and a smoother, easier tap action - hence being used more often on lever-style taps
• While they will eventually need replacing just like any other washer, ceramic discs are widely available, and there are relatively few different size options to choose between when it comes to ceramic tap washer spares

When it comes to selecting tap washers, the most important choice usually comes down to picking out the right size for your tap assembly. While many taps can cope with a range of washer types (with the exception of ceramic disc taps), one particular tap washer material will probably be best for your specific install location, tap type, and general style of use.

Tap Washer Choices by Size

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.

Depending on the tap type and the specifics of its assembly, you may need large tap washers, mudguard washers, small tap washers, or even mini versions. Commonly used washer sizes for various indoor or outdoor taps include:

• 1-inch tap washer
• 15mm tap washer
• 16mm tap washer
• 9mm tap washer
• 17mm tap washer
• 20mm tap washer
• 32mm tap washer
• 40mm tap washer

Similarly, it’s worth noting that many tap washers are also listed and sold by metric or ‘M’ size ratings (M3, M4, M8, M10, etc).

By far the easiest way to ensure you’re picking out the right washer size for your tap is to physically remove the old one and measure it. That way, when you decide to buy tap washers online, you’ll be able to sort products by the exact size you need with a single click.

Alternatively, if you are a professional or are working with multiple different types of tap, it can be more economical to simply buy a tap washer replacement kit. These come with a range of common washer sizes, so you’ll be covered for almost any replacement you need.

If you’re trying to make a decision between different types and sizes of commonly-used tap washer products - for example, rubber tap washers vs nylon or fibre - it can be helpful to compare tap washers directly. The table below should help with this, giving a general illustration of some typical uses for various different washer kinds and sizes.

Can I change a tap washer myself?

In most cases, the answer is yes. However, you will need access to a few common tools, plus to have a basic understanding of the role and function of a tap washer. You will also need to have familiarised yourself with the main parts of a tap assembly.

Fitting a new tap washer is not a particularly lengthy or complex fix. It will generally be a fairly hassle-free experience, provided you prepare the area properly, and learn the key steps to the job before you start. Important steps to take before tackling a tap washer replacement include:

• Blocking off the drain or plug hole (to prevent loss of any small components or fasteners)
• Shutting off the water supply to the tap you’re working on prior to any disassembly