Your kitchen faucet has started to leak. You head to the big box home improvement store for replacement parts. You plan to fix it yourself because, in your mind, it cannot be hard. But then a store employee asks whether you need washers or a cartridge? Do you know the difference?
Washers and cartridges represent two different technologies. They also represent two different ways to stop flowing water. Both are easy enough to replace should they start leaking. But if you buy washers for a faucet that uses a cartridge, you are out of luck. Likewise for purchasing a cartridge when your faucet needs washers.
Washers and Compression Faucets
Faucets that utilize washers are known as compression faucets. They are so named because they rely on compression to create a watertight seal between a washer and valve seat.
The washer itself is a small, circular piece of rubber with a hole in the middle. It slides over the valve stem. As you turn the handle of the faucet counterclockwise, you create space between the washer and valve seal. Water can freely flow. Turn the handle clockwise and the opposite happens. Water flow stops as the washer is pressed against the valve seat.
The experts at Salt Lake City’s Beehive Plumbing say washer replacement is a simple and cheap plumbing repair. Washers are pretty inexpensive, and with a good set of hand tools, they can be replaced by anyone with moderate DIY skills.
Beehive also says that washers wear out over time. Homeowners can expect 3-5 years of reliable service before a washer needs to be replaced.
Cartridges and Washerless Faucets
Compression faucets are considered old technology. You can still find them at home improvement stores and department stores, but modern faucets are washerless. Manufactures dispense with washers in favor of cartridges.
A cartridge is typically a ceramic or plastic cylinder that sits inside the stem of the faucet. Several O-rings seated just below the cartridge allow water to flow through. When the cartridge is firmly seated in place, water cannot flow. But lift and rotate the cartridge and water can move freely through the faucet.
If your faucet has a single handle that you lift and turn to control water pressure and temperature, it is a washerless faucet. Even so, it could start leaking due to a worn-out cartridge. Cartridges are more durable and last longer than washers, but they are not indestructible. They do eventually wear out.
Fortunately, cartridges are just as easy to replace. All you need is a basic set of hand tools and a little knowledge. Just loosen a few screws to disassemble the top of the unit and you can easily pull the old cartridge up and out. Then insert the new one and put everything back together.
A Plumber Can Do the Work
Washer and cartridge repairs are typically DIY tasks. They are simple enough for most homeowners to handle on their own. But if you lack the skills or ability to do it yourself, a plumber can certainly handle the job.
To an experienced plumber, replacing washers and cartridges is an entry level skill. It only takes a few minutes. A plumber would be in and out pretty quickly unless he discovered other problems.
Water flow in your kitchen faucet is controlled either by washers or a cartridge. If your faucet is leaking, it’s quite likely that a washer or cartridge has worn out. Not a big deal. Replacing washers and cartridges is one of the easiest DIY plumbing repairs ever. You just need to know which technology you are working with.
