Plumbing washers are essential water seal washers that create tight, leak-free connections throughout your home, from kitchen and bathroom faucets to garden hose hookups and supply line fittings. When a washer wears out, even a slow drip can waste water and cause bigger problems down the line. Finding the right replacement fast is what good faucet and faucet repair starts with, and it starts at Ace Hardware.
Types of Plumbing Washers
Not all plumbing washers are the same. Here's a look at the most common types and what each one is best suited for.
Rubber Washers & Rubber Faucet Washers
Rubber washers are the most widely used plumbing washers in the home. Made from flexible materials like EPDM, neoprene or silicone, rubber faucet washers form a tight seal inside compression-style faucets to stop drips at the source.
- EPDM works well for hot water lines
- Neoprene handles exposure to oils and solvents
- Silicone performs best in high-heat applications
Hose Washers
Hose washers are flat rubber or plastic gaskets that fit inside hose fittings to prevent leaks at the connection point. Over time they crack, flatten or degrade, making them one of the most commonly replaced plumbing parts in the home. Swapping a worn hose washer takes just minutes and requires no special tools.
Nylon Plumbing Washers
Nylon plumbing washers offer a durable, corrosion-resistant alternative to rubber in applications where chemical exposure or higher pressure is a factor. Lightweight and chemically stable, nylon resists rust and won't degrade the way some rubber compounds can over time, making them a reliable choice for supply line connections and fittings.
Washer Gaskets
Washer gaskets provide a sealing layer between two plumbing surfaces, helping prevent leaks in threaded connections, flanged joints and fittings. They work alongside components like faucet seats to maintain a complete, watertight seal within a faucet assembly. Rubber, nylon and fiber options are available depending on the application.
Washer Repair Parts & Faucet Washer Kits
Having the right parts on hand saves time and an extra trip. Faucet washer kits and washer assortments give you a range of sizes and materials in one convenient package. Most kits include assorted rubber faucet washers, replacement O-rings, washer gaskets and nuts and bolts for retaining hardware, so you're ready for the most common repairs without guessing which size you need.
Pair your washer kit with faucet aerators and other repair essentials to handle the full job in one trip. Browse our full range of plumbing supplies to find everything you need.
How to Choose the Right Plumbing Washer
Picking the right washer comes down to a few simple factors. Here's what to keep in mind before you buy:
- Match material to application: Use rubber for most faucet and hose repairs and nylon for connections exposed to chemicals or higher pressure.
- Size your washer correctly: Bring the old washer to the store or measure its inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness before purchasing.
- Stock up with an assortment:If you handle your own repairs, a washer assortment means you'll have the right size ready when you need it.
- Confirm your fitting type:Hose washers, flat washers and washer gaskets are not interchangeable, so check your connection type before buying.
Shop Plumbing Washers Near You at Ace Hardware
Ace has the plumbing washers you need, whether you're shopping online or stopping in at your local Ace. Browse our full selection online with free in-store pickup and fast shipping available, or visit us in store where our helpful staff can match you with the right washer repair parts for your project. Either way, we'll help make it easier.
