In any commercial kitchen, functional and reliable equipment is essential for smooth operations. One common issue faced is a leaking faucet, often caused by a worn-out washer. This issue can disrupt kitchen activities, causing unnecessary water wastage. Fortunately, replacing a commercial kitchen faucet washer is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that can be done with a few basic tools. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to replace the washer and restore your faucet’s performance quickly and efficiently.
Steps Guide to Replacing a Commercial Kitchen Faucet Washer
Replacing the washer in a commercial kitchen faucet is a simple process, but attention to detail is essential to avoid making mistakes. The following detailed instructions will help ensure a successful and seamless repair.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before beginning any repairs, shut off the water. To cut off the water flow, find the shutoff valves under the sink or along the water line and turn them clockwise. After that, switch on the faucet to relieve any last traces of water pressure.
Step 2: Identify the Type of Faucet
There are various types of faucets used in commercial kitchens, but the most common are compression, cartridge, and ball faucets. Understanding your faucet type will help you know exactly how to proceed with the washer replacement.
- Commercial kitchens often have compression faucets. When the faucet is shut off, they create a seal using a rubber washer.
- Cartridge Faucets: These faucets rely on a cartridge instead of a washer and may require a different repair process.
- Ball Faucets: These use a ball-and-spring mechanism and are most commonly found in single-handle faucets.
For this guide, we’ll focus on compression faucets, as they are the most likely to require washer replacements.
Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handle
The faucet handle must be taken off to reach the faucet’s parts. First, find the screws holding the handle in place. While some faucet handles have visible screws, others could be concealed by a stylish cap or cover.
Remove the screws with a screwdriver. After removing the screws, remove the handle from the stem of the faucet. Use pliers to carefully free the handle if it’s stuck, being cautious not to harm the handle or other parts.
Step 4: Remove the Faucet Stem
After removing the handle, you must reach the faucet stem. The stem is responsible for controlling the water flow, and it typically contains the washer you’ll be replacing.
The packing or retention nut holding the stem in place can be loosened with an adjustable wrench. After removing the nut, pull the stem out of the faucet body. Pay attention to any washers, springs, or other small components that may fall out when you remove the stem.
Step 5: Replace the Washer
With the faucet stem removed, the washer should now be visible at the base of the stem. Usually, a screw or a clip holds the washer in place. Carefully remove the old washer using your screwdriver or pliers, depending on how it’s secured.
To get an exact match, take the old washer to a hardware store after it has been removed. Ensure that the replacement washer matches the size, shape, and material of the original to prevent future issues.
Make sure the new washer is seated firmly on the faucet stem. If required, reassemble using plumber’s tape to ensure a tight seal.
Step 6: Reassemble the Faucet
It’s time to put the faucet back together after installing the new washer. First, replace the faucet stem with the faucet body with care. To ensure an airtight seal, make sure the washer and faucet seat are correctly aligned.
Next, tighten the packing nut or retaining nut around the stem. To avoid damaging the components, take care not to overtighten. Once the stem is securely in place, reattach the faucet handle by aligning it with the stem and screwing it back into place.
Step 7: Turn On the Water Supply and Test the Faucet
Open the shutoff valves and turn the water supply back on. To check for leaks, turn on the faucet slowly. If there are no drips, the repair is complete. Let the water run to ensure the faucet is functioning properly.
Replacing a commercial kitchen faucet washer is one of the easiest and most effective repairs that can be done to ensure that the kitchen runs smoothly and does not waste water. This article will guide you on how to repair a faucet and prevent expensive repairs in the future. To prevent malfunctions, keep your kitchen appliances in good operating order with regular maintenance and replacements.
Written by Allen Rode for PartsFeCa, your trusted source for a variety of high-quality commercial restaurant equipment, including sink parts, and oven parts.
