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Tap Washer Valves

Bath tap washers, replacement tap washers, washer valves and internal valves for bathroom, basin and shower taps. The washer or valve inside your tap controls water flow and takes the full force of every turn. When the tap drips, stiffens or won't shut off cleanly, it's this part that's gone. We stock Armitage Shanks, Bristan and Silverdale parts alongside generic sizes and trade packs.

Bath and Bathroom Tap Washers and Washer Valves: When to Replace Them

What fails, what it looks like, and which tap types are covered here.

A dripping tap is almost always a washer or valve seat problem. On traditional pillar taps, the rubber washer sits on a jumper and presses against the valve seat to stop the flow. It hardens over time, splits, or wears unevenly, and the tap starts dripping despite being fully closed. On more modern pillar taps, the whole internal headwork is replaced as a single washer valve unit rather than just the rubber washer. Armitage Shanks, Bristan and Silverdale models in this range use this approach. Both bath and basin taps are covered here, in hot and cold configurations. If your tap takes a cartridge rather than a washer mechanism, the mixer tap cartridges section covers those.

Types of Tap Washer Valve: Which One Does Your Tap Take?

The main washer and valve types, what distinguishes them, and how to identify which yours needs.

Traditional pillar taps take a rubber jumper washer, a flat disc that presses onto the valve seat. When it wears, you replace the washer only, not the whole headwork. Washer valve units are the complete internal mechanism: stem, washer and body in one piece. You unscrew the headwork and drop in the replacement unit. Soft-close or non-concussive valves close automatically after the handle is released, common in commercial and healthcare settings. Sizes run to half inch and three quarter inch, determined by the tap body thread. If you are not sure which type your tap takes, email us a photo.

Tap Washer, Washer Valve, Tap Seal: Which Term Describes Your Part?

The same fault sends customers searching under several different names - this table maps them all.

Term	What It Is
Tap Washer	The small rubber disc that sits at the base of the tap headwork and presses against the valve seat to stop water flow. Sold individually. Standard UK sizes are half inch and three quarter inch. Fits traditional pillar taps with a jumper-style headwork.
Washer Valve	The complete internal headwork assembly including stem, body and washer as a single replaceable unit. Used in modern pillar taps where the whole mechanism is replaced rather than just the rubber washer disc. Armitage Shanks and Bristan models typically use this type.
Internal Valve	Trade term for the full headwork unit inside a pillar tap, used interchangeably with washer valve. If your parts list or plumber refers to an internal valve, this is the category. Same product, different terminology depending on brand documentation.
Soft-Close Valve	A washer valve designed to close slowly under spring or hydraulic resistance, preventing water hammer. Also called non-concussive. Common in commercial bathrooms, schools and healthcare settings. Armitage Shanks Avon models in this range use this mechanism.
Tap Seal / Tap Gasket	Alternative names customers use when searching for a tap washer. Functionally the same part in most cases. If your tap is leaking from the spout when closed, a tap seal or gasket search will usually lead here. The rubber washer is the sealing component.
Cartridge Washer	A search term used by customers with cartridge-type mixer taps who are unsure of the correct terminology. Mixer and shower taps do not use rubber washers - they use ceramic disc cartridges. For those, see our Mixer Tap Cartridges category.

Questions About Tap Washers and Washer Valves

Identification, sizing and fitting questions for bath, basin and shower tap washers.

How do I know if my tap washer needs replacing?

The clearest sign is a tap that drips steadily from the spout when fully closed. On a pillar tap, this almost always means the rubber washer has hardened or split. A tap that is increasingly stiff to turn but still drips is usually a worn washer valve unit where the internal mechanism has deteriorated. If the drip started gradually and has worsened over months, it is the washer. If the tap suddenly stopped closing properly, check the headwork for debris or a broken washer seat.

What size tap washer do I need?

Most UK bathroom and kitchen taps take a half inch tap washer. Bath taps typically take a three quarter inch washer. The size refers to the tap body thread, not the washer disc diameter. If replacing just the rubber washer, pull the old one out and match the diameter. If replacing a full washer valve unit, check the tap model or remove the existing headwork and measure the thread. When in doubt, email us a photo of the headwork alongside a coin for scale.

What is the difference between a tap washer and a washer valve?

A tap washer is the small rubber disc that sits at the base of the tap headwork and presses against the valve seat to stop water flow. A washer valve is the complete internal headwork assembly: stem, body and washer together as one replaceable unit. On older taps you replace just the rubber washer. On most modern pillar taps the whole washer valve unit is designed to be swapped out in one go. Both types are stocked here across bath and basin sizes.

Do mixer taps take the same washer as pillar taps?

No. Most modern mixer taps use a ceramic disc cartridge rather than a rubber washer mechanism. If your mixer tap is dripping or stiff, it almost certainly needs a cartridge replacement, not a tap washer. Cartridge-style mixer taps have a single lever or pair of ceramic disc heads rather than the traditional round-head pillar tap style. If you are unsure which mechanism your tap uses, remove one head and look inside. A rubber washer on a jumper means a washer tap. A ceramic disc means a cartridge tap.

Can I replace a tap washer myself?

Yes, replacing a rubber tap washer is a straightforward job. Turn off the water at the isolation valve, open the tap to release pressure, unscrew the headwork, prise out the old washer and fit the new one. Replacing a full washer valve unit follows the same process but you swap the entire headwork. If the valve seat inside the tap body is pitted or damaged, the new washer will not seal. A valve seat dresser tool can re-face it before fitting the new part.

Not sure which tap washer or valve fits your tap?

Send us a photo of your tap and the existing washer or headwork. We will identify the correct replacement before you order.

Email Us For Help

Or email us directly at sales@bathroomspareparts.co.uk

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