Flat Vs Beveled Faucet Washers: Full Explanations

A leaky faucet can be an absolute nightmare to deal with. Sometimes, all you need is a replacement washer to fix the irritating drip of your faucet.

How do you pick the right washer? Should it be flat or slanted? Is there a difference between the two? Which is better: a rounded washer or a flat washer?

If you find yourself asking yourself these same questions, we’re here to help. Read on for a full explanation of flat and beveled washers.

What Is The Purpose Of A Beveled Washer?

Beveled washers, just like flat washers, are a relatively inexpensive option. They have a rounded top that looks like a dome. However, finding beveled washers can be much more complicated than their counterparts.

In most cases, flat washers are used on all faucets. Beveled washers are usually only used on faucets where the seat is damaged or worn beyond the stroke of the valve stem. In contrast to flat washers, the thickness of the washer covers this distance, allowing the faucet to continue to function.

This type of washer is usually found in faucets that are as old as ten years old, if not older. Flat washers are found in all newer faucets. This washer is designed with a certain slope that hopefully seals the water flow from the internal opening of the seat, rather than the flat raised edge of the seat.

Beveled washers can also be used for leveling purposes and gaskets.

What Is The Orientation Of The Beveled Gasket?

A beveled gasket is shaped like a cone with a flat side and a rounded side. The rounded side should point in the direction of the bolt it holds. Placing the washer in this way prevents the bolt from moving and is called the upward orientation.

Why Can’t I Use Flat Washers?

When it comes to fixing leaks in older faucets, flat washers usually don’t solve the problem. This is because corrosion can occur over time. Older faucets often have wear between the faucet and the hose or pipe.

Even if you can replace the washer with another washer identical to the first one, the leak may persist. Water can still leak through gaps in the pipe, so in these cases, you usually need a beveled washer. A tapered washer will help close the gap and prevent leaks.

However, in some cases, it may be necessary to replace the faucet because simply replacing the washer will not solve the leak.

Which Is Better, A Flat Faucet Or A Beveled Faucet?

Few manufacturers use beveled washers instead of flat washers in their new faucets. Since many new faucets have flat washers, this makes the answer to this question somewhat complicated.

A beveled washer in a faucet is usually only there because the faucet seat is worn or damaged beyond the stem travel. This is basically a last resort for older faucets that have been around for a decade or more.

Newer faucets have flat washers and usually do not have or need beveled washers until the faucet seat has worn out and the flat washer can no longer repair the faucet. So, a flat washer faucet is the better choice simply because it usually represents a newer faucet that has minor wear and tears.

What Is The Difference?

The main difference between flat washers and beveled washers is their shape. As the name implies, a flat washer is: flat on both sides and disc-shaped. A beveled washer has a flat surface and a tapered surface.

What Is The Size Of A Faucet Washer?

The size of faucet washers varies depending on the model and manufacturer. Many faucet washers are sold and listed in metric or “M” size grades, such as M3, M8 or M10.

Faucet washer sizes may include.

• 1″ faucet washer
• 9mm faucet washers
• 15mm faucet washers
• 16mm faucet washers
• 17mm faucet washer
• 20mm faucet washer
• 32mm faucet washer
• 40mm faucet washer

The sizes listed above do not include all possible sizes but are some of the more common sizes used in various faucets. Options vary depending on the manufacturer, the type of faucet, and the type of washer you need.

How Often Do Washers Need To Be Replaced?

While many people only replace the washers in their faucets when there is a problem, such as a leak, this is not the best course of action. To optimize the life of your faucet for optimal results, you should replace washers at least once every two years.

In some cases, the washer may need to be replaced more often, depending on the pressure and the type of washer.

Which Type Should I Choose For Replacement?

When it comes to replacing faucet washers, you need to determine which type of washer you need to do the replacement. If your faucet is new and has very little damage or corrosion, then a flat washer may do the trick.

If your faucet is older and you notice corrosion or damage, you may need to use a beveled washer. There are times when a flat washer won’t fix a leak, so if you notice this happening, try using a beveled washer and see if that fixes the leak.

What Types Of Washers Are Available?

The most common gasket material is rubber. They are the most affordable option and are the typical material used in many faucets. Some faucet washers may be silicone, Teflon or nylon, which last much longer than rubber washers. You can replace Teflon or nylon washers every four to five years.

In faucets, materials like rubber, silicone, and stainless steel are ideal because they resist rust.