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washers

A washer is a thin plate (typically disk-shaped, but sometimes square) with a hole (typically in the middle) that is normally used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or nut. Other uses are as a spacer, spring (Belleville washer, wave washer), wear pad, preload indicating device, locking device, and to reduce vibration (rubber washer).
Washers are usually metal or plastic. High-quality bolted joints require hardened steel washers to prevent the loss of pre-load due to brinelling after the torque is applied. Washers are also important for preventing galvanic corrosion, particularly by insulating steel screws from aluminium surfaces. They may also be used in rotating applications, as a bearing. A thrust washer is used when a rolling element bearing is not needed either from a cost-performance perspective or due to space restraints. Coatings can be used to reduce wear and friction, either by hardening the surface or by providing a solid lubricant (i.e. a self-lubricating surface).
The origin of the word is unknown; the first recorded use of the word was in 1346, however, the first time its definition was recorded was in 1611.Rubber or fiber gaskets used in taps (or faucets, or valves) as seal against water leaks are sometimes referred to colloquially as washers; but, while they may look similar, washers and gaskets are usually designed for different functions and made differently.

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  1. T

    Belfast sink waste kit only has a single washer

    Hello, I'm installing my first Belfast/butler kitchen sink. It came with the waste and stainless steel drain. To my surprise the kit only has one washer in which the instructions clearly state that it should be placed underneath the sink. My question is, shouldn't there be a washer between the...
  2. M

    URGENT Ideal esprit 30 washers or no washers?

    Hello, firstly I’m not a plumber! But I have just ripped out an ideal esprit 30 boiler from a house completely and safely isolated from any gas or water. I’ve undone all the joints underneath the boiler and found only the cold water inlet to have a washer. Is this correct? Or, have I dropped...
  3. L

    Gasqet.com washers? Anyone used them?

    I've found this website called gasqet.com. They make 3D printed washers made out of a different plastic that is higher spec apparently, so it's a lot stronger, and recyclable (though why you'd want to, I have no idea). But they are the same price as normal washers. Has anyone tried them out...
  4. E

    Bristan separate hot/cold Kitchen Pillar Tap Washers

    hi as our separate hot tap is dripping contacted Bristan to ask what washer to get as heard that depending on date bought, washers either rubber or fibre. Bristan said that they do not supply individual washers but only complete valve assemblies. sure that I have seen Bristan washers on the...
  5. S

    How to drain two washers

    Hi, New here. I have plumbed before but never ran into this situation. I would like to add a second washing machine in our laundry room. Currently, the washing machine drains into a 2" standpipe, which then leads to a 2" drain line and finally to a 2" sewer stack (a secondary stack, not the...
  6. C

    Bathroom basin tap, no screws - help!

    Hello people. I have a leaky/dripping hot bathroom basin tap and loathe to waste a plumber’s time bringing them out to change a washer, so I’m keen to sort myself. I looked up a few guides online and was ready to go! However my basin tap has no screws, no cap to pop off, etc. to get at the...
  7. R

    Water pouring out cold tap, washers fine but bottom of tap head gear loose

    Hello, Last night my cold tap would not stop, it was pouring out and the tap was just going around and round. I switched off the water at the stopcock and opened the tap up to see if the washers were gone. The washers seem perfectly smooth and the tap is only about two years old, I tried to...
  8. M

    Worcester Bosch bonded washers??

    hi guys. Can anyone explain why Worcester use bonded washers on there gas connections rather than a normal fibre???
  9. M

    Fibre washers and soldering?

    Just curious to know how many of you guys are happy to solder whilst a fibre washer is in place? Or do you remove the washer first? Obviously I’m on about soldering quite closely to the fitting with fibre washer not like 4 metres away.
  10. V

    Flex tap connector washers

    All flexible tap connectors I have seen with 1/2 inch ends have rubber washers yet the Toolstation and Screwfix catalogues lists flex tap connector washers as fibre washers, does anybody know why this is?
  11. A

    Bath/shower diverter washers

    Hi does anyone know where the best place to find a selection of diverter washers/seals for Bath shower mixers? Been asked to repair one, it's old and really needs replacing but the taps are fine it's just the diverter seal has perished. It's a horrible tap change and would be the difference...
  12. S

    How do I access the washers on this bath tap please

    Advice appreciated. See photo. I cannot find any way to access the washers. Thee covers do not seem to be removable. There are no screws t be seen. D
  13. W

    1/2" and 3/4" rubber tap conn washers

    Hi all, does anyone know where I can source big packs of these as the fibre washers that I normally purchased from suppliers are undersized. I used a seal from a John guest tap connecter and this worked perfect. Any ideas? Ta
  14. B

    Fibre washers

    Hello everyone, I found this site whilst spending my third day trawling the internet looking for a simple thing such as fibre washers. Or.... simple so I thought. I have been unable to find the sizes I require or anybody that can help. I bought a lovely set of Barber Wilson Bath/shower mixer...
  15. DiamondHead

    Leaking Pipe Syndrome

    Hi. The original ceramic washer on the pipe beneath the taps behind the sink bowl broke a few years ago. Actually it cracked when I tried to undo the nut because there was a leak. A flood ensued of course. It was replaced using a red washer which I assume is made from hard rubber. That broke...
  16. B

    Levelling floor-standing radiators on floors that aren't level!

    We're having 12, floor standing, traditional cast iron radiators installed... on floors that aren't perfectly level. What would you suggest using to pack under the legs to make them level? They will be installed on a combination of wood, tiled and carpeted floors. I was considering using...
  17. M

    rubbers washers in flexi tap connectors

    Are the rubbers washers in flexi tap connectors, usually ok at re-sealing after swapping a tap or toilet fill valve?
  18. M

    Donut washers

    What donut washers do you guys find best. Also are there bigger ones available for the old 2 1/4 inch cistern holes?
  19. A

    Sealing Washer Help

    Hello all, I'm looking for a nylon sealing washer. It measures 11mm inner diamteter, 1.4mm in thickness. Does anybody know where I can get hold of one of these? I just can't find it.
  20. W

    Identifcation of washers for Drainage sink

    I'm not a plumber and need to save a bit of money. Wondering if someone could help me identify the parts I need and where I can get them online. After deciding to clear the undersink cupboard it appears we have a slight leak coming from drainer part of the sink, the water slightly leaks from...
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