Universal Faucet Parts You Should Keep Around

When it comes to home maintenance, few things are as deceptively complicated as faucets. One minute they’re working fine, and the next you’re dealing with leaks, drips, or inconsistent water pressure. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just someone who wants to be prepared for common household issues, having a small stockpile of universal faucet parts can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary trips to the hardware store.

In this post, we’ll walk through the essential faucet parts that are compatible with a wide range of models—and that you should absolutely keep around in your toolbox or utility drawer.

Why Keep Universal Faucet Parts at Home?

Before we dive into the parts themselves, let’s clarify why these components are so handy.

1. Quick Repairs: A dripping faucet can waste gallons of water a day. With the right part on hand, you can fix it in minutes.
2. Cost Savings: Simple faucet issues often don’t require a plumber. Replacing a washer or O-ring yourself can save you significant money.
3. Avoid Downtime: If your kitchen or bathroom faucet is out of commission, it can throw off your entire routine. Having replacement parts means faster fixes.
4. Standard Compatibility: Many modern faucet components are designed to be “universal,” fitting a wide variety of brands and models, making them perfect for emergency fixes.

1. Washers

Washers are one of the most common sources of faucet leaks. Over time, they wear down due to the constant pressure and friction in compression faucets.

Types to Keep:

• Flat rubber washers (for standard faucets)
• Cone-shaped washers (for specific older models)

Pro Tip: Keep an assortment kit with various sizes. They’re inexpensive and take up almost no space.

2. O-Rings

O-rings help seal the gaps between the spout and the base, and they’re essential for preventing leaks around the faucet body. They can also wear out or crack with age and mineral buildup.

Why They Matter:

• They prevent leaks from the handle or base of the faucet.
• Most O-rings are made from rubber or silicone and can fit various brands.

Keep a universal O-ring assortment kit in different diameters and thicknesses. They’re commonly used in cartridge faucets, pull-out spouts, and even shower diverters.

3. Cartridges

Faucet cartridges control water flow and temperature. Depending on your faucet type—single-handle or dual-handle—you may need different styles. Some are brand-specific, but many universal options are available that fit multiple models.

Universal Cartridges:

• Designed for single-handle faucets (kitchen and bathroom)
• Work with brands like Moen, Delta, and others
• Available in ceramic disc and compression styles

Having a spare universal cartridge is incredibly helpful when your faucet suddenly starts sticking or leaking.

4. Aerators

Aerators are the small mesh screens at the tip of the faucet. They mix air into the water stream, helping to reduce water usage while maintaining pressure. Over time, they can clog with sediment and hard water deposits.

Why You Should Keep Them:

• Easy to replace if water flow becomes uneven
• Inexpensive and compatible with most faucet threads
• Available in male and female threads—keep one of each just in case

Pro tip: Also keep a small aerator key or wrench, as these components can be hard to unscrew without one.

5. Faucet Handles and Screws

Faucet handles can wear out, crack, or loosen with time—especially in homes with children or frequent use. Universal handle kits include adapters for various faucet stems and are a lifesaver when an original handle breaks.

What to Have:

• Universal replacement handles (hot and cold indicators included)
• Handle screws and Allen wrenches for tightening
• Adapter kits for compatibility with different brands

Having an extra pair of handles on hand ensures your faucet remains functional and attractive, even if one breaks unexpectedly.

6. Spray Hose and Diverter Kit

For kitchen faucets with pull-out sprayers or side sprayers, the hose and diverter valve are common failure points. Hoses can develop leaks, and diverters can wear out or get clogged, disrupting water flow between the faucet and sprayer.

Universal Kits Include:

• Standard connection hoses (usually 1/2″ or 3/8″)
• Diverter valves compatible with most side-spray or pull-out faucets

Make sure to match your kit to your faucet type (center-set, single-hole, etc.) and consider keeping plumber’s tape for sealing threads.

7. Mounting Hardware

Mounting nuts, washers, and brackets are essential when securing the faucet to the sink or countertop. They can corrode or become damaged during removal.

Why Keep Them:

• Universal mounting hardware fits most standard sink holes
• Often includes rubber gaskets and lock nuts

If you’re doing any faucet removal or upgrade, having this hardware on hand can make the process go much more smoothly.

8. Sealant and Plumber’s Tape

While not a “part” in the traditional sense, Teflon (plumber’s) tape and faucet-safe sealants are crucial for leak prevention. Use them on threaded connections to ensure a watertight seal.

Tip: Store it in a dry place to prevent degradation over time.

Bonus: Faucet Repair Kit

If you want to be really prepared, invest in a universal faucet repair kit. These kits typically include:

• O-rings
• Washers
• Screws
• Seat springs
• Allen wrenches

They’re compact, affordable, and designed to fit the most common repair needs for both single- and double-handle faucets.

Final Thoughts

When a faucet fails, it often does so at the most inconvenient time. Whether it’s a leaky spout right before guests arrive or a loose handle when you’re already running late, having universal faucet parts on hand can be a real lifesaver.

The best part? Most of these parts are inexpensive, take up little space, and have long shelf lives. By keeping an assortment of washers, O-rings, cartridges, aerators, and other small but vital components around, you equip yourself to handle 90% of common faucet problems quickly and effectively—without calling in a plumber.

A small investment today could save you hours of hassle and hundreds of dollars down the line. So next time you’re organizing your home repair kit, make sure your faucet toolbox is just as well stocked.