4055980041 Genuine Electrolux 1/2 Inch Rubber Washer, Sold Loose, Universal Sealing Washer for Threaded Water Connections

Part 4055980041 is a genuine Electrolux 1/2 inch rubber washer, supplied loose rather than in a retail pack. It sits inside a threaded fitting and squeezes against the joint so water can't get past. It's a tiny part, but a hardened or missing washer is one of the most common reasons for a drip at a hose or valve connection.

Why a dripping water connection usually means a tired washer

Rubber washers don't last forever. Heat, mains water and constant pressure slowly harden the rubber until it flattens, cracks or loses its spring. At that point the joint weeps even when the fitting feels tight, and a slow drip behind or under an appliance can do real damage to flooring and cabinets before anyone notices. Over-tightening a fitting can also split or squash a washer out of shape. Any time a water connection is undone, fitting a fresh washer is cheap insurance against a leak.

Part details

• Genuine Electrolux part number 4055980041
• 1/2 inch rubber washer
• Supplied loose, unpacked

Swapping the washer

Turn off the water at the tap and switch the appliance off at the wall. Undo the fitting with a towel underneath to catch any water. Pick out the old washer and check the new one is the same size. Seat it flat inside the fitting, tighten the connection firmly by hand and then just a little more. Turn the water on slowly and watch the joint for drips.

Questions about this part

How do I know a 1/2 inch washer is the size I need?

Compare it with the old washer or the fitting it sits in. A 1/2 inch washer suits 1/2 inch threaded fittings, which are smaller than the 3/4 inch fittings on a standard washing machine tap. If the old washer is clearly bigger, you need a different size.