Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Dripping Tap

A single dripping tap can waste a surprising amount of water over the course of a year — and it quietly adds to your water bill the whole time. The good news is that most tap leaks are caused by worn internal parts that cost very little to replace, and the repair itself is something most homeowners can tackle in under an hour with basic tools.

What You'll Need

  • Adjustable spanner or basin wrench
  • Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Replacement washers, O-rings, or ceramic cartridge (depending on tap type)
  • Plumber's grease
  • Old towel or cloth
  • A bowl or bucket

Step 1: Identify Your Tap Type

Before you buy any parts, you need to know what kind of tap you're dealing with, as the internal mechanism differs:

  • Traditional compression taps — Have separate hot and cold handles that you physically tighten to stop the flow. These use rubber washers.
  • Ceramic disc taps — Quarter-turn taps with a ceramic cartridge inside. Very common in modern homes.
  • Ball taps — Single-handle taps with a ball mechanism inside, common on kitchen mixers.
  • Cartridge taps — Single or double handle; uses a replaceable cartridge.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

This is critical. Locate the isolation valve on the pipe directly below the tap (a flat-head screw you turn 90 degrees) or, if there isn't one, turn off the water at the main stopcock. Turn the tap on to release any remaining pressure and water in the pipes. Place your towel under the sink to catch drips.

Step 3: Disassemble the Tap

  1. Remove the decorative cap on top of the handle (usually pops off with a flat-head screwdriver)
  2. Unscrew the handle screw underneath and lift the handle off
  3. You'll see the tap body — use your spanner to unscrew the packing nut
  4. Lift out the stem or cartridge

Take a photo at each stage on your phone — it makes reassembly much easier.

Step 4: Replace the Worn Part

For Compression Taps

At the bottom of the stem you'll find a rubber washer held by a brass screw. Remove the old washer and replace it with an identical one. If the washer looks fine but there's still a leak, the problem may be the O-ring around the stem — replace that too.

For Ceramic Disc Taps

Remove the ceramic cartridge and inspect it. If it's cracked or gritty, replace the whole cartridge. Take the old one to a plumbers' merchant to match it exactly. Clean the cartridge seat before installing the new one.

For Cartridge Taps

Pull out the cartridge — it usually lifts straight out or is held by a single clip. Replace with an identical cartridge, ensuring it's oriented correctly (they're usually directional).

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

  1. Apply a small amount of plumber's grease to any O-rings or rubber parts before reassembling
  2. Reassemble in reverse order, being careful not to overtighten the packing nut
  3. Slowly turn the water supply back on and test for leaks
  4. If the tap still drips, double-check that the washer or cartridge is seated correctly

When to Call a Plumber

Most tap repairs are genuinely DIY-friendly. However, call a professional if:

  • The tap seat (the metal surface the washer presses against) is visibly damaged or pitted
  • There's corrosion or lime scale buildup that prevents reassembly
  • The leak is coming from the base of the tap or from the supply pipe itself
  • You're unsure about the tap type or can't find matching parts

A straightforward tap repair shouldn't take a plumber more than 30 minutes — so if you do need professional help, the call-out cost is usually the main expense.