How to Fix a Dripping Tap in 5 Steps
A dripping tap isn’t just annoying—it wastes a surprising amount of water. The good news is that for most standard taps, the fix is cheap and simple.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, ensure you have the basic tools every UK home needs.
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver (usually Phillips head)
- Replacement washer/O-ring kit
Before You Start
Always turn off the water supply to the tap! Look for an isolation valve under the sink or turn off the mains water. If the valve fails or breaks, you may need to know about emergency plumbing costs.
The Process
- Remove the handle cap: Most taps have a small cap (often with ‘H’ or ‘C’) that pops off to reveal a screw.
- Unscrew the handle: Remove the screw and pull off the handle.
- Remove the cover: You might need to unscrew a decorative cover to see the valve.
- Replace the washer: Undo the nut holding the valve, remove the old washer, and fit the new one.
- Reassemble: Put everything back together in reverse order.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make With This Issue
Over-tightening the Tap
Cranking the handle or the valve nut too tight can damage the ceramic disc, strip the threads, or crack the washer, causing the leak to persist or worsen.
Forgetting the Isolation Valve
Attempting to dismantle a tap without fully shutting off the water supply leads to immediate flooding. Always double-check the flow has stopped before unscrewing anything.
Using the Wrong Washer Size
Washers come in various sizes and thicknesses. Installing one that is slightly too small or too thin won’t create a watertight seal.
Ignoring a Damaged Seat
If the brass seat inside the tap is pitted or rough, a new washer will get chewed up quickly. You may need a reseating tool to smooth it out.
When to Fix It Yourself vs When to Call a Professional
Many minor plumbing issues, like replacing a worn washer in a dripping tap, are perfect entry-level DIY projects. If you have the right tools, the leak is contained to a single fixture, and you feel confident shutting off the local water supply, tackling this yourself can save money and build valuable skills. Simple tasks that don’t involve altering pipework or gas lines are generally safe for homeowners to attempt.
However, knowing your limits is crucial. You should call a professional plumber if the tap is rusted shut, if you can’t locate or turn off the isolation valve, or if the leak seems to be coming from the pipework inside the wall rather than the tap itself. Additionally, if you start the repair and find corroded parts or stripped threads, it’s safer to stop and get expert help to avoid causing accidental water damage to your home. If you’re concerned about professional costs, you can check our guide on plumber costs in the UK. If you are planning a larger renovation involving wiring, you can also read about electrician costs.
Further Reading
If your plumbing issues go beyond a simple drip, you might need to check your pipes for other leaks.
You may also find our guide on Silencing Squeaky Doors helpful if you’re doing a full home maintenance day.
For more plumbing tutorials and video guides, check out our full Plumbing Basics category.