How To Fix A Dripping Tap
How To Fix A Dripping Tap
Fixing a dripping tap is usually a simple task that you can do yourself by replacing a worn-out internal washer or a faulty ceramic disc cartridge. While a small drip might seem like a minor problem, it can become a major one if you ignore it. Over time you can end up wasting thousands of litres of water per year.
So if you can fix it quickly, you’ll be able to reduce your water bill and avoid long-term damage to your home.
Most common household taps can be restored using basic tools like an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver, along with inexpensive replacement parts from your local DIY store.
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Key takeaways
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Identify & prep: Identify your tap type (compression or ceramic disc), turn off the water supply, and protect the basin.
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Disassemble & fix: Remove the handle, unscrew the internal valve, and replace the worn rubber washer or faulty ceramic cartridge.
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Troubleshoot: If the leak persists, the internal metal valve seat is likely corroded, requiring a specialised tool or full replacement.
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Prevent future drips: Protect the new seals by cleaning limescale regularly and avoiding excessive force when closing the tap.
What causes a tap to drip?
A dripping tap wastes water and ruins valves. Fix it fast by identifying the internal part that has failed.
Common causes:
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Traditional compression taps: Worn rubber washer.
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Modern mixer taps: Cracked or scratched ceramic disc cartridge.
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Spout base leaks: Degraded O-rings.
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Other issues: Loose packing nuts, structural corrosion, or heavy limescale.
The fix:
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Worn washer: Replace with a new, matching rubber washer.
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Faulty cartridge: Swap out for a model-specific replacement.
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Limescale build-up: Remove the part and soak in vinegar.
Tools and equipment you will need
What you'll need:
Tools:
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Bucket or container.
Materials:
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Replacement rubber tap washers.
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Model-specific ceramic disc cartridge (if required).
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Replacement O-rings.
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Cleaning cloth or towel.
How to identify your tap type
You can use our kitchen taps guide to help identify your tap type before starting the repair. Different designs use different internal parts.
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Compression taps: Traditional taps requiring several turns to turn the water fully on or off. Uses internal rubber washers.
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Ceramic disc taps: Modern taps that turn fully on with a quarter or half turn. Uses durable ceramic cartridges.
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Mixer taps: Combines hot and cold water through a single spout. Controlled by two separate handles or a single lever.
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Monobloc taps: A single-unit mixer tap that fits into one basin hole. Usually controlled by one lever.
How to fix a dripping tap: Step-by-step
The following steps will help you to safely and simply fix a dripping tap.
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Isolate the water supply before starting. Locate the isolation valves on the pipework beneath the sink. Turn the valve slots clockwise using a slotted screwdriver, or turn the levers by hand. If there are no local valves, shut off the mains stopcock. Open the tap fully to drain residual water and release system pressure. Insert the basin plug to prevent small components falling down the waste pipe.
Step 2: Plug the sink and protect the area
Lay a dry towel inside the basin and over the surrounding worktop. It cushions dropped parts, protects the ceramic or steel surface, and catches any drips during disassembly.
Step 3: Remove the tap handle
Locate the hidden screw holding the handle in place. This is usually hidden behind a small decorative "H" or "C" cap or underneath a small rubber plug on the back of the lever. Pry off the cap with a flathead screwdriver or loosen the tiny grub screw with an allen key, then pull the handle straight off.
Step 4: Unscrew the valve stem or cartridge
Hold the tap spout firmly with one hand to protect the pipework beneath the basin from twisting. Use an adjustable wrench to grip the hexagonal metal nut on the internal valve mechanism. Turn it anticlockwise until the entire cartridge or stem lifts out.
Step 5: Replace the worn-out seal
Identify your internal mechanism:
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Compression tap – Remove the small screw or nut at the bottom of the brass valve stem, pop off the old rubber washer, and replace it with a fresh, matching washer.
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Ceramic disc tap – Slide out the entire old ceramic cartridge and drop a brand-new matching cartridge into its place.
Step 6: Reassemble and test the tap
Clear out any loose limescale from inside the tap body. Screw the valve stem or cartridge back in and tighten it with your wrench. Reattach the handle and tighten its screw. Finally, turn your water supply back on slowly to clear out any air pockets and test your handiwork.
What if the tap is still dripping?
If you’ve gone through the process and the tap is still dripping, it’s likely that the valve seat is corroded or cracked.
That stops the washer from seating properly. You'll need a seat-grinding tool or a full fixture replacement for a permanent fix.
In the meantime, two temporary workarounds:
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Tie string around the spout so water trickles down it silently instead of dripping.
- Wrap PTFE tape tightly around the internal valve threads to reduce flow.
Neither will solve the problem long-term. Get the seat replaced or the fixture swapped out as soon as possible.
How to prevent a tap from dripping again
The following tips can help prevent your taps from dripping:
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Avoid using excessive force – Never crank handles shut tightly; over-tightening crushes rubber washers and deforms ceramic discs, causing fast failure.
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Remove limescale build-up – Clean your taps regularly with a mild vinegar solution to dissolve mineral deposits that scratch internal seals.
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Check seals regularly – Inspect the handles and spouts every few months for dampness, and replace worn parts promptly before they fail completely.
- Monitor for early signs – Watch for stiff handles or a delayed shut-off, as catching these signs early makes repairs much easier.
Our bathroom taps guide can help you make the right decision for your bathroom.