How to Fix a Leaking Tap: A UK Homeowner's Guide

That constant drip, drip, drip is more than just an irritating sound. It’s a sign that one of your tap's internal parts has failed. Before reaching for a wrench, figuring out why it's leaking is the secret to a quick fix.

Most leaks come down to a worn-out component, whether it's a simple rubber washer in an older tap or a modern cartridge in a mixer.

Diagnosing Your Dripping Tap

Before you can tackle the repair, you need to do a bit of detective work. The location of the leak is your biggest clue, as it points you directly to the part that’s failed. A relentless drip from the end of the spout usually signals a problem with the main mechanism controlling water flow. On the other hand, if you see water pooling around the tap's base, the problem is likely with the seals inside the tap's body.

Pinpointing the Leak's Origin

To get started, dry the entire tap completely and watch where the water first reappears.

• Drip from the Spout: This is the classic leaky tap. On older compression taps, a worn-out washer is almost always to blame. For modern mixer or ceramic disc taps, you're likely looking at a faulty internal cartridge.

• Leak from the Tap Base: A puddle forming around the bottom of the tap means the O-rings have probably failed. These rubber rings create a seal at the base of the spout and simply degrade over time.

• Water Around the Handle: A leak from under the handle often points to a worn-out seal or O-ring within the handle mechanism itself.

Understanding Common Tap Types

The type of tap you have will determine which parts are likely causing the leak.

Compression (Washer) Taps
These are traditional taps with separate hot and cold handles. The number one cause of failure here is a worn rubber washer at the base of the valve. Years of being squashed to stop the water eventually causes the washer to perish.

Pro Tip: Limescale dramatically speeds up how quickly washers wear out by creating a rough, uneven surface that chews through the soft rubber.

Ceramic Disc and Cartridge Taps
Found in most modern kitchens and bathrooms, these are typically mixer taps with a single lever. Instead of washers, they use a durable cartridge. While long-lasting, they can eventually fail from wear or get damaged by grit in the water supply. When a cartridge fails, the whole unit needs to be replaced.

Gathering Your Tap Repair Toolkit

Before taking your tap apart, spend a few minutes getting the right tools together. There's nothing worse than having a tap in pieces only to realise you don’t have the right spanner.

But first, the golden rule: always shut off the water. If you’re not sure where your stopcock is, it's vital home maintenance knowledge. Our guide on how to turn off your water mains will walk you through it.

Your Essential Tap Repair Tools

For most common tap repairs, you won't need a massive toolbox. Here is a quick checklist of the tools that will see you through most jobs.

Finding the Right Replacement Parts

You need the exact replacement parts for your specific tap. The best advice is to always take the old part with you to the hardware shop. There are thousands of different sizes, and guessing is a recipe for a second trip.

• Washers: For a traditional compression tap. It's smart to buy a multi-pack with several standard sizes.

• O-Rings: For leaks from the base of the spout. Take the old ones to get a perfect match for diameter and thickness.

• Cartridges: For modern mixer taps, you'll replace the whole internal cartridge. Take photos of your tap and the old cartridge to help identify the correct model.

A Practical Guide to Repairing Common Taps

With your toolkit ready and the water off, it’s time to silence that drip. Before you start, pop the plug in the sink to save any crucial screws from vanishing down the plughole.

Tackling a Traditional Compression Tap

This classic two-handle tap is often the easiest to fix. The problem is almost always a small, worn-out rubber washer.

First, get the handle off. The screw is usually hidden under a decorative cap, which you can pop off with a flathead screwdriver. Once the screw is out, the handle should lift off. Next, use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the valve cover. This reveals the valve mechanism (the headgear). Lift it out to find the rubber washer at the bottom. Swap this washer for a new one of the exact same size, then reassemble everything in reverse order.

Expert Tip: While the headgear is out, check the valve seat inside the tap—the brass rim where the washer sits. If this seat feels rough, a new washer won’t seal properly. You may need a tool called a valve seat grinder to smooth it.

Repairing a Modern Mixer Tap with a Cartridge

Mixer taps generally use an internal cartridge. When one of these leaks, you’ll usually need to replace the entire unit.

Start by finding the small grub screw that secures the handle, often tucked behind a red-and-blue plug or at the back. You'll need an Allen key to loosen it. With the lever off, unscrew the decorative shroud covering the tap’s body. This exposes a large retaining nut holding the cartridge. Use your spanner to undo this nut. Now you can lift the old cartridge straight out. Pay close attention to its alignment, as the new one needs to go in the exact same way. Pop in the new cartridge, tighten the nut, and reattach the cover and handle.

For more detail, check our post on mixer tap washer replacement for extra tips.

Once you’re finished, drape a cloth over the spout and slowly turn the water back on. Check carefully for any leaks around the base and handle before giving it a proper test.

Recognizing When To Call a Professional Plumber

While fixing a leaking tap yourself can be satisfying, the real skill lies in knowing your limits. A repair gone wrong can quickly spiral into a costly disaster.

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Keep an eye out for these red flags that mean it's time to put down the spanner and pick up the phone.

• Persistent Leaks After Several Attempts: If you've tried to fix the leak more than once without success, an underlying issue like a warped tap body might be the cause.

• Visible Cracks or Significant Corrosion: Any cracks in the tap body or heavy corrosion means its structural integrity is compromised.

• Completely Seized Fittings: If a nut or valve will not budge, stop. Forcing it is a common way DIY repairs lead to a burst pipe and a major flood.

A qualified plumber doesn’t just replace parts; they diagnose the entire system. Their expertise ensures the job is done correctly and safely. For guidance on what to look for, our article on how to find a good plumber offers invaluable advice. For more extensive work, you should rely on professional plumbing installations. Knowing when to call can save you money; discover the costs of professional tap installation to see how a DIY attempt gone wrong can add up.

Your Leaking Tap Questions Answered

To finish, let's tackle some common questions. Fixing a leaking tap is a persistent issue, and recent research shows it's the most frequent home repair search in the UK, with around 3,788 monthly Google searches. You can read more about these UK home repair trends.

How Much Water Does a Dripping Tap Waste?

A tap dripping once per second can waste over 5,500 litres of water a year. That’s enough to fill more than 65 bathtubs. Fixing it promptly makes a noticeable difference to your water bill.

Can I Fix Any Type of Tap Myself?

For the most part, yes. Standard compression, cartridge, and ceramic disc taps are all suitable for a confident DIYer. However, very old, antique, or complex designer models may require specialist tools. If you're not sure, calling an expert is the safest bet.

I Just Fixed My Tap, But It's Still Dripping. Why?

If you've replaced the washer on a compression tap and it still drips, the problem is almost certainly the valve seat. This is the metal rim inside the tap that the washer presses against. If it's rough or pitted with limescale, a new washer won't form a perfect seal. You may need a valve seat grinder to smooth it. Another possibility is that the replacement part was the wrong size.

If you've tried these fixes and are still stuck with a stubborn leak, don't let it become a major headache. For a fast, reliable, and professional repair, contact Go Assist. Our expert plumbers have the tools and experience to solve the problem quickly. Book your tap repair online today.