How to Fix Leaking Tap: Easy UK DIY Tips & Tricks

That constant drip isn't just an irritating soundtrack to your day; it's a clear signal that it's time to learn how to fix a leaking tap. Before you do anything else, the absolute first step is to shut off the water. You can usually find the isolation valve right under the sink, but if not, you'll need to use the main stopcock for the house.

Once the water is off, you can figure out what type of tap you're dealing with, which will guide the whole repair.

Your First Steps to Fixing a Leaky Tap

Before you even think about grabbing a spanner, a bit of prep work can make all the difference. That non-stop drip, drip, drip can be stressful, but taking a moment to get organised will prevent a small job from turning into a plumbing nightmare.

Your top priority is stopping the water flow. This simple but vital action means you can work on the tap without creating a mess. Most sinks have small, dedicated isolation valves on the pipes below. A quick turn with a flathead screwdriver is often all you need to cut the water supply to that specific tap.

If you can't spot them, or they're seized up and won't turn, your next port of call is the main stopcock for your home. Turning this off will shut down the water to the entire property. If you're unsure how to do this or find that your stopcock itself is leaking, it might be time to call for professional help. Similarly, if you notice other appliances acting up, it could indicate a wider plumbing issue, and you may need assistance with anything from a tap repair to washing machine repairs.

Identifying Your Tap Type

With the water safely off, it’s time for a bit of detective work. You need to figure out what kind of tap you have, because the internal mechanism is what determines the cause of the leak and the parts you'll need.

In the UK, you’re almost guaranteed to come across one of two main types: traditional compression washer taps or the more modern ceramic disc taps. Getting this right is the key to buying the correct parts and getting the job done right the first time.

Quick Guide to Common UK Tap Types

Simply put, if your handle takes several turns, you’ve got a compression tap. If it’s just a quick flick of the wrist, it's a ceramic disc tap.

A dripping tap that leaks just once per second can waste over 5,500 litres of water a year. Identifying the tap type correctly is the most important step towards stopping this waste and getting the repair right on your first attempt.

Knowing this difference is fundamental. It determines whether you're off to buy a 50p washer or a more specific ceramic cartridge that could cost a fair bit more. This quick check can save you a lot of hassle and extra trips to the DIY store.

While replacing a washer is a classic DIY task, dealing with older, stubborn taps or complex cartridges can be frustrating. If you’re not feeling confident or the job seems bigger than you expected, calling in a professional is always a smart move. Our expert engineers handle hundreds of tap repairs and can solve the problem quickly and with no fuss.

Gathering the Right Tools and Parts

There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a job only to realise you don’t have what you need. When you’re learning how to fix a leaking tap, being prepared is genuinely half the battle. Having the right tools and parts on hand before you even think about turning off the water will make the whole process much smoother.

The good news is you don’t need a professional plumber’s entire arsenal. Just a few basic items will get you through most common tap repairs without any last-minute dashes to the DIY shop.

Your Essential Tap Repair Toolkit

Before you start taking anything apart, get your gear organised. It’s not just about the tools themselves; a little bit of prep for your workspace goes a long way.

• An Adjustable Spanner: This is your best friend for this job. Its adjustable jaw means you can get a solid grip on the tap’s retaining nut without damaging the shiny chrome finish. Pro tip: wrap a cloth around the nut before you use the spanner for extra protection against scratches.
• A Screwdriver Set: You'll probably need both a flat-head and a cross-head (Phillips) screwdriver. These are usually for removing the tap handle, which often has a tiny grub screw hidden away under a decorative cap.
• Old Towels or Cloths: Don't skip this! Place these around the base of the tap before you start. They’ll catch the water that will definitely spill out, no matter how well you think you've drained the pipe.

The single most effective way to guarantee a successful repair is to take the old, worn-out part with you when you go to buy a replacement. It sounds simple, but it completely removes any guesswork and ensures you get a perfect match on the first try.

Getting the Right Replacement Parts

This is the point where so many DIY repairs fall flat. Grabbing a part that just looks right is a recipe for frustration.

Whether you need a simple rubber washer or a complete ceramic disc cartridge, the most foolproof method is to take the old one with you to the hardware shop.

Show it to a staff member or compare it yourself against the new parts on the shelf. This guarantees you’re buying the exact size and type, saving you from a second trip.

If your tap is looking a bit worse for wear or the leak seems more serious than a simple washer, you might be better off replacing the whole unit. In that case, you can explore different types of mixer taps to see what’s out there. Sometimes, a full replacement is a much more reliable long-term fix.

Fixing Traditional Washer Taps

So, you’ve got a traditional washer tap – the kind that takes a few twists to turn on fully. If it’s dripping, you’re in luck. This is usually one of the most straightforward DIY plumbing fixes. The culprit in almost every case is a simple rubber washer that's seen better days. It costs pennies, but it’s doing the heavy lifting of holding back your entire water supply, so it’s no surprise it eventually wears out.

Learning how to fix a leaking tap of this type is a classic bit of home maintenance knowledge. It just involves taking the tap apart enough to swap out that tiny, but vital, component. Once the water is off and your tools are laid out, you're ready to get started.

The first hurdle for many is just getting the handle off. Look for a decorative cap on the top; you can usually pop this off gently with a flat-head screwdriver. Underneath, you’ll find a screw that holds the handle onto the tap mechanism. Undo that, and the handle should lift straight off. On older taps, you might need to give it a persuasive wiggle.

Dismantling The Tap Headgear

With the handle out of the way, you’re looking at the main body of the tap’s mechanism. This part is often called the headgear, and it’s the large hexagonal nut your adjustable spanner is for. Don't forget to wrap a cloth around it first – you don’t want to scratch up the chrome finish.

Turn the spanner anti-clockwise to loosen the headgear. If it’s stiff from limescale, which is common, apply firm and steady pressure. As it comes loose, be ready for a little bit of leftover water to trickle out. That’s what your old towel is for.

Once the headgear is unscrewed, you can lift the entire valve mechanism out of the tap body. Flip it over, and you’ll see the source of your leak: a small, black rubber washer, usually held in place by a little nut or screw. This is the part we need to replace.

A common mistake is to just swap the washer and call it a day. Before fitting the new one, always check the valve seat inside the tap. This is the metal rim the washer presses against. If there's any grit or limescale on it, even a brand-new washer won't create a perfect seal.

Replacing The Washer And Cleaning The Valve Seat

Use a small spanner or screwdriver to remove whatever is holding the old washer on. You'll probably notice it looks squashed, distorted, or even has a split in it when you compare it to your new one. Pop the old one off, slide the new washer on (make sure it's an identical size!), and tighten the nut back up so it's snug but not overly compressed.

Now for the pro tip that makes all the difference. Before you put everything back together, poke a clean cloth down into the body of the tap. Feel for the metal rim at the bottom – the valve seat. Wipe it clean and make sure it feels completely smooth. Any tiny piece of debris or limescale build-up will ruin the seal and that drip will be back the second you turn the water on.

Once you're happy the valve seat is clean, you can put the tap back together:

• Insert the Headgear: Screw the mechanism back into the tap body by hand first. This helps you avoid cross-threading it.
• Tighten Securely: Use your spanner to give it a final, firm turn. You want it tight, but don’t go overboard with force.
• Reattach the Handle: Pop the handle back on top and secure it with the screw.
• Finish Up: Press the decorative cap back into place.

All that's left is to turn the water supply back on slowly and check for any leaks. If the job turns out to be trickier than you thought, or the drip stubbornly remains, it might be time to call in an expert. Our professional team provides fast and reliable tap repair services to solve any issue without the hassle.

Repairing Modern Ceramic Disc Taps

If your tap only needs a quick quarter-turn to go from off to full blast, then you’re almost certainly dealing with a modern ceramic disc tap. These are incredibly common in UK homes now, but the repair job is a world away from the old washer-based models. A persistent drip from one of these taps points to a problem with the internal ceramic disc cartridge, not a simple rubber washer.

Learning how to fix a leaking tap of this type is less about replacing a tiny, worn-out part and more about swapping the entire internal mechanism. While that might sound a bit daunting, it's often a much quicker job once you get the hang of it. The real trick is finding the hidden screw that holds the handle on.

Locating The Hidden Grub Screw

The first puzzle is usually just getting the handle off. Tap designers go to great lengths to hide the fixings, all in the name of a clean, sleek look. Take a close look at your tap handle for a small, often coloured, plug. This could be a little red and blue dot for hot and cold, or sometimes just a discreet silver cap.

This little cap is just a decorative cover for a tiny grub screw. You can normally prise it off very gently with a small flat-head screwdriver or even the tip of a sharp knife. Just be careful not to scratch the chrome finish.

With the cap gone, you'll see the grub screw nestled inside. You’ll probably need a small Allen key (also called a hex key) to loosen it. A few turns anti-clockwise should be enough—you don't need to take it out completely—and the handle should then lift straight off.

Removing The Ceramic Cartridge

Once the handle is off, you’ll see the top of the ceramic cartridge. It's usually held in place by a large brass or chrome retaining nut, which is where your adjustable spanner comes back into the picture.

• Protect The Finish: Just as before, wrap a cloth around the nut to stop your spanner from scratching the surface.
• Loosen Carefully: Use the spanner to turn the nut anti-clockwise. They can be on pretty tight, so apply firm and steady pressure.
• Lift It Out: As soon as the nut is off, you can simply lift the whole ceramic cartridge straight out of the tap body.

You’re now holding the culprit. It only takes a microscopic crack or a tiny bit of wear on one of the internal ceramic discs for water to start seeping through.

A quick tip: When you take the old cartridge out, have a good look at the two small rubber O-rings at its base. Sometimes, the cartridge itself is perfectly fine, but these O-rings have perished or split. It’s always a good idea to replace these, even if you're fitting a brand-new cartridge.

Sourcing The Right Replacement Cartridge

This is without a doubt the most critical step. Unlike standard washers, ceramic cartridges come in hundreds of different shapes and sizes. There's no such thing as a 'one size fits all' here. Getting an exact, like-for-like replacement is non-negotiable if you want the repair to work.

Your best bet is to take the old cartridge with you to a proper plumbers' merchant or a big DIY store. Don’t just rely on a photo on your phone; you need to physically match it up. The staff at a dedicated plumbing supplier are often wizards at identifying even the most obscure cartridges. Make a note of the number of splines (the little teeth on top where the handle fits) and measure the overall height and diameter.

Once you’ve got the correct new cartridge, the rest is straightforward:

1. Clean The Housing: Before you pop the new part in, give the inside of the tap body a good wipe, especially where the O-rings will sit.
2. Insert The New Cartridge: Drop the new cartridge in, making sure it sits down properly.
3. Reassemble: Screw the retaining nut back on, tighten it up firmly, and pop the handle back on.

If the thought of hunting down a specific cartridge sounds like a headache, or you're just worried about damaging your tap in the process, getting a professional in is a great shout. Our skilled engineers can diagnose the issue, source the correct parts quickly, and guarantee a lasting fix without any of the frustration.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

That persistent dripping tap might seem like the perfect weekend DIY project, and honestly, a lot of the time, it is. But every so often, that drip is a red flag for a much deeper problem that a fresh washer or a new cartridge simply won't fix. Knowing when to put down the spanner and pick up the phone is the real skill here, preventing a minor annoyance from escalating into a major, costly disaster.

If you’ve gone through the steps, carefully replaced the inner workings, and yet the drip continues, that’s your first major clue to stop. Another big warning sign is any significant rust or corrosion on the tap's body. Trying to force a repair on a brittle, corroded tap is one of the quickest ways to snap a fitting and turn a small leak into a full-blown flood.

Signs You Need an Expert

While learning how to fix a leaking tap is a fantastic skill to have, some situations just call for professional tools and experience. It's time to call for backup if you come across any of these issues:

• A Damaged Valve Seat: This is the metal rim inside the tap body where the washer sits to create a seal. If years of use and limescale have left it pitted or rough, it’ll just chew through any new washer you install, and the leak will be back in no time. A plumber has a special reseating tool designed to grind this surface back to a perfectly smooth, watertight finish.
• Unusually High Water Pressure: Have you noticed other taps in your house have started dripping around the same time? The problem might not be the taps themselves. It could point to an issue with your home’s overall water pressure, which definitely needs an expert diagnosis to sort out safely. This can sometimes be related to issues with your central heating, in which case you might need specialist boiler services.
• The Tap Just Won't Come Apart: If a part is completely seized up and won't shift with a reasonable amount of force, don't risk it. A professional has the right techniques and leverage to get it apart without causing collateral damage to your pipework or basin.

A leaking tap is more than just a nuisance; it’s a tiny part of a massive national problem. It's estimated that UK homes waste an incredible 900 million litres of clean drinking water every single day from leaks, adding up to around £697 million a year in wasted water bills. Knowing when a DIY job is out of its depth is crucial for getting these leaks sorted properly. Learn more about these findings on water wastage.

If you’ve decided that calling in a pro is the smart move, you might be wondering about how professional plumbers price their services.

At the end of the day, if the job feels too big or you have that nagging feeling you might make things worse, trust your gut. A good plumber doesn’t just fix the obvious leak; they check for underlying issues to make sure the problem is gone for good. For anything complex, from a badly damaged tap to a related leaking pipe repair, our expert plumbers can provide a fast, reliable fix.

Your Leaky Tap Questions Answered

Even with the best guide in front of you, it’s normal to have a few questions pop up when you’re elbow-deep in a plumbing repair. Here are some quick answers to the most common queries we hear from people learning how to fix a leaking tap.

Why Is My Tap Still Leaking After I Replaced the Washer?

This is easily one of the most frustrating moments in DIY plumbing. You’ve done everything right, put in a brand-new washer, and yet... drip, drip, drip. If this happens, the culprit is almost certainly the valve seat.

The valve seat is the small metal rim inside the tap body that the washer presses against to stop the water. Over the years, the constant pressure and flowing water can leave this seat rough, pitted, or caked in limescale, which stops the new washer from creating a perfect seal. It's also worth double-checking that the new washer is the right size and that you've tightened the headgear enough during reassembly.

How Much Water Does a Dripping Tap Really Waste?

It's genuinely shocking how much water a single dripping tap can waste. A tap that drips just once every second will send over 15 litres of water down the drain every single day.

That adds up to more than 5,500 litres of perfectly good water going down the drain every year. For homes on a water meter, fixing that drip is a quick and effective way to lower your annual utility bills.

If a persistent leak has led to significant water damage, understanding the homeowner insurance claim process can also be crucial for mitigating financial losses.

Should I Fix a Leaking Tap Myself or Call a Plumber?

For most people, swapping out a standard washer or even a modern ceramic cartridge is a completely manageable DIY job. This guide is designed to give you the confidence and know-how to tackle it yourself.

However, there are definitely times when it's wiser to call in a professional. You should always get a plumber if:

• You can't turn off your main water supply.
• The tap is old, heavily corroded, and you’re worried it might break apart in your hands.
• You've followed the steps and the leak is still there.

A professional plumber has the experience to spot more complex issues and get the job done right without causing any extra damage. For more in-depth troubleshooting, you can also explore our comprehensive tap repair FAQs.

Sometimes, a job turns out to be bigger than it first appeared, or you just don't have the time to deal with it. If you need a fast, reliable, and guaranteed fix, Go Assist is here to help. Our expert engineers handle everything from simple drips to complex plumbing issues across the UK. Book your tap repair online today and get it sorted with no fuss.