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To fix a leaking tap, first turn off the water supply and identify where the leak is coming from. For a dripping spout, replace the worn washer or cartridge; for water around the handle, check and replace the O-ring or seal. Reassemble the tap carefully, turn the water back on slowly and test for leaks. If the tap is badly corroded or the leak continues, contact a qualified plumber for professional repair.
A leaking tap may seem like a minor household nuisance, but even a slow drip can waste a surprising amount of water and gradually become a more expensive plumbing problem. Whether the tap is dripping from the spout, leaking around the handle or allowing water to escape from its base, identifying the cause is the first step towards fixing it. With the right tools and a little patience, many common tap problems can be repaired at home. For homeowners who need professional assistance, Peak Performance Maintenance LTD. can also help with plumbing issues that require expert attention.
Before attempting to fix a leaking tap, it is useful to understand why the leak is happening. Taps contain several internal components that work together to control water flow. Over time, these parts can become worn, damaged or affected by limescale.
Common causes of a leaking tap include:
The location of the leak can often provide a useful clue. A tap that drips from the spout when it is turned off may have an issue with its washer, cartridge or valve. Water leaking around the handle could indicate a damaged O-ring or another internal seal, while a leak underneath the tap may be connected to the supply connections.
Yes, many straightforward tap leaks can be repaired without calling a plumber. However, the exact repair depends on the type of tap and the component causing the problem.
Traditional pillar taps and older compression-style taps are often relatively simple to repair because they commonly use replaceable washers. Modern mixer taps may contain cartridges, ceramic discs or more specialised components.
If the tap is badly corroded, the plumbing connections are damaged or you cannot safely isolate the water supply, it is better to seek professional help.
Before starting, gather the necessary tools. Depending on the type of tap, you may need:
It is a good idea to take the old component to a hardware or plumbing supplier when purchasing a replacement. This makes it easier to find the correct size and type.
The first and most important step is to stop the water before dismantling the tap.
Look underneath the sink or basin for the isolation valve connected to the tap’s supply pipe or flexible hose. Turn the valve clockwise to close it.
If there is no suitable isolation valve, you may need to turn off the property’s main water supply.
Once the water is isolated, turn the tap on and allow any remaining water in the pipe to drain away.
Never start dismantling a tap while the water supply is still fully pressurised. Doing so can result in uncontrolled water flow and unnecessary damage.
Before removing any small screws or components, place the plug in the sink.
This simple step can prevent a tiny screw, washer or other part from disappearing down the waste.
You can also place a cloth around the work area to protect the sink and prevent tools from scratching its surface.
Different taps require different repair methods.
Traditional taps generally have separate hot and cold controls and may use washers.
Mixer taps combine hot and cold water through a single body and often use cartridges.
Ceramic disc taps use ceramic components to regulate water flow and may require a specific replacement cartridge.
Knowing what type of tap you have will help you identify the correct replacement part.
If the tap is leaking from the spout, the next step is usually to access the internal mechanism.
Look for a small screw holding the handle in place. It may be underneath a decorative cap, behind a small cover or accessible through a small opening.
Carefully remove the cover if necessary and loosen the retaining screw using the appropriate screwdriver or Allen key.
Lift the handle away gently.
Avoid forcing it if it refuses to move. Limescale and corrosion can make handles difficult to remove, and excessive force could damage the tap.
Once the handle is removed, you should be able to see the retaining nut or mechanism that holds the valve or cartridge in place.
Use an adjustable spanner to loosen it carefully.
If the fitting is particularly tight, avoid applying excessive force immediately. Corroded fittings can sometimes break when subjected to too much pressure.
Once loosened, remove the mechanism and inspect it for obvious signs of wear, cracking, corrosion or limescale.
If your tap uses a traditional washer, inspect the old washer carefully.
A damaged washer may look:
If it appears damaged, replace it with a new washer of the correct size.
Remove the old washer from its retaining screw or fitting and install the replacement in the same position.
A washer that is too large, too small or incorrectly positioned may not seal correctly, so selecting the right replacement is important.
If water is leaking around the handle or another moving part, an O-ring may be responsible.
O-rings are small rubber seals designed to prevent water from escaping around moving components. Over time, they can become hard, stretched, cracked or damaged.
Remove the old O-ring carefully and replace it with a matching one.
Where appropriate, a small amount of suitable plumber’s silicone grease can help the new seal sit correctly and move smoothly. Avoid using products that are incompatible with the seal or drinking-water system.
Modern mixer taps often use cartridges rather than traditional washers.
If the tap continues dripping despite having the water supply turned off and the cartridge shows signs of damage or wear, replacement may be necessary.
Remove the retaining mechanism according to the tap’s design and carefully take out the old cartridge.
Before installing the new cartridge, compare it with the old one to ensure that the size, shape and orientation match.
Install the new cartridge in the correct position and reassemble the tap.
Limescale is a common problem in areas with hard water.
A build-up of limescale can affect moving parts and prevent seals from creating a proper watertight connection.
While the tap is dismantled, inspect the accessible components for mineral deposits.
Clean suitable removable parts carefully using an appropriate limescale treatment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using harsh products on surfaces that could be damaged.
For heavily scaled or corroded taps, replacing the affected component may be more practical than attempting extensive cleaning.
Once the damaged component has been replaced, carefully put the tap back together.
Make sure:
Do not overtighten fittings. Excessive tightening can damage threads, seals or the tap body.
Slowly reopen the isolation valve.
Do not immediately turn it fully open if you are concerned about a potential leak. Allow water pressure to return gradually.
Once the water is flowing, inspect the tap carefully.
Check both the spout and the area around the handle and base. Also look underneath the sink for any signs of water escaping from the connections.
Turn the tap on and off several times.
Allow water to flow for a short period, then close the tap and watch the spout.
A small amount of residual water may remain in the spout immediately after use, but persistent dripping indicates that the problem has not been completely resolved.
Operate the handle several times and check whether it feels smooth and secure.
If your tap continues to leak after replacing a washer, O-ring or cartridge, there may be another underlying problem.
Potential causes include a damaged valve seat, worn tap body, faulty cartridge, corroded connections or excessive water pressure.
Sometimes the cost and effort of repairing an old tap may outweigh the benefits. If the tap is heavily corroded or repeatedly develops leaks, replacing the complete tap may be a more sensible long-term solution.
Although minor tap repairs can often be completed by a competent homeowner, professional assistance is recommended in certain circumstances.
Consider contacting a plumber if:
A small tap leak is usually manageable, but water damage can become much more serious if the source is left unattended.
Preventative maintenance can reduce the likelihood of future tap problems.
Avoid forcing tap handles, as excessive pressure can damage internal components. Clean taps regularly to reduce limescale accumulation and check visible connections occasionally for signs of moisture.
If you notice a tap becoming increasingly difficult to turn, unusually noisy or slightly damp around its base, investigate the issue rather than waiting for a major leak.
Replacing worn seals early can be considerably easier than dealing with extensive water damage later.
Learning how to fix a leaking tap can save time, reduce water waste and prevent a minor plumbing issue from becoming a bigger problem. The most important steps are to isolate the water supply, identify the cause of the leak, replace the damaged component and carefully test the tap afterwards.
Traditional taps may only require a replacement washer, while modern mixer taps may need a new cartridge or O-ring. If the tap is badly damaged, the plumbing connections are deteriorating or the source of the leak is unclear, professional assistance is the safer option.
Taking action quickly is always preferable to ignoring a dripping tap. Even a small, persistent leak can waste water and indicate that an internal component is no longer sealing correctly.
A tap that continues dripping after being turned off may have a worn washer, damaged cartridge, faulty valve or deteriorated seal. The correct repair depends on the type of tap and where the water is escaping.
Yes, many simple leaks can be repaired at home by replacing a washer, O-ring or cartridge. However, professional help may be necessary if the tap is severely corroded or the water supply cannot be safely isolated.
The cost varies depending on whether the problem requires a simple replacement washer, a new cartridge, replacement parts or a completely new tap. Labour, accessibility and the type of tap can also affect the final price.
The safest temporary measure is to isolate the water supply to the tap if possible. A permanent solution requires identifying and replacing the faulty internal component rather than simply restricting the water flow.
A slow drip is not usually an emergency, but it should not be ignored. A rapidly leaking tap, burst connection or leak that is causing water damage requires prompt attention to minimise the risk of further problems.
