Why You Should Fix That Drip Today
A tap dripping once per second wastes thousands of litres of water per year. Beyond the environmental impact, it adds meaninglessly to your water bill. The good news: fixing a dripping tap is one of the most approachable DIY plumbing tasks, typically requiring no specialist skills and very basic tools.
This guide covers the two most common tap types: traditional compression taps (with separate hot and cold handles) and modern ceramic cartridge taps.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- Adjustable spanner or wrench
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Replacement washers or ceramic cartridge (matched to your tap model)
- Plumber's grease (silicone-based)
- Old cloth or towel
- A bowl or container (for any residual water)
Before buying parts, identify your tap type. Remove the handle and take any worn parts to a hardware store for matching — staff can usually help identify the right replacement.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the isolation valves under the sink — small valves on the hot and cold supply pipes. Turn them clockwise (usually a flathead screw slot) until they stop. If there are no isolation valves, you'll need to turn off the main water supply to the house, typically under the kitchen sink or at the mains stopcock.
Turn on the tap after isolating to release any remaining water pressure and confirm the supply is off.
Step 2: Remove the Tap Handle
Look for a decorative cap on top of the handle (often labelled H or C). Pop it off with a flathead screwdriver to reveal a screw underneath. Remove the screw and pull the handle directly upward — it may need a firm wiggle if it's been in place for years.
Step 3: Access the Mechanism
For Compression (Traditional) Taps:
Below the handle you'll see a headgear nut — a large hexagonal fitting. Unscrew this counterclockwise with your adjustable spanner. Once removed, pull out the spindle assembly. At the bottom of the spindle, you'll find a rubber washer held by a small brass screw. This washer is almost always the culprit in a dripping compression tap.
- Remove the old washer and brass screw
- Replace with a new washer of the same size
- Apply a small amount of plumber's grease to the new washer
- Reassemble in reverse order
For Ceramic Cartridge Taps:
These use a ceramic disc cartridge instead of a rubber washer. Once you remove the handle, unscrew the retaining nut to access the cartridge. Ceramic cartridges rarely need replacing unless visibly cracked, but they may need cleaning — mineral deposits from hard water are a common cause of leaks.
- Remove the cartridge carefully, noting its orientation
- Rinse it clean under water and inspect for cracks
- If cracked or damaged, replace with a matching cartridge
- Lubricate lightly and reinstall in the correct orientation
Step 4: Reassemble and Test
Reassemble all components in reverse order, ensuring everything is hand-tight before using the spanner — overtightening can crack fittings. Slowly reopen the isolation valves and check for leaks at the base of the tap before turning it on fully.
Turn the tap on and off a few times. The drip should be gone.
When to Call a Plumber
If the drip persists after replacing the washer or cartridge, the tap seat (the surface the washer presses against) may be worn or corroded. Reseating requires a specific tool and is best left to a plumber unless you're comfortable with more advanced DIY. Similarly, if you notice water leaking from the body of the tap itself rather than the spout, that's a sign of a more complex seal issue.
Cost Savings at a Glance
- Plumber call-out: Typically £60–£150+ for a simple washer replacement
- DIY cost: Washers cost under £1; a ceramic cartridge typically £5–£20
- Time required: 30–60 minutes for a first-timer
It's one of the best return-on-time DIY tasks you can do around the home.