How to Fix a Dripping Tap Yourself (Step-by-Step)

Slug: how-to-fix-a-dripping-tap-yourselfPillar: Practical Living > Home ImprovementKeyword: how to fix a dripping tap yourselfExcerpt: A dripping tap wastes hundreds of litres a year. This step-by-step guide shows you how to fix it yourself in under an hour.

Why You Should Fix That Dripping Tap Now

A tap dripping once per second wastes roughly 12,000 litres of water a year — enough to fill a hot tub 20 times. Beyond the water bill, that constant moisture accelerates limescale build-up and can stain porcelain permanently. The good news: most dripping taps are caused by a worn washer or O-ring, and replacing either takes less than an hour with basic tools.

This guide covers the most common UK and US tap types — traditional pillar taps and modern ceramic cartridge taps. If you have a mixer tap, the method is almost identical; you just repeat for each side.

Tools and Parts You Will Need

Before you start, gather the following: an adjustable spanner or wrench, a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, plumber's grease (silicone-based), a replacement washer or cartridge (more on sizing below), and a towel or small bucket for any residual water. Most hardware stores sell tap repair kits for under £5 / $6 — grab a mixed pack if you are unsure of the washer size.

Step 1 — Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the isolator valve under the sink and turn it 90 degrees clockwise with a flat-head screwdriver. If there is no isolator, find the stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or near the water meter) and turn it fully clockwise. Turn on the tap to release residual pressure and drain the supply pipe. Plug the drain — small parts have a habit of disappearing.

Step 2 — Remove the Tap Handle

Most handles are secured by a screw hidden under a decorative cap. Pry off the hot/cold cap with a flat-head screwdriver and unscrew the screw beneath it. Lift the handle straight up; if it is stiff, wiggle gently rather than forcing it. Set the handle and cap aside somewhere safe.

Step 3 — Access the Headgear or Cartridge

Wrap the tap body with an old cloth to protect the chrome, then use your adjustable spanner to unscrew the headgear (the large nut below the handle). Turn anti-clockwise. For ceramic cartridge taps, there will be a retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge in place — remove it and pull the cartridge straight out.

Step 4 — Replace the Washer or Cartridge

For traditional taps: at the bottom of the headgear, you will see a rubber washer held by a brass nut. Unscrew the nut, remove the old washer, and compare it to your replacements. Fit the new washer, tighten the nut firmly, and apply a thin smear of silicone grease to the thread.

For ceramic cartridge taps: take the old cartridge to a hardware store to match the exact model, as cartridges are not universal. Simply slot the new cartridge in the correct orientation (there is usually a locating lug), refit the clip or nut, and reassemble.

Step 5 — Reassemble and Test

Screw the headgear back in clockwise, replace the handle, and refit the decorative cap. Slowly reopen the isolator valve or stopcock. Turn the tap on and off a few times to seat the new washer. If the drip has stopped — job done. If it persists, the tap seat itself may be worn, which requires a tap reseating tool or, at that point, calling a plumber.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not overtighten the headgear — it compresses the washer against the seat and causes the same dripping you just fixed. Never use force to turn a ceramic cartridge; they are fragile and will crack. Always match the washer diameter exactly (15mm for most UK basin taps, 20mm for baths and kitchen taps).

When to Call a Plumber

DIY fixes work for standard washer and cartridge taps. Call a professional if you have a complex thermostatic mixer, if water is leaking from the body of the tap rather than the spout, or if the tap body itself is cracked.

For more home repair guides, visit our Practical Living hub or check our guide on How to Reduce Your Energy Bills at Home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my tap has a washer or a ceramic cartridge? Older taps (pre-2000) almost always use washers. If the handle rotates more than 90 degrees, it is likely a washer tap. If it turns exactly a quarter-turn, it is ceramic.

How long does a tap washer repair take? Most people complete this job in 30–45 minutes the first time. After that, it takes under 15 minutes.

Will fixing a dripping tap save money? Yes. A slow drip costs around £20–£30 / $25–$40 per year in wasted water and energy (hot water especially). Fixing it pays for itself immediately.

My tap still drips after I replaced the washer — why? The tap seat (the brass surface the washer presses against) is likely pitted or worn. A tap reseating tool (£10–£15) can resurface it at home.

Can I fix a ball-style faucet the same way? Ball faucets (common in the US) use a different mechanism — a kit specific to your faucet brand is easiest. The principle of shutting off water, disassembling, and replacing worn parts is the same.