How to fix a dripping tap
A dripping tap usually means a worn rubber washer (traditional taps that take several turns) or a worn ceramic cartridge (quarter-turn taps). Both are cheap parts you can replace yourself.
- Time
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Adjustable spanner Search Amazon for adjustable spanner
- Flat-head and cross-head screwdrivers
- Replacement tap washer or ceramic cartridge (take the old one to the shop to match it) Search Amazon for tap washer assortment
- Old cloth or towel
- Silicone grease (optional) Search Amazon for plumbers silicone grease
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon links go to search results, so you can compare what’s available.
Safety first
- Always turn off the water first. Taking a tap apart under mains pressure will flood the room.
- Don't force corroded or seized parts. If the tap body twists on the sink, stop, or you may damage the pipework underneath.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Work out which kind of tap you have
- Several turns to open or close: a traditional compression tap with a rubber washer.
- A quarter or half turn: a ceramic disc tap with a cartridge.
- A single lever mixer: usually a cartridge too.
If you can, look up the make and model so you can buy the right part.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Turn off the water
Look for an isolation valve on the pipe under the sink: a small valve with a slot. Turn it a quarter turn with a flat-head screwdriver so the slot is across the pipe. If there isn't one, turn off the water at the stopcock. Open the tap to drain any water left in it.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Protect the sink
Put the plug in so you don't lose small parts down the drain, and lay a cloth in the sink to protect it from dropped tools.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Take off the tap head
Prise off the decorative cap (often marked hot or cold) to find a screw underneath. Undo it and lift off the handle. Some handles are held by a small grub screw on the side that takes an Allen key.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Remove the valve or cartridge
Hold the tap body steady with one hand so it doesn't twist, and unscrew the large nut on the headgear or cartridge with the spanner. Wrapping a cloth round chrome parts stops the spanner scratching them.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Replace the washer or cartridge
On a compression tap, the rubber washer is on the bottom of the headgear, held by a small nut or just pushed on. Swap it for a new one of the same size. On a ceramic tap, replace the whole cartridge with a matching one (left- and right-hand versions exist for hot and cold). Replace the O-rings if they look worn, and a smear of silicone grease helps them seal.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Reassemble and test
Screw everything back together firmly but don't overtighten. Turn the water back on slowly and check for drips at the spout and leaks around the handle.
Tips
- Take the old washer or cartridge to a plumbers' merchant or DIY shop so you get an exact match.
- If water leaks from around the handle rather than the spout, the O-ring or gland packing is usually worn, not the washer.
- If a new washer doesn't stop the drip, the tap seat it presses against may be worn. Seat-grinding tools exist, but replacing the tap may be easier.
When to call a professional
Call a plumber if you can't turn the water off, parts are seized, the tap body is cracked, or the drip continues after you've replaced the washer or cartridge. Look for a plumber who belongs to a recognised scheme such as WaterSafe.
Questions people ask
Does a dripping tap waste much water?
A steady drip adds up over weeks, and a dripping hot tap also wastes the energy used to heat it. It's worth fixing quickly.
Where do I get a new cartridge?
From the tap manufacturer, a plumbers' merchant or a DIY shop. Note the number of splines on the spindle and the length, or take the old one with you.
My mixer tap drips. Is it the same job?
Most modern mixers use cartridges, so the steps are similar. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your model.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- City Plumbing: how to fix a dripping tap (cityplumbing.co.uk)
- AXA UK: how to fix a dripping tap (axa.co.uk)
- WaterSafe: find an approved plumber (watersafe.org.uk)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-fix-a-dripping-tap/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.