Plumbing
How to fix a leaking or dripping tap
A tap that drips long after you’ve turned it off is more than an annoyance — it wastes a surprising amount of water over time, stains the sink, and usually gets worse. The good news is that the cause is often a simple worn part. This guide covers what makes a tap drip, what’s safe to try, and when to call a plumber.
Key takeaways
- A dripping tap is usually a worn washer or cartridge — often DIY‑fixable.
- Turn off the supply and note the tap type before buying parts.
- Persistent leaks or corroded fittings are better replaced.
- Fixing a drip early saves water and prevents staining.
What causes a dripping tap
Most drips come from a worn internal component. In traditional taps it’s usually a perished rubber washer or seal; in modern mixer taps it’s often a worn ceramic cartridge. Over time these parts degrade and no longer seal fully, so water seeps through even when the tap is off. Less commonly, a worn O-ring causes a leak around the base or handle rather than from the spout.
What you can safely try
If you’re comfortable, replacing a washer or cartridge is a manageable job: turn off the water supply to the tap first (at the isolation valve under the sink, or the mains), then dismantle the tap, identify and replace the worn part with a matching one, and reassemble. The key steps are shutting off the water first and matching the replacement part exactly — a mismatched washer or cartridge won’t seal.
When to call a plumber
Call a professional if you can’t identify or source the right part, the tap is seized or corroded, the leak is at the base or in the pipework rather than the spout, or replacing the washer doesn’t stop it. A persistent leak after a repair can indicate a worn seat or a deeper issue. And if a tap needs full replacement, a plumber ensures a clean, leak-free install.
Why not to just ignore it
A steady drip wastes water continuously and can worsen into a stronger leak, while a base leak can seep into the cabinet below and cause damage. Fixing a drip early is cheap and simple compared to the alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my mixer tap drip? Usually a worn ceramic cartridge — replacing it typically fixes it.
Can I fix a dripping tap myself? Often, if you shut off the water and match the replacement part — otherwise a plumber makes quick work of it.
How much water does a dripping tap waste? More than you’d think over weeks and months — worth fixing promptly.
The leak is at the base, not the spout — what’s that? Usually a worn O-ring or seal; still a straightforward fix.
The bottom line
A dripping tap is usually a worn washer or cartridge — a simple, cheap fix if you shut off the water and match the part, or a quick job for a plumber. Don’t let it drip on.
Tap won’t stop dripping? See our plumbing service — taps, cartridges and full replacements. Get a free quote today.
