A dripping tap may seem like a small problem, but over time it wastes water, adds to bills and can keep you awake at night. Many people on a fixed income delay calling a plumber because they worry about the cost of a visit, even for a simple repair. In many homes, a worn washer or a damaged cartridge is a job that a careful person can complete with basic tools. This article explains how to identify the cause, shut off the water safely and replace common parts. It is general guidance, and if you are unsure at any stage, a qualified plumber is the right person to call.
Confirming the problem before you start
Start by checking which tap is dripping and whether the drip comes from the spout or the base of the handle. A drip from the spout usually points to a worn washer or seal inside the tap, while water leaking around the handle may suggest a loose gland nut or an O-ring that has perished. Note the type of tap you have, since mixer taps, cartridge taps and traditional valve taps are repaired in slightly different ways.
If you are a tenant, tell your landlord about the drip before you start. Some landlords are responsible for repairs to fittings, and they may prefer to arrange the job themselves. Keep a record of when you reported the problem and what was said in reply.
Shutting off the water safely
Before taking the tap apart, turn off the water supply. Look for the isolating valves under the sink, and turn them clockwise until they stop. If there are no valves under the sink, you may need to turn off the main stopcock, so find its location before you begin. Open the tap briefly to release any remaining water and to check that the flow has stopped. Place a towel or a rubber mat in the sink to protect the surface and to stop small parts from falling down the plughole.
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Replacing a washer or cartridge
For a traditional tap, remove the decorative cap, undo the headgear with a spanner and lift out the spindle. The rubber washer sits at the bottom of the spindle and is often held by a small screw. Replace the washer with an identical one, tighten the screw gently and reassemble the tap. For a cartridge tap, the cartridge usually lifts out once the handle and retaining clip are removed, and it can be replaced with a matching part from a hardware shop.
Bring the old part with you when buying a replacement, since sizes and shapes vary widely. Avoid forcing any component, and do not overtighten, because this can crack a fitting. If a part is seized or corroded, stop and seek help rather than damaging the tap further.
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When to stop and call a professional
Some situations are better left to a trained plumber. If you find cracks in the tap body, water escaping from the pipework, corrosion that makes parts impossible to remove or any sign of damp or electrical concern, stop and call for help. Be particularly careful around water heaters, boilers and any gas appliance, and never attempt repairs to these yourself. If water is spraying or the leak is serious, turn off the main supply and contact a qualified professional or your landlord’s emergency line.
Some dripping taps are caused by a problem higher up in the system, such as high water pressure or a fault in the cistern. If the drip continues after you replace the washer, do not keep tightening the tap, since this can damage the seat inside. Instead, note when the drip happens and whether it stops when water is off elsewhere in the home. For a related read on this site, see Creating an Outdoor Play Space Shaded for Young.
Remember that water is costly, and even a slow drip can waste a surprising amount over a day. Placing a clean container under the tap for an hour can show you how much is escaping. Keep the result in your notebook, and mention it to your landlord or water provider if it is significant. Your household budget will benefit from prompt attention, and the quiet that follows a fixed tap is a real relief.
Confirm the water is turned back on slowly after the repair, and check for leaks around the base and the handle over the next day. A repair you have completed carefully should keep water flowing neatly without drips. If the tap still leaks, make a note of what you tried and ask a plumber to look at it, since the cause may be elsewhere in the system.