Why You Should Fix That Drip Sooner Rather Than Later
A slowly dripping tap might seem like a minor annoyance, but it can waste a surprising amount of water over weeks and months — adding to your utility bills and your environmental footprint. The good news is that most tap leaks are caused by a worn washer or cartridge, and replacing one requires no specialist plumbing knowledge.
What You'll Need
- Adjustable spanner or wrench
- Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers
- Replacement tap washers or cartridge (match to your tap type)
- Plumber's grease (PTFE tape is also useful)
- Old towel or cloth
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you do anything else, shut off the water. Look for the isolation valve under the sink — a small slot-headed screw that you turn 90 degrees with a flat-head screwdriver. If there's no isolation valve, you'll need to turn off the mains stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or where the water supply enters the property). Turn on the tap to release any remaining pressure and water in the line.
Step 2: Remove the Tap Handle
Most tap handles are held in place by a screw hidden under a decorative cap at the top. Pry off the cap gently with a flat-head screwdriver, then unscrew the handle. Lift it off to reveal the tap headgear (the internal mechanism).
Step 3: Remove the Headgear
Use your adjustable spanner to unscrew the headgear — turn anticlockwise. This may be stiff if it hasn't been removed before. Grip the body of the tap firmly to avoid twisting the pipes underneath. Once unscrewed, pull it out carefully.
Step 4: Replace the Washer or Cartridge
At the bottom of the headgear, you'll see a rubber washer held in place by a small nut. Unscrew the nut, remove the old washer, and fit the new one. If your tap uses a ceramic cartridge rather than a traditional washer, the whole cartridge is usually replaced as a unit — take the old one to a hardware store to match it correctly.
Apply a small amount of plumber's grease to the new washer or cartridge before reassembling.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
- Screw the headgear back in — clockwise, hand-tight first, then a firm quarter-turn with the spanner.
- Replace the handle and screw it back in place.
- Replace the decorative cap.
- Slowly turn the water back on at the isolation valve or stopcock.
- Test the tap — turn it on and off several times, then leave it in the off position and watch for drips.
When to Call a Plumber
If the leak persists after replacing the washer, or if you notice water coming from around the base of the tap rather than the spout, the issue may be more involved — possibly a worn O-ring or a damaged valve seat. These repairs are still DIY-friendly for some, but if you're unsure, calling a qualified plumber avoids the risk of causing further damage.
Final Tips
Keep a note of the tap make and model so you can easily source the right replacement parts in future. Checking taps and pipework under your sink every few months catches small issues before they become costly ones.