How to Fix a Dripping Tap

A dripping tap wastes water and money. It's also one of the simplest DIY repairs. Here's how to fix it.

Types of Tap

Traditional (Compression) Taps

Turn handle multiple times to fully open/close. These have washers that wear out. This guide focuses on these.

Ceramic Disc Taps

Quarter-turn operation. Ceramic discs instead of washers. Less common to fail but repair is different (usually disc replacement).

Mixer Taps

Often have ceramic cartridges. Replacement cartridge is usually the fix.

What You'll Need

• Adjustable wrenches from our wrench collection
• Screwdrivers (flat and cross)
• Replacement washer (take old one to match size)
• PTFE tape
• Cloth (to protect chrome)

Before You Start

Turn Off the Water

Find the isolation valve for that tap (usually under the sink) or turn off the main stop cock. Open the tap to drain remaining water.

Close the Drain

Put the plug in or cover the drain. Small parts will fall down it otherwise.

Step by Step

1. Remove the Handle

Usually one of:

• Decorative cap covering a screw - pry off cap, remove screw
• Grub screw on side of handle
• Handle just pulls off

2. Remove the Headgear

The brass body inside. Usually unscrews anticlockwise. May need a spanner. Protect chrome with cloth.

Some taps have a shroud (decorative cover) that unscrews first.

3. Remove the Jumper Valve and Washer

The jumper valve is the metal piece with the washer attached. It may:

• Come out with the headgear
• Remain in the tap body - lift out

The washer is the rubber disc on the bottom. Often held by a small nut or just pushed on.

4. Replace the Washer

Remove old washer (may need to undo a small nut). Fit new washer of same size. If using a generic washer, take the old one to match.

5. Check the Seat

While you're there, check the valve seat (the brass surface the washer presses against). If it's damaged or worn, even a new washer won't seal properly. Seats can be reground with a seat grinding tool or the tap may need replacing.

6. Reassemble

Reverse the process. Don't overtighten - snug is enough.

7. Turn Water Back On

Open isolation valve slowly. Check for leaks. Test the tap.

If It Still Drips

• Wrong size washer
• Washer not seated properly
• Damaged valve seat
• O-ring needs replacing (on headgear)
• Headgear worn - may need replacing

Prevention

Don't overtighten taps when closing them. "Hand tight" is enough. Forcing them closed wears the washer faster and damages the seat.

When to Call a Plumber

• Can't isolate the water
• Valve seat is badly damaged
• Modern ceramic or cartridge taps you can't figure out
• Anything involving the mains stop cock

Find plumbing tools in our hand tools and plumbing tools collections.