How to fix a dripping tap

Fixing a leaking tap: tools you will need

If you have a dripping tap, you’re going to need to get your hands on some tools to help repair the issue. Here’s what you should have in your toolbox to fix a dripping tap:

• An adjustable spanner
• Screwdrivers
• Scissors 
• Replacement cartridge, washers or O-rings
• Seat grinder

You may also need a soft cloth, masking tape or an Allen key to repair your leaking tap.

How to fix a traditional dripping tap 

First things first, you need to identify which the type of taps you have. If you have separate hot and cold taps, that need to be turned more than a quarter turn to release a full flow of water, you have traditional taps. These are also called compression valve taps.

The good news – it’s simpler than you think to fix a traditional tap. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off water supply 

You need to turn off the water supply before you fix your dripping tap. To do this you need to find the isolation valve (normally on pipes around the sink), or turn it off at the stopcock.

Once it’s off, try the taps again to get rid of any remaining water. 

2. Remove the tap cover 

Find the tap cover screw. If you have decorative hot and cold caps, the screw could be underneath. Or on single lever taps it may be between the hot and cold indicator. You can remove by hand, or with an Allen key or screwdriver.

3. Remove the tap handle and dismantle the valve

You can dismantle your tap head following these three easy steps:

1. Undo the screw
2. Loosen and remove the valve
3. Remove the nut and screw holding the washer in place

Keep all the removed parts safe, in the order you removed them. This will make it much easier to put back together! 

4. Check the tap seating 

Place your finger inside the tap and feel if there are any small canals eroded into the seat. If there are, this could mean it’s damaged or worn out. 

Use a seat grinder tool to create a smooth surface for the washer to sit on, creating a more effective seal to prevent water escaping. Alternatively, you can buy an insert kit to create a new seal.

5. Check and replace the washer

Check your tap washer for any wear and tear and replace if you need.

6. Reassemble the tap

Once you’re done, pop your tap back together. Then turn the water back on and check for any drips to see if you’ve been successful.

How to fix a dripping mixer tap 

With modern mixer taps, the dripping tap fix is a little bit different. You can tell if you have a mixer tap by checking if you have a cartridge with two ceramic discs – instead of washers – one for cold and one for hot water.

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 above

See the steps above for a traditional tap and apply steps one and two. You need to turn off the water supply at the mains and then turn on the tap to drain any excess water. Swap between hot and cold to make sure there’s nothing left in the pipes.

2. Unscrew the tap

Next you need to remove any decorative parts so you can access the central screw. The unscrew this, twist off the casing and access the cartridge.

3. Remove and replace the cartridge

Before starting you need to understand which is the hot cartridge and which is the cold. Then, you can just take out the old cartridge and put the new one in. 

When you’re finished, pop all the pieces back together and test to see if your leaking tap repair has done the trick.

Tap still dripping?

If you’ve tried to fix your dripping tap and it’s not worked, it might be time to enlist a professional.