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  3. Dripping tap: why it drips and what fixing it involves

Dripping tap: why it drips and what fixing it involves

By Declan Barry, plumber, Stockport. Updated 2026-09-10.

A tap drips because the part that seals it, a rubber washer in an older tap or a ceramic cartridge in a newer one, has worn. Replacing that part fixes it. Left alone, a drip wastes thousands of litres a year and wears the seat of the tap so the whole tap eventually needs replacing.

What to do

  1. Work out what kind of tap it is

    If it turns several times to open, it is a traditional tap with a washer. If it is a quarter turn or a lever, it has a ceramic cartridge. Mixer taps with a single lever have a single cartridge.

  2. Turn off the isolating valve

    Under the sink or basin, a small valve with a screwdriver slot on each pipe. Turn the slot across the pipe to close. If there is no isolating valve, you will need to turn off the stopcock.

  3. Washer taps: replace the washer

    Remove the handle and the headgear with a spanner, swap the washer at the bottom, reassemble. If it still drips, the seat is worn and needs reseating or the tap needs replacing.

  4. Cartridge taps: replace the cartridge

    Cartridges are specific to the make. If you know the make, the right one can be ordered. If not, a plumber can identify it. Fitting is straightforward once you have the right part.

When to ring a plumber

  • You do not know the make, or the part is not obvious. I carry the common cartridges and can identify most taps from a photo.
  • There is no isolating valve. I fit them as part of the job so next time is easier.
  • The tap is old and the seat is worn. A new tap is often cheaper than repeatedly repairing an old one.

Questions

How much water does a dripping tap waste?

A drip a second is around 15 litres a day, 5,000 litres a year. On a water meter that is real money.

Can I just tighten the tap harder?

No. That crushes the washer further into a worn seat and makes it worse. It also eventually cracks the tap body.

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