Dripping tap that won't stop
⚠️ Always turn off the water supply before dismantling a tap.
A dripping tap is one of the most common plumbing niggles in British homes, and the good news is that it's almost always fixable without calling a plumber. The culprit is usually a worn washer or damaged cartridge that's lost its ability to create a watertight seal — nothing sinister, just normal wear and tear after years of use. Whether you've got an old-fashioned pillar tap, a modern ceramic disc model, or a single-lever mixer, the fix is straightforward and costs just a few pounds in parts. This guide walks you through identifying your tap type and replacing the faulty component, so you can stop that annoying drip and save water at the same time. However, if you're not confident working with plumbing, or if you've turned off the water and nothing happens, it's worth calling a Gas Safe registered engineer to rule out any supply-side issues.
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Most likely cause & what to check
Turn off the water supply under the sink using the isolating valve, then open the tap to drain remaining water.
For traditional pillar taps: remove the headgear and replace the rubber washer at the bottom. They cost pennies.
For ceramic disc taps: the cartridge has cracked. Remove the tap head, pull out the cartridge, and take it to a merchant to match the replacement.
For single-lever mixer taps: remove the lever, unscrew the cartridge retaining nut, and replace the cartridge.
Reassemble in reverse, turn water back on slowly, and test.
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Frequently asked questions
How much water does a dripping tap actually waste?
A tap dripping once per second wastes roughly 2,600 litres per year — that's equivalent to about 33 baths. Even a slow drip adds up quickly on your water bill and is wasteful, so fixing it promptly makes both financial and environmental sense.
Can I fix a dripping tap without turning off the water supply?
You really shouldn't attempt it. Turning off the isolating valve under the sink takes seconds and prevents accidental flooding or water spray when you open the cartridge. It's a basic safety step that protects your home and makes the job far easier.
What's the difference between a pillar tap and a ceramic disc tap?
Pillar taps have a traditional screw-down headgear with a rubber washer inside; ceramic disc taps have a modern cartridge with two ceramic discs that control flow. Ceramic disc taps are more durable and less prone to leaking, but both can be repaired by replacing their internal components.
How do I know if the cartridge is the problem and not something else?
If water drips from the spout even when the tap is turned fully off, it's almost certainly the internal seal — either the washer or cartridge. Leaks from the base of the tap or around the handles point to different issues and may require professional attention.
Can I reuse the old cartridge or do I need to replace it?
Cartridges cannot be reliably repaired once damaged — replacement is the proper fix. Taking the old cartridge to a plumber's merchant ensures you get an exact match, as different tap models use different cartridge sizes and designs.
How long does a tap repair usually take?
For someone with basic DIY confidence, most tap repairs take 15–30 minutes from start to finish. The actual dismantling and reassembly is quick; the main job is locating the isolating valve and ensuring you have the right replacement part.