How to fix a dripping tap — replacing the washer
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Turn off the water supply to the tap. There should be an isolating valve under the sink (flat-bladed screw slot — turn 90° to close). If not, use the main stopcock.
Open the tap fully to release any residual pressure and confirm the water is off.
Remove the tap handle: prise off the decorative cover (usually a small plastic disc) and unscrew the screw underneath. The handle will lift off.
Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the tap headgear (the large nut beneath the handle). Turn anticlockwise — it may be stiff.
At the bottom of the headgear is the jumper and washer. The rubber washer may have a centre screw, or it may just press-fit onto a brass jumper. Remove and take it to a hardware shop to match the size (usually 13mm for sink taps, 10mm for bathroom basin taps).
Fit the new washer, reassemble the headgear (tighten firmly), refit the handle, and restore the water supply slowly.
If the tap still drips after replacing the washer, the valve seat (the metal ring the washer presses against) may be damaged. A plumber can re-grind the seat with a special tool, or the whole tap head may need replacing.
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