How to Stop a Dripping Tap Yourself (And When to Call a Plumber)
A dripping tap isn't just annoying - over a year it can waste a surprising amount of water. The good news is it's often a straightforward fix.
Why taps drip
Most drips come from a worn washer or O-ring inside the tap, which loses its seal over time. Modern mixer taps often use a ceramic disc cartridge instead, which can also wear out or get scored by grit in the water supply.
A basic DIY approach
- ✓ Turn off the water supply to the tap (isolation valve or stopcock)
- ✓ Open the tap to release remaining pressure
- ✓ Remove the handle (usually one screw, sometimes hidden under a cap)
- ✓ Replace the washer, O-ring, or cartridge with the correct matching part
- ✓ Reassemble and turn the water back on to test
When to call a plumber instead
If the tap is old and parts are hard to source, if you're not confident isolating the water supply safely, or if the drip continues after replacing the washer, it's worth calling in a professional rather than risking damage to the fitting. We're happy to fit a replacement washer, cartridge, or entire tap as part of our regular plumbing work - just get in touch.
Need help now?
Our Swindon plumbing team is available 24/7.