Why a tap drips
- The rubber washer inside an old-style tap has worn out or hardened, so it no longer seals when closed.
- In a mixer or newer tap, the cartridge or the rubber seals are worn.
- Hard water leaves scale that stops the tap closing fully.
- Dripping from the handle or from under the spout rather than from the mouth often means a worn seal or a loose nut.
A simple fix for a plain tap
- Close the water supply to that tap first, using the small valve under the sink or the main valve. Then open the tap to let the remaining water out.
- Plug the drain or put a cloth over it so small screws don't fall in. Unscrew the handle and cover with a spanner, turning the nut slowly.
- Take out the old washer or cartridge and take it with you to the shop so you get the same size.
- Fit the new one, put everything back, open the supply slowly and check for drips.
Call a plumber if
- The supply valve will not close, or there is no valve under the sink.
- The tap is chrome and the nut is stuck. Forcing it can crack the tap or the pipe in the wall.
- It still drips after a new part, or water appears on the wall or ceiling near it.