A dripping tap is one of those small household problems that’s surprisingly difficult to ignore. Aside from the constant drip, it wastes water and could gradually add to your bills.
The good news is that you may not need to pay for a plumber. In many cases, a leaking tap is caused by a little grit inside the cartridge or a worn part that can be cleaned or replaced at home with a few basic tools.
This guide explains how to identify the likely cause, fix a dripping ceramic disc tap and work out when it’s time to call a professional.
Contents
- Why is my tap dripping?
- Where is the water coming from?
- Does my tap have a washer or ceramic cartridge?
- What you’ll need
- How to fix a dripping ceramic disc tap
- What to do if your tap still drips
- When to call a plumber
- Dripping tap FAQs
Why is my tap dripping?
A tap relies on internal components to control the flow of water and create a watertight seal when it’s turned off. If dirt prevents that seal from closing properly, or one of the parts becomes worn or damaged, water may continue to escape through the spout.
Common causes of a dripping tap include:
- Grit, silt or limescale trapped inside the cartridge
- A worn or damaged rubber washer
- A damaged ceramic disc cartridge
- A worn O-ring or seal
- A loose internal component
- High water pressure
Small particles can enter the tap when plumbing work disturbs the pipework. This is why taps and supply pipes should be flushed through during installation. If grit becomes trapped between the ceramic discs, they may not close completely and the tap can begin to drip.
Where is the water coming from?
Before taking anything apart, check where the leak is coming from. This will help you identify the most likely cause.
- Water dripping from the spout
A drip from the spout usually points to a problem with the washer or ceramic disc cartridge inside the tap.
- Water leaking around the handle
Water around the handle may be caused by a worn O-ring, seal or cartridge. The affected part may need cleaning, tightening or replacing.
- Water leaking from the base of the tap
If water is collecting around the base, check that it isn’t simply running down from wet hands or splashing from the sink. If the tap itself is leaking, a seal or connection may need replacing.
- Water leaking underneath the sink or basin
A leak beneath the sink may be coming from a loose connection, flexible tap tail or isolation valve rather than the tap cartridge. Turn off the water supply and call a plumber if you’re unsure where the water is escaping.
Does my tap have a washer or ceramic cartridge?
Before starting the repair, you need to know which mechanism your tap uses.
Traditional compression taps usually have separate hot and cold handles that turn several times. These use rubber washers to control the flow of water.
Many modern taps use ceramic disc cartridges instead. These taps usually turn on with a quarter or half turn and may have one lever controlling both the temperature and flow.
If your tap uses a rubber washer, head to our step-by-step guide to changing a tap washer.
The instructions below are for taps with ceramic disc cartridges.
What you’ll need to fix a dripping tap
You won’t need a full toolbox, but it’s worth gathering everything before you turn off the water:
- An adjustable spanner
- A cross-headed screwdriver
- A flat-headed screwdriver
- Masking or duct tape
- A soft cloth or old towel
- A soft toothbrush
- A small bowl
- White vinegar
- Water
You may also need a replacement ceramic cartridge if the existing one is damaged or too worn to clean.
Before you begin
Turn off the water supply before removing any part of the tap. Look for the isolation valves on the pipes beneath the sink or basin and turn each screw 90 degrees so it sits across the pipe.
A mixer tap may have separate hot and cold supplies, so make sure both are isolated. If there aren’t any isolation valves, you’ll need to turn off your home’s main water supply.
Turn the tap on briefly to release any water left inside, then put the plug in the sink or basin. This will stop small screws and other components disappearing down the drain. Place a towel over the surface to protect it from dropped tools.
If you’re not confident that you’ve fully isolated the water supply, stop and contact a plumber.
How to fix a dripping ceramic disc tap
The exact design can vary, so check the manufacturer’s instructions for your tap where possible. Take a quick photo at each stage to help you remember how the parts fit back together.
Step 1: Remove the tap handle
Look for the small decorative cap or grub screw on the tap handle. Depending on the design, this may be on the side, underneath or hidden behind a hot and cold indicator.
Carefully remove the cover with a flat-headed screwdriver, then use the correct screwdriver to loosen the screw holding the handle in place. Lift the handle away from the tap.
Keep each screw and component somewhere safe as you remove it.
Step 2: Remove the collar
Unscrew the decorative collar beneath the handle by hand. If it’s difficult to move, wrap masking or duct tape around it to improve your grip and protect the finish.
Avoid gripping a finished surface directly with metal tools, as this could scratch or damage it.
Step 3: Remove the cartridge
Use an adjustable spanner to loosen the retaining nut before carefully lifting out the cartridge.
Pay attention to its position and orientation, as it will need to go back in the same way. Taking a photo before removing it can save a fair bit of head-scratching later.
Step 4: Clean the cartridge
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl, then soak the removed cartridge for around 10 minutes. This can help loosen limescale and debris trapped inside it.
Gently clean the cartridge with a soft toothbrush, rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it using a soft cloth.
Only use the vinegar solution on the removed internal cartridge. Keep it away from the tap’s visible surface, particularly if you have a special finish such as brushed brass or matt black.
Step 5: Refit the cartridge
Place the clean cartridge back into the tap in its original position. Make sure it sits correctly before replacing and tightening the retaining nut.
The nut should be secure, but don’t overtighten it. Too much force could damage the cartridge or tap body.
Replace the collar, handle, screw and decorative cover.
Step 6: Turn the water back on
Make sure the tap is turned off, then slowly reopen the isolation valves or main water supply.
Turn the tap on and allow the water to run for a few moments before switching it off again. Check the spout, handle, base and connections underneath the sink for any signs of leaking.
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What if the tap is still dripping?
Cleaning the cartridge will often remove trapped grit and limescale, but it won’t repair a cartridge that’s cracked, worn or damaged.
If the tap continues to drip, you may need a replacement cartridge. Cartridges come in different sizes and designs, and hot and cold cartridges may open in different directions, so you’ll need the correct part for your tap.
Check the product instructions or contact the manufacturer with the tap’s model details. If you no longer know the model, keep the old cartridge so you can compare its measurements and fittings with a replacement.
If your tap uses a rubber washer rather than a ceramic cartridge, the washer or valve seat may be worn. Replacing the washer is inexpensive and often enough to stop the leak.
When should you call a plumber?
There’s no shame in deciding a job is beyond your DIY comfort zone. Contact a qualified plumber if:
- You can’t isolate the water supply
- The cartridge or retaining nut won’t move
- The tap or pipework looks damaged
- Water is leaking from a pipe, flexible hose or connection
- The leak continues after cleaning or replacing the correct part
- You aren’t sure how to put the tap back together
- The repair may affect the product’s guarantee
Forcing a stuck component can turn a small repair into a more expensive one, so if something doesn’t feel right, stop and ask for help.
Dripping tap FAQs
Can I fix a dripping tap myself?
Many dripping taps can be fixed at home by cleaning or replacing a cartridge or washer. You’ll need to turn off the water supply and identify the correct internal mechanism first. If you’re unsure or the tap is difficult to dismantle, call a plumber.
Do I need a plumber to replace a tap cartridge?
Not necessarily. Replacing a cartridge can be a manageable DIY job if you can isolate the water and find the correct replacement part. However, tap designs vary, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do I know whether the washer or cartridge needs replacing?
A traditional tap that turns several times will usually contain a rubber washer. A modern quarter-turn or lever tap is more likely to use a ceramic disc cartridge. If cleaning the cartridge doesn’t stop the drip, it may need replacing.
Can I use vinegar to clean a tap cartridge?
A removed cartridge can be soaked in an equal mixture of white vinegar and water for around 10 minutes before being rinsed thoroughly. Don’t apply vinegar to the visible surface of your tap, as it can damage some special finishes.
Why is my new tap dripping?
A new tap may drip if grit or debris has become trapped inside the cartridge during installation. Cleaning and flushing the cartridge may solve the problem. If it continues, check the installation instructions or contact the retailer or manufacturer before replacing any parts.
Is it worth fixing a dripping tap?
Yes. A straightforward repair could save you the cost of replacing the whole tap or paying for an unnecessary call-out. It will also stop water being wasted and put an end to that surprisingly persistent dripping sound.
A dripping tap doesn’t always mean you need a replacement. A careful clean or inexpensive new part may be enough to get it working properly again.
If the cartridge can’t be repaired and a suitable replacement is no longer available, explore our range of affordable kitchen taps and bathroom taps to find an option that suits your space and budget. If you need help identifying a part or choosing a new tap, our friendly team is here to help.
