A Homeowner’s Guide on How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
That constant drip, drip, drip isn't just an annoyance—it's money and water literally going down the drain. The good news is that most leaky taps are a straightforward DIY job once you know the basics. This guide will walk you through how to fix a leaky faucet and restore peace to your home.
Your First Steps to Stop That Drip
Before you pick up a wrench, a little prep work goes a long way. The first step is to shut off the water supply to the tap.
Most sinks have small isolation valves on the pipes underneath—just turn them clockwise until they stop. If you can't see any, you'll need to turn off the water at the mains. If you're not sure how, our guide on how to turn off your water mains can walk you through it.
Next, a crucial tip: plug the sink and lay an old towel in the basin. This simple trick prevents tiny screws from vanishing down the drain and protects your sink from scratches.
For a different perspective on tackling common leaks, you might also find this quick DIY guide to fixing leaky faucets useful.
Repairing a Traditional Compression Faucet
If your tap has separate hot and cold handles, it’s likely a compression tap. When these drip, it's almost always due to a worn-out rubber seat washer. This washer gets compressed every time you turn the tap off, and after thousands of turns, it hardens or splits, causing the leak.
Fixing it is straightforward. Gently pry off the handle's decorative cap and undo the screw underneath. Once the handle is off, use a spanner to loosen the packing nut, allowing you to lift the stem assembly out.
At the bottom of the stem, you’ll see the faulty seat washer. Swap this for a new one and consider replacing the O-ring as well for a perfect, drip-free seal.
For similar repairs, see our guide on mixer tap washer replacement.
Fixing Modern Cartridge and Ceramic Disc Faucets
Modern single-handle taps often use a cartridge or ceramic disc mechanism. When a cartridge faucet leaks, you'll usually need to replace the entire internal cartridge. To do this, remove the handle and any retaining clips to access the old cartridge, pull it out, and slide the new one in.
Ceramic disc taps are very durable, but their neoprene seals can eventually fail. Fixing this involves disassembling the tap to access the ceramic cylinder and swapping out these seals.
Pro Tip: Before disassembling, take a picture at each stage with your phone. This creates a visual guide that makes putting everything back together much easier.
What to Do When the Drip Just Won’t Stop
It’s frustrating when you’ve reassembled the tap and it still drips. Don't worry, this is common. The usual culprit is a corroded or damaged valve seat—the metal rim inside the faucet that the washer presses against. Mineral buildup can roughen its surface, preventing a proper seal.
Another common issue is using the wrong size replacement part. A washer that is even slightly off can cause a leak. Always take the old parts with you to the hardware shop to get an exact match.
Finally, check the aerator at the tip of the spout. Debris can get trapped during the repair, disrupting water flow and mimicking a leak.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While DIY is satisfying, sometimes it's best to call an expert. If you've followed all the steps and the drip persists, or you're dealing with a very old, seized-up tap, professional help is the safest bet.
A DIY repair gone wrong can turn a small drip into a major leak, leading to significant water damage. The plumbing merchant sector sees steady demand for professional expertise, reflected in market trends (UK plumbing repair trends on mra-research.co.uk).
Our Go Assist engineers can spot complex issues like hidden corrosion or water pressure problems. They arrive with the right tools and parts for a reliable fix. Finding trusted experts can be difficult, especially with the current skills shortage (the plumbing skills gap on modbs.co.uk).
Don't let a stubborn drip ruin your day. If you're out of your depth, book one of our trusted tap repair engineers and get it sorted properly the first time.
Common Questions About Leaky Faucets
Here are quick answers to questions we often hear from UK homeowners.
What Suddenly Causes a Tap to Drip?
Most sudden drips are caused by a single part, like a rubber washer or O-ring, finally wearing out. Daily use puts these components under constant stress until they can no longer create a watertight seal.
How Often Should I Check My Taps for Leaks?
A quick check every six months is a good habit. Look for drips, handle stiffness, or unusual noises. A small leak might seem harmless, but over time it can lead to significant water damage, damp, and mould in your home.
