How much does it cost to fix a dripping tap in the UK?

A plumber will typically charge £50–£100 to fix a dripping tap, including parts. The job usually takes 30–60 minutes. If you do it yourself, parts cost less than £5 from any DIY store.

Can a dripping tap increase my water bill?

Yes significantly. A tap dripping once per second wastes around 5,500 litres of water per year. On a metered supply, this adds approximately £15–£30 per year to your bill. Fix it promptly.

How do I know if I have a washer tap or ceramic disc tap?

Older taps with separate hot and cold handles that require multiple turns are usually washer taps. Single-lever mixer taps and quarter-turn taps use ceramic disc cartridges. The repair method differs between the two.

Is a dripping tap an emergency?

Not usually, but don't ignore it. A persistent drip wastes water and money, and can indicate a more serious problem developing. If water is spraying or there's a major leak, that is an emergency — turn off the mains immediately.

Can I fix a dripping tap without turning off the mains?

If there's an isolation valve under the sink, you can turn off just that tap's supply without affecting the rest of the house. If there's no isolation valve, you'll need to turn off the mains stopcock.

How to Fix a Dripping Tap — Step by Step Guide UK

In This Guide

Why Taps Drip What You'll Need Step 1 — Turn Off the Water Supply Step 2 — Remove the Tap Handle Step 3 — Remove the Headgear Step 4 — Replace the Washer

Why Taps Drip

Most taps drip because of a worn washer or O-ring inside the tap mechanism. Over time, these rubber components degrade and can no longer form a watertight seal. In newer ceramic disc taps, a cracked or dirty ceramic cartridge is usually the cause.

What You'll Need

You'll need an adjustable spanner, a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver, replacement washers or O-rings (available from any DIY store for under £2), and PTFE tape. Turn off the water supply at the isolation valve under the sink before starting.

Step 1 — Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the isolation valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply to that tap. If there's no isolation valve, turn off the mains water supply at the stopcock, usually located under the kitchen sink or in the airing cupboard.

Step 2 — Remove the Tap Handle

Remove the decorative cap on top of the tap handle (it usually pops off with a flat screwdriver). Unscrew the screw underneath and lift off the handle. You should now see the tap mechanism or headgear.

Step 3 — Remove the Headgear

Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the headgear nut (the large nut securing the tap mechanism). Turn anticlockwise. Once removed, you'll see the jumper valve and washer at the bottom of the headgear.

Step 4 — Replace the Washer

The washer is usually held in place by a small nut. Unscrew it and replace the washer with an identical new one. If the O-ring on the side of the headgear looks worn or cracked, replace that too while you're there.

Step 5 — Reassemble and Test

Reassemble everything in reverse order. Turn the water supply back on slowly and test the tap. The drip should be gone. If it persists, the tap seat itself may be damaged and will need professional attention.

When to Call a Professional

If replacing the washer doesn't fix the drip, if the tap body is cracked, if you have a complex mixer tap, or if you're not confident working with plumbing, call a professional plumber. A simple tap repair typically costs £50–£100 including parts.

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How to Fix a Dripping Tap