How to Fix a Dripping Tap: Washers, Cartridges and Quarter-Turn Taps
How to tell what kind of tap you have, turn off the water safely, and replace the washer or cartridge to stop the drip.
A dripping tap wastes water, leaves limescale stains and keeps you awake at night. The good news is that the fix is usually a small, cheap part. The key is knowing which type of tap you have before you start.
The quick answer
- Turn off the water at the isolation valve under the sink, or at the stopcock
- If the handle turns several times from off to full, it is usually a washer tap
- If it turns only a quarter or half turn, it is usually a ceramic disc cartridge
- Take the old part to a plumbers' merchant to match it exactly
- If water drips from the base or handle rather than the spout, it is usually a worn O-ring
Which type of tap do you have?
| Tap type | How it feels | Usual cause of drip | Part to replace |
| Compression or washer tap | Several full turns, tightens gradually | Worn rubber washer | Washer, or the headgear |
| Ceramic disc tap | Quarter or half turn, stops firmly | Worn or dirty cartridge | Ceramic cartridge |
| Mixer tap with one lever | Lever moves up, down and sideways | Worn cartridge | Mixer cartridge |
What you need
- An adjustable spanner and screwdrivers
- A replacement washer, O-rings or cartridge
- An old towel and a plug for the sink, so small parts cannot fall down the drain
- Silicone grease for O-rings, if fitting new ones
How to fix a washer tap
- Turn off the water and open the tap to drain it
- Put the plug in the sink
- Prise off the decorative cap and undo the handle screw
- Use a spanner to unscrew the headgear, holding the tap body steady so it does not twist
- Remove the old washer from the bottom of the headgear and fit the new one
- Reassemble, turn the water back on slowly and test
How to fix a ceramic disc or mixer tap
- Turn off the water and drain the tap
- Remove the handle, which is usually held by a small screw under a cap
- Unscrew the cartridge with a spanner
- Take it to a merchant to buy an exact match, as there are many sizes and spline counts
- Fit the new cartridge, making sure hot and cold are the right way round
- Reassemble and test
Leaks from the base or handle
If water appears around the base of the spout or under the handle, the O-rings are usually worn. Replace them and smear them lightly with silicone grease before refitting.
When to replace the whole tap
- The tap body is cracked or badly corroded
- Parts are no longer available
- The tap leaks from several places
- You are updating the kitchen or bathroom anyway
Frequently asked questions
How much water does a dripping tap waste?
Even a slow drip can waste many litres a day, which adds up on a water meter.
I cannot find an isolation valve. What do I do?
Turn off the stopcock, which is usually under the kitchen sink or where the water pipe enters the property.
Why does my new washer still drip?
The valve seat may be worn or pitted. A plumber can reseat it, or the tap may need replacing.
Related guides
Send a photo of the tap and your postcode, or call 07444 262522.