How do you stop a dripping tap?

A dripping tap might seem like a minor inconvenience but it can quickly become a major issue if left unresolved. Over time, a small drip can waste gallons of water, which could otherwise be conserved. Fortunately, with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can fix a dripping tap yourself, saving money and reducing water waste. In this guide, we’ll explain why your tap is dripping and how you can stop it.

There are several common reasons why a tap might drip, each of which can usually be fixed without the need for a professional plumber. Some common causes include:

• Clogged rubber washer: Over time, rubber washers can become clogged with dirt or limescale, which prevents them from sealing properly and leads to water leakage.

• Worn cartridge: In single lever taps, the cartridge controls the flow of both hot and cold water. If it becomes worn out or clogged with debris or limescale, it can cause the tap to drip.

• Broken washers: Washers are responsible for sealing the tap when it's turned off. If the washer becomes cracked or brittle, it can fail to provide a proper seal, leading to drips.

• Limescale build-up: Limescale, a hard, chalky deposit that forms due to high mineral content in water, is a common culprit in causing dripping taps. It builds up inside the tap, clogging valves and washers.

Before you begin fixing your dripping tap, make sure you have the right tools and materials. Most repairs are straightforward and can be done with a basic toolkit.

Before you begin any repairs, make sure to turn off the water supply. You can either turn off the valve under the sink or the main water supply to the house. Check if the water has stopped flowing to ensure you’re ready to start work. It’s also a good idea to protect the sink by covering it with a towel, which will also help prevent small parts from getting lost during the repair.

Take a close look at your tap. Inspect the rubber washer or cartridge to determine whether descaling or replacing is needed. For twin lever taps, check each washer and valve for signs of wear and limescale build-up. For single lever taps, look for a dirty or broken cartridge.

Follow these steps if you need to repair a dripping twin lever tap:

1. Remove handles: Unscrew or pull off the handles of the twin lever tap to access the valves and washers.

2. Unscrew the valve: Use a spanner or screwdriver to unscrew the valve under the handle.

3. Inspect and clean: Check the washers for wear or limescale build-up. You can either clean the washers with a descaling agent (such as vinegar) or replace them entirely if they are cracked or damaged.

4. Reassemble: Apply grease to the washers (if necessary) and reassemble the parts in reverse order. Tighten everything securely to prevent future leaks.

Follow these steps to fix a dripping single lever tap:

1. Remove the cartridge: Use the necessary tools to remove the cartridge from the tap. Be sure to take note of the cartridge’s position, as it needs to be reinstalled correctly.

2. Clean the cartridge: Clean any limescale or debris from the cartridge with a damp cloth and a descaling solution.

3. Replace the cartridge: If the cartridge is worn out or too clogged, replace it with a new one. Make sure it’s the correct model for your tap.

4. Reassemble and test: Reassemble the tap, ensuring everything is positioned correctly. Test the tap by turning on the water supply to ensure it’s working correctly.

While most dripping taps can be fixed with a little DIY knowledge, there are situations where professional help is needed. If the damage is too severe or you’re unsure about the source of the problem, it’s best to hire an approved local plumber.