Dripping tap: how to fix it

Small part, small job. Turn the water off first.

The answer in 2 lines. A drip from the spout of a two-handle tap almost always comes from a worn washer (older taps that turn several times) or a tired ceramic cartridge (quarter-turn taps). Turn off the water at the isolating valve under the sink, or at the stop tap, take the tap head apart and take the old part to a DIY shop or plumbers' merchant to get the same one. It is a small repair that most people can do. If the tap body is cracked or very old, replace the tap.

The first 3 steps

Turn off the water: the isolating valve on the pipe under the sink or basin (turn the slot or lever across the pipe), or the stop tap.
Open the tap to let the last water out, and put the plug in so no small part goes down the drain.
See where the water comes from: from the spout with the tap closed, around the handle, or at the base of the spout.

Where it drips, and which part to change

A drip from the spout, tap fully closed: a worn washer (traditional tap) or the ceramic discs of the cartridge (quarter-turn tap). Often DIY.
Water around the handle when the tap is on: the O-ring or gland packing that seals the spindle. DIY.
Water at the base of a swivel spout: the spout O-rings. DIY.
Water under the sink at a joint: a flexible tap connector or a fitting. DIY, with the water off.
A mixer tap with a single lever: usually a cartridge, specific to the brand and model.
The tap body is cracked or badly scaled: replace the tap.

Changing the washer or cartridge, step by step

Water off, prise off the small cap on the handle, undo the screw and pull off the handle.
Undo the tap head with a spanner, protecting the chrome with a cloth. Hold the tap body so it doesn't twist.
Traditional tap (several turns to open): replace the rubber washer at the bottom of the head. Ceramic tap (a quarter or half turn): you usually replace the whole cartridge.
How to choose the part: take the old one with you. Washers come in standard sizes (often 1/2 inch for basins and sinks, 3/4 inch for baths); for a cartridge, match the length, the number of splines on the spindle and the direction of turn. For a mixer, note the brand and model and order the maker's cartridge.
Put it back together without overtightening, turn the water on slowly and check it no longer drips.

What not to do

Turning the handle harder and harder to stop the drip: you crush the washer and damage the tap seat.
Taking the head off without turning the water off.
Using pliers without protection: the chrome scratches and the nut rounds off.

If the drip comes back quickly

The seat (where the washer presses) may be scratched or scaled. A tap reseating tool can fix it; otherwise, replacing the tap is simpler.
In hard-water areas, washers harden faster: soaking the parts in descaler helps.
An old tap whose parts are no longer made needs replacing. Choosing a new tap: check the number of holes in the sink or basin, the connection size, and look for a WRAS-approved product (search the WRAS approvals directory by brand or model). Water fittings must meet the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

Good to know

A dripping tap wastes water day and night: Southern Water explains why fixing it matters: Southern Water — Fix dripping taps.
If you are on a water meter, a drip adds to your bill; water companies' leak allowances usually cover the underground supply pipe, not taps.

Who pays

If you rent: in England, the landlord must keep the installations for the supply of water, sinks and basins in repair (Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, section 11). Report the drip in writing. Some tenancy agreements ask tenants to change simple washers: read yours.
New tap that drips: under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you can reject faulty goods within 30 days for a refund, and after that ask for a repair or replacement. Citizens Advice explains the steps: Citizens Advice — Something's gone wrong with a purchase.
Plumber: WaterSafe lists approved plumbers by postcode. Ask for a price before they start.

In York, Chloe hears a drip in the basin all night. She turns off the isolating valve under the basin, takes the cold tap head apart and finds a completely flattened washer. She takes it to a DIY shop, buys the same size for a few pounds and fits it in ten minutes. The basin is quiet.

A made-up story, for illustration.

Bobby

Sources, verification, confidence

Verified on 1 November 2026, for England. Confidence: high for the steps and the parts to change; high for section 11 and the Consumer Rights Act 30-day rule (Citizens Advice); medium for standard washer sizes, which vary with older taps: always take the old part with you. We found no official statistics on dripping taps in homes, so we don't quote a national figure. This guide describes common cases, not a diagnosis.