How to Fix a Leaking Tap
Last updated: 4 September 2026
Quick Answer
Turn off the water supply, replace the washer or cartridge, and reassemble the tap.
Overview
A dripping tap wastes water and money. This guide covers fixing the most common causes of a leaking tap.
Step-by-Step Fix
Safety & Preparation
Before beginning any repair, ensure you have isolated power or water supplies. Clear your workspace, gather standard hand tools, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Firstly, locate the isolation valve for the tap you're working on, typically found on the pipe directly underneath the sink, and turn it clockwise until the water supply is completely off. Before proceeding, open the tap fully to drain any remaining water and confirm the flow has stopped, preventing unexpected splashes.
- Next, carefully remove the decorative cover or cap from the tap handle, which might be a small plastic disc or a screw cover, then use an appropriately sized screwdriver to loosen and remove the retaining screw or grub screw underneath. Once the screw is out, the tap handle should lift straight off, revealing the tap's internal workings.
- With the handle removed, identify the large hexagonal nut, known as the valve nut or gland nut, at the base of the tap's body, and use an adjustable spanner to carefully turn it anti-clockwise until loose enough to remove. Once the nut is off, gently unscrew the spindle assembly itself, pulling it upwards to extract it from the tap body.
- Inspect the removed spindle to identify whether it uses a rubber washer at the bottom or a ceramic disc cartridge; take the old component to a DIY store to ensure you purchase an exact, matching replacement. If it's a rubber washer, simply unscrew the retaining screw and fit the new washer, or if it's a cartridge, slide the old one out and insert the new one, ensuring it seats correctly.
- Finally, reassemble all the tap components by carefully screwing the spindle back into the tap body, tightening the valve nut with your spanner, and then reattaching the tap handle with its screw and decorative cap. Once everything is secure, slowly turn the water supply isolation valve back on, then open the tap fully to check for leaks and ensure proper operation.
Common Symptoms & Diagnostic Resolutions
Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.
| Symptom / Code | Likely Root Cause | Recommended Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Drip after close | Washer not sealing properly | Replace the rubber washer with a new one of the correct size. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which washer to buy?
Take the old washer to a hardware store to match its size, type, and thickness.