Difficulty: Easy | Time: 20-30 minutes | Cost: £5-15
A dripping tap wastes up to 15 litres of water per day and can cost you £50+ per year. This simple DIY fix takes just 20 minutes and can save you money on your water bill.

Why Does a Tap Drip?

Most dripping taps are caused by a worn washer inside the tap mechanism. When you turn a tap off, the washer presses against the valve seat to stop water flow. Over time, this washer wears down and no longer creates a watertight seal.

The good news? Replacing a tap washer is one of the easiest plumbing DIY jobs. You don't need special tools or plumbing experience—just 20 minutes and a few basic tools.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Tools Required:

Adjustable spanner or wrench
Flat-head screwdriver
Cloth or towel (to protect tap finish)
Basin or bucket (to catch water)

Materials Needed:

Replacement tap washers (various sizes pack - £5-10)
O-rings (optional, if tap has them)
Silicone grease (optional but recommended)

Available at any DIY store or hardware shop in Exeter

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Dripping Tap

1Turn Off the Water Supply

This is crucial for safety! Find the isolation valve under the sink (usually a small valve on the pipes) and turn it clockwise to close. If there's no isolation valve, turn off your mains water supply.

Tip: Turn on the tap to drain any remaining water in the pipes.

2Remove the Tap Handle

Most tap handles have a small screw hidden under a decorative cap (usually marked "Hot" or "Cold"). Pry off the cap with a flat-head screwdriver, then unscrew and lift off the handle.

3Remove the Headgear (Tap Body)

You'll see a large hexagonal nut (the headgear). Wrap a cloth around it to protect the chrome finish, then use your adjustable spanner to unscrew it anti-clockwise. Lift out the entire valve assembly.

Tip: Place a towel in the sink to catch any small parts that might fall.

4Replace the Washer

At the bottom of the valve, you'll find a small rubber washer held in place by a nut. Unscrew this nut, remove the old washer, and replace it with a new one of the same size. Tighten the nut to secure the new washer.

Note: If the washer looks fine but the tap still drips, the valve seat may be worn. This requires professional attention.

5Check O-Rings (If Present)

While you have the valve apart, check for O-rings on the valve body. If they look worn or perished, replace them too. A small amount of silicone grease helps them seal better and last longer.

6Reassemble the Tap

Put everything back together in reverse order: insert the valve body, tighten the headgear nut (don't overtighten!), replace the handle, and secure the handle screw. Replace the decorative cap.

7Turn Water Back On and Test

Slowly turn the water supply back on. Check for leaks around the tap base. Turn the tap on and off a few times to ensure smooth operation. The drip should be gone!

What If the Tap Still Drips?

If you've replaced the washer and the tap still drips, the problem is likely:

Worn valve seat: The metal seat where the washer presses may be corroded or damaged
Damaged valve body: The entire valve mechanism may need replacement
Wrong size washer: Ensure you've used the correct size for your tap
Overtightening: Too much force can damage washers or valve seats

In these cases, it's best to call a professional plumber. We can assess the issue and either repair or replace the tap.

Different Types of Taps

Pillar Taps (Traditional)

The method above works for traditional pillar taps with separate hot and cold handles. These are the most common type in UK homes and the easiest to fix.

Mixer Taps

Modern mixer taps often use ceramic disc cartridges instead of washers. These don't usually drip but can develop other issues. Cartridge replacement is more complex and may require professional help.

Monobloc Taps

Single-lever mixer taps (monoblocs) contain cartridges that control both temperature and flow. If these drip, you'll need to replace the entire cartridge—a job best left to professionals.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Call us if:

The tap still drips after replacing the washer
You can't turn off the water supply
The tap is leaking from the base or handle
You have a mixer or monobloc tap
You're not confident doing the repair yourself
The entire tap needs replacing

We offer same-day appointments for tap repairs across Exeter. Our fixed-price tap repair service (£60-100 including parts) means no surprises on your bill.

How to Prevent Future Drips

Don't overtighten: Turning taps off too tightly wears washers faster
Regular maintenance: Replace washers every 2-3 years as preventive maintenance
Address hard water: Limescale buildup damages valve seats—consider a water softener if you have very hard water in Exeter
Quality matters: Cheap taps wear out faster—invest in quality fixtures

How to Fix a Dripping Tap: Step-by-Step Guide