Leaking taps can quickly become a real inconvenience, wasting water and money. But fixing a dripping tap can be straightforward and you don’t always need a plumber. Watch our handy how-to video to see how to tackle the task, then follow these steps.
- Replace worn rubber washers on traditional taps or clean/replace ceramic discs to stop spout leaks.
- Swap worn valve or spout O-rings to resolve leaks from handles or bases.
- Turn off your water supply, run off excess water, and plug your sink first.
Tools and materials
What causes taps to drip?
Where the leak is coming from will determine the type of repair you need to make.
- If water is leaking from the spout, you'll need to replace the washer
- If water is leaking from beneath the handle, the valve O-ring will need replacing
- If water is leaking beneath the spout, the spout O-ring will need replacing
Compression valve taps, which need a full turn or more to reach maximum power, use rubber washers. These washers sit at the base of the valve and form a seal to stop water flow. Drips occur when the washer starts to wear away.
Ceramic disc valve taps, such as modern monobloc mixer taps, reach maximum power after half a turn or less, and use ceramic discs instead of washers. Drips happen as washers wear or discs get scratched.
Hot water valves will have a red bottom seal, and cold water valves will have a blue bottom seal. The difference between the two is the direction in which the valve turns.
Repairing vs Replacing Your Tap
Replacing washers or O-rings is a cheap, quick fix. But if your tap is old, corroded, or the threads are worn, repairing it is only a temporary solution. Buying a beautiful new tap is a much better investment in this case.
Preparing for Your Repair
Before starting, turn off your water supply and run off any excess water. Plug your sink to avoid losing small parts or screws down the drain. Remember not to overtighten parts, as this causes stress and leads to leaks.
How to fix a compression valve tap
If your tap has a handle cap, carefully remove it to access the screw within.
Using a screwdriver, unscrew to remove the handle itself. Then unscrew the rest of the valve cover.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the valve, then remove it.
Hold the valve steady with an adjustable spanner and use a screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the washer in place. Replace the washer.
Once you’ve done this, screw the valve, valve cover and tap handle back into place, and re-fit the handle cap.
How to fix a ceramic disc valve tap
Remove the handle cap to expose the top of the valve. You may need an Allen key for this, depending on the style of the tap.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the valve.
Check the ceramic disc valve for damage or grime, and clean or replace the valve.
Then secure the valve and handle cap back into position.
How to replace a tap valve O-Ring
Depending on your type of tap, remove the valve using the instructions provided above.
Carefully remove the worn or damaged O-ring with a screwdriver.
Then roll the replacement O-ring into position and secure the valve back in the tap.
How to replace a tap spout O-Ring
Accessing the tap from below the sink, use a box spanner to loosen the nut that secures the tap to the sink.
Twist the tap around so it’s facing you, then use a screwdriver to remove the small grub screw.
Lift the spout so you can access the O-ring, which is the rubber ring at the base of the spout. Carefully remove the O-ring with the help of a screwdriver.
Then roll the replacement O-ring into position.
To replace the spout, line up the marker on the spout with the groove in the tap body and slot the spout back into position. Secure the tap in place by re-tightening the grub screw and the nut underneath the sink.
FAQs
Drips usually happen when the rubber washer wears away in traditional compression taps. In modern mixer taps, scratched or dirty ceramic discs are the main cause. And overtightening parts during a repair can stress the valve, leading to leaks.
When replacing parts, it's vital not to overtighten them. This puts too much stress on the valve and will lead to drips again. When using your taps, turn them off firmly but gently.
You must turn off the water before starting any plumbing work. Locate the isolation valve under the sink or turn off the main stopcock. Once off, run the tap to empty any excess water left in the pipes.
