If water is uncontrolled or approaching electrical equipment, prioritise safety and call a plumber. The guidance below is general and does not replace an inspection.

The handle is only one clue

A dripping tap may have a worn ceramic cartridge, washer, valve seat, O-ring or pressure-related fault. Tightening the handle harder can damage the mechanism without sealing the water.

  • Note whether the drip is hot or cold
  • Check for water around the tap base
  • Identify the tap make if possible

Repair or replacement

A serviceable cartridge or washer can often be replaced, but corroded bodies, obsolete parts and damaged seats can make a new tap the more sensible option. Compatible isolation and connections also need checking.

Choosing the appropriate plumbing visit

We check the visible fault, isolation, pipe condition and access before agreeing the repair scope. Our taps & mixers page explains the related work and how an assessment is arranged.

Where the findings point to dripping tap repair, read the dripping tap repair service details before discussing the repair scope. The actual fitting and access determine the work needed.

Information worth keeping

Record when the issue occurs, the affected room and any previous repair. For a property in our home area, plumbing in West Bridgford explains the local enquiry route; check the coverage directory for another postcode.

Connected questions

For a related question about taps & mixers, the guide Why a tap leaks around its base explains what to record next.

For a related question about taps & mixers, the guide A stiff mixer tap is not a strength test explains what to record next.