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How to fix a dripping tap

Plumbing and heating

Illustration: A dripping tap being fixed
Written by
Oakline team
Reading time
0 min
Last updated

A dripping tap wastes water and keeps you awake, so it is worth fixing soon. On most older taps the fix is a new washer, which costs very little.

What you need

  • An adjustable spanner and a flat screwdriver.
  • A replacement washer or cartridge that matches your tap.
  • A towel to protect the sink.

The steps

Turn off the water under the sink, open the tap to drain it, then remove the handle and the headgear. Swap the washer, put it back together and turn the water on slowly.

Mixer taps with ceramic cartridges work differently. If the tap still drips after a new washer, the seat may be worn and it is time to call a plumber.