How to Fix a Dripping Tap (and When to Replace It)

A single dripping tap can waste thousands of litres a year. Many drips are a simple washer or cartridge change you can do yourself — but some need a replacement or a pro. Here's how to tell which.

Turn off the water first

Close the isolating valve under the sink (or the mains) and open the tap to drain the line. Never start without shutting the water off.

Replace the washer or cartridge

Most kitchen and bathroom tap drips come from a worn washer or cartridge. Once the water is off, take the tap apart, note the part, and replace the washer/cartridge with the matching one from a hardware store.

When it's time to replace

If the tap body is corroded, leaking at the base, or you've changed the washer more than once and it still drips, a full tap replacement is often more economical. Older ceramic-disc taps can be hard to source parts for.

Know your limits

A washer swap is a reasonable DIY task. If the valve is stiff, the leak is at a joint, or you're unsure, stop and call a plumber — a small mistake can turn into a flooded kitchen.