How to Fix a Dripping Tap: Complete DIY Guide

A dripping tap is more than an annoyance - it can waste over 5,500 litres of water annually and add £20+ to your water bill. This guide shows Glasgow homeowners how to fix the most common tap drips.

Why Do Taps Drip?

Most dripping taps are caused by:

• Worn washers - The most common cause in traditional taps
• Damaged O-rings - Creates leaks around the spout base
• Corroded valve seat - Causes the washer to wear unevenly
• Worn ceramic discs - In modern mixer taps

Tools You'll Need

• Adjustable spanner
• Screwdriver (flat and Phillips)
• Replacement washers or cartridge
• Plumber's grease
• Cloths or towels

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before any tap repair:

1. Turn off the isolation valve under the sink (turn clockwise)
2. If no isolation valve, turn off the main stopcock
3. Turn on the tap to drain remaining water

Step 2: Identify Your Tap Type

Traditional Taps (Pillar/Compression)

• Separate hot and cold taps
• Turn handle to open/close
• Use washers to seal

Mixer Taps (Monobloc)

• Single unit with one or two handles
• May use ceramic discs or cartridges
• More complex repair

Ball Valve Taps

• Single handle moves in all directions
• Contains multiple internal parts
• Often needs complete cartridge replacement

Step 3: Repair Traditional Tap Drips

1. Remove the tap handle - Pry off the cover cap and unscrew the retaining screw
2. Unscrew the headgear - Use a spanner on the brass hexagonal nut
3. Remove the jumper and washer - The washer is attached to the jumper valve
4. Replace the washer - Pry off the old washer and press on a new one (typical size: 1/2" or 3/4")
5. Reassemble - Reverse the process and test

Most Glasgow hardware stores stock replacement tap washers for under £2.

Step 4: Repair Mixer Tap Drips

Modern mixer taps typically use ceramic disc cartridges:

1. Remove the handle - Look for a grub screw under the hot/cold indicator
2. Unscrew the cartridge cover - Usually a decorative shroud
3. Remove the cartridge - Unscrew or pull out the cartridge
4. Replace with new cartridge - Take the old one to match the replacement
5. Reassemble and test

Ceramic cartridges cost £15-£40 depending on the brand.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a Glasgow plumber if:

• You can't identify the tap type or parts
• The tap body is corroded
• The drip persists after replacing parts
• You don't have isolation valves
• The leak is from the tap body (not spout)
• You're not confident with DIY repairs

Prevention Tips

• Don't overtighten taps - causes premature washer wear
• Address drips quickly - prevents further damage
• Consider upgrading to quality taps - last longer

Professional Tap Repair Costs in Glasgow

Service	Typical Cost
Washer replacement	£45-£75
Cartridge replacement	£65-£95
New tap installation	£80-£120
Emergency tap repair	From £95

Get Professional Help

If DIY isn't for you, our Glasgow plumbers fix dripping taps quickly and affordably.

Call Plumbers Glasgow Ltd:

• +44 141 468 9930
• Same-day appointments available
• No call-out charge for booked work

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Related Services:

• Plumber Glasgow
• Kitchen Plumbing
• Bathroom Plumbing