Fix a Dripping Tap: DIY Washer Replacement Guide
By The FixDelivered Team · Updated 2026-07-05 · 6 min read
That persistent drip, drip, drip from your tap can be incredibly irritating, not to mention wasteful. A single dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water a year, costing you money on your water bill. Fortunately, for many traditional compression taps, a dripping tap is often caused by a worn-out rubber washer, a problem you can typically fix yourself with a few basic tools.
Why is My Tap Dripping?
The most common reason for a dripping tap, particularly older styles, is a worn or perished rubber washer inside the tap mechanism. Over time, these washers harden, crack, or lose their elasticity, preventing the tap from sealing completely when turned off. Water then seeps past, creating that familiar drip.
Other causes can include:
- Worn O-rings: These rubber rings seal the tap's spindle, preventing leaks around the base of the spout or handle.
- Damaged valve seat: The surface where the washer presses to create a seal can become corroded or pitted.
- Faulty ceramic cartridge: Many modern mixer taps use ceramic cartridges instead of traditional washers. These units need to be replaced entirely if faulty, rather than just a washer.
This guide focuses on replacing the washer in a traditional compression tap, which is a common and straightforward DIY fix.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Before you start, gather these items:
- Adjustable spanner (or appropriate spanner for your tap's nuts)
- Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips, depending on your tap handle)
- New tap washers (it's wise to have a selection of common sizes, or take the old one to a hardware store)
- PTFE tape (plumber's tape)
- Old towels or rags
- Bucket or bowl
- Penetrating oil (optional, for seized parts)
- Protective gloves (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Dripping Tap
Follow these steps carefully to replace your tap washer.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
This is the most crucial step. Locate the isolation valve under the sink or basin for the specific tap you're working on. If there isn't one, you'll need to turn off the main stopcock for your property. Turn on the affected tap to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
2. Protect Your Work Area
Place the plug in the sink or basin to prevent small parts from falling down the drain. Lay old towels or rags around the tap and in the basin to catch any drips and protect the surface from tools.
3. Remove the Tap Handle
Look for a decorative cap (often plastic or metal) on top of the tap handle. Gently pry this off with a small flathead screwdriver. Underneath, you'll find a screw. Unscrew this and carefully lift off the tap handle. Some handles may simply pull off without a visible screw.
4. Remove the Shroud or Cover
Many taps have a decorative shroud or cover that sits over the tap's body. This usually unscrews by hand or with gentle leverage. Be careful not to scratch chrome finishes; you might use a cloth to protect it if using a spanner.
5. Access the Tap Mechanism (Gland Nut/Cartridge)
You should now see the tap's spindle and a large nut, often called the 'gland nut' or 'packing nut'. This holds the tap's internal mechanism in place. Use your adjustable spanner to carefully loosen and unscrew this nut. It might be stiff, so a little penetrating oil can help if it's seized. Once the nut is off, you can usually lift out the entire spindle assembly.
6. Replace the Washer(s)
Examine the end of the spindle. You'll typically find a small rubber washer (the jumper valve washer) held in place by a screw. Unscrew this, remove the old washer, and replace it with a new one of the exact same size and thickness. If there are any O-rings on the spindle that look worn or cracked, replace these too. It's often good practice to replace all accessible washers and O-rings while you have the tap disassembled.
7. Reassemble the Tap
Carefully reassemble the tap in reverse order:
- Insert the spindle assembly back into the tap body.
- Tighten the gland nut with your spanner. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the tap or new washers.
- Replace the decorative shroud or cover.
- Reattach the tap handle, securing it with its screw.
- Replace the decorative cap.
8. Restore Water Supply and Test
Slowly turn the water supply back on (either the isolation valve or the main stopcock). Open the repaired tap fully to allow air to escape and water to flow. Check carefully for any leaks around the tap base, spout, or handle. If you see any, you may need to tighten a connection slightly or re-check the washer seating.
When to Call a Professional
While fixing a dripping tap can be a satisfying DIY job, there are times when it's best to call in an expert. You should consider calling a professional plumber if:
- You can't isolate the water supply: If your stopcock is seized or you can't find an isolation valve, don't risk a flood.
- It's a ceramic cartridge tap: These require specific replacement cartridges, and the process can be more complex.
- The tap parts are seized or damaged: If you can't loosen nuts without excessive force, or if you strip a screw, a plumber has the right tools and expertise.
- The leak persists after washer replacement: This could indicate a more serious issue, such as a damaged valve seat or pipework.
- You're not confident: It's always better to call a professional than to cause further damage.
- It's a gas appliance: For anything involving gas, you MUST use a Gas Safe registered plumber. This particular issue is unlikely to be gas-related, but it's a crucial safety point for any plumbing work.
A plumber typically charges between £80 and £150 for a call-out and the first hour of work, depending on your location and the time of day. This usually includes minor parts like washers. For more complex issues, costs can rise.
Need a Plumber Fast?
If your DIY efforts haven't worked or you'd prefer a professional to handle it, FixDelivered can help. We connect you with vetted, local emergency plumbers across the UK. You can quickly tell us your emergency and get a plumber to your door, often within the hour. Our booking fee is refundable if no plumber is found, and the plumber's callout fee is agreed upfront and paid directly to them, ensuring transparency.
Fixing a dripping tap yourself is a great way to save money and gain confidence in your DIY skills. By following these steps, you can often silence that annoying drip for good. However, if the task proves more challenging than anticipated, remember that professional help is readily available through services like FixDelivered, ensuring your home plumbing issues are resolved efficiently and safely. You can also browse local plumbers directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a dripping tap in the UK?
If you do it yourself, the cost is just for new washers, typically a few pounds. If you hire a professional plumber, expect to pay around £80-£150 for a call-out and the first hour of work, depending on your location and the complexity of the job. This usually includes minor parts like washers.
How long does it take to fix a dripping tap?
For a DIY washer replacement, it usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour, assuming you have the right tools and can easily access the tap's internal components. A professional plumber might complete the job quicker due to their experience and specialised tools.
Can a dripping tap increase my water bill?
Yes, absolutely. Even a slow drip can waste a surprising amount of water over time. A tap dripping once every two seconds can waste thousands of litres of water per year, which will directly increase your water bill, especially if you have a water meter.
What if my tap is still dripping after replacing the washer?
If the tap continues to drip after you've replaced the washer, the problem might be a worn O-ring, a pitted or corroded valve seat, or a faulty ceramic cartridge (in modern taps). In such cases, it's best to consult a professional plumber as these issues can be more complex to diagnose and fix.
Need a plumber now? Tell us your emergency and FixDelivered will find and confirm an available local plumber near you, usually within the hour.
Written by the FixDelivered Team. Reviewed by Rupert Lowe, Editor. Last updated 2026-07-05.