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How to Stop a Dripping Tap Yourself?

How to Stop a Dripping Tap Yourself?

A dripping tap is one of the most common household annoyances, and the constant ‘drip, drip, drip’ can drive anyone to distraction while wasting significant amounts of water. The good news is that many dripping tap problems can be resolved with basic DIY skills and simple tools. However, knowing when to attempt a repair yourself versus calling a local plumber is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring a proper, long-lasting fix.

Understanding Why Taps Drip

Before attempting any repair, it’s important to understand what causes taps to drip. Most dripping is caused by worn internal components that no longer create a watertight seal. The specific cause depends on your tap type:

Traditional Taps: Usually caused by worn rubber washers or O-rings

Mixer Taps: Often due to damaged cartridges or ceramic discs

Modern Designer Taps: May have complex internal mechanisms requiring specific parts

Understanding your tap type is the first step in determining whether DIY repair is feasible.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Essential Tools

  • Adjustable spanner or pipe wrench

  • Screwdriver set (both flathead and Phillips)

  • Pliers (for gripping small parts)

  • Torch or good lighting

  • Old towels (to protect surfaces and catch water)

Common Replacement Parts

  • Rubber washers (various sizes)

  • O-rings (assorted pack)

  • PTFE tape (for sealing threads)

  • Valve seats (if grinding is required)

  • Cartridges (for mixer taps – must match your specific model)

Safety Equipment

  • Safety glasses (to protect from debris)

  • Rubber gloves (for grip and hygiene)

 

Step-by-Step Repair for Traditional Taps

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Most Important Step: Always turn off the water supply before beginning any repair.

  • Locate the isolation valves under the sink

  • If no isolation valves exist, turn off the main water supply

  • Turn on the tap to drain remaining water from the pipes

2. Remove the Tap Handle

  • Look for a screw holding the handle (may be hidden under a cap)

  • Remove the screw and pull off the handle

  • Some handles may require gentle twisting or rocking to remove

3. Remove the Headgear

  • Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the large nut (headgear)

  • Turn anticlockwise – it may be tight, so apply steady pressure

  • Lift out the entire mechanism

4. Inspect and Replace the Washer

  • Look at the bottom of the mechanism for the rubber washer

  • Remove the small screw holding the washer in place

  • Replace with a new washer of the same size

  • Replace the screw, ensuring it’s snug but not overtightened

5. Check the O-Ring

  • Inspect the O-ring around the mechanism stem

  • If it’s cracked, stretched, or damaged, replace it

  • Ensure the new O-ring is the same size and thickness

6. Reassemble the Tap

  • Apply a small amount of PTFE tape to the headgear threads

  • Screw the headgear back into place – hand tight plus a quarter turn

  • Replace the handle and secure with the screw

  • Turn the water supply back on and test

 

Repairing Mixer Taps

Identifying the Problem

Mixer taps are more complex and often require cartridge replacement rather than simple washer changes.

Cartridge Replacement Process

  1. Turn off water supply (both hot and cold)

  2. Remove the handle (method varies by manufacturer)

  3. Remove the cartridge retaining nut

  4. Pull out the old cartridge (may require special tools)

  5. Insert the new cartridge (ensure correct orientation)

  6. Reassemble in reverse order

Important: Cartridges are manufacturer-specific, so you’ll need to identify your tap brand and model.

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

Overtightening Components

  • Risk: Cracking the tap body or damaging threads

  • Solution: Hand tighten plus a quarter turn maximum

Using Wrong Size Parts

  • Risk: Continued dripping or damage to the tap

  • Solution: Take old parts to the hardware store for exact matching

Forcing Stuck Components

  • Risk: Breaking the tap and requiring expensive replacement

  • Solution: Apply penetrating oil and wait, or call a professional

Ignoring Water Supply Isolation

  • Risk: Flooding and water damage

  • Solution: Always confirm water is off before starting work

 

When DIY Isn’t Appropriate

Call a Professional For:

  • Taps with no isolation valves (requires main supply shutdown)

  • Antique or unusual taps (parts may be difficult to source)

  • Seized or corroded components (risk of damage)

  • Multiple failed attempts (underlying issues may exist)

  • Structural tap damage (cracks, breaks, or severe corrosion)

Signs of Complex Problems:

  • Water continues dripping after washer replacement

  • Tap handle is loose or wobbly

  • Water flow is restricted even when fully open

  • Unusual noises when operating the tap

  • Visible corrosion or damage to the tap body

 

Preventive Maintenance

Regular Checks

  • Monthly: Test all taps for smooth operation

  • Quarterly: Check for early signs of dripping

  • Annually: Consider professional inspection of older taps

Good Practices

  • Don’t overtighten taps when turning off

  • Clean tap aerators regularly to maintain proper flow

  • Address minor issues promptly before they worsen

  • Use taps gently to avoid premature wear

 

Environmental and Financial Benefits

Water Conservation

A single dripping tap can waste:

  • 1 drip per second: 2,000+ litres per year

  • 10 drips per second: 20,000+ litres per year

  • Steady stream: 100,000+ litres per year

Cost Savings

Fixing a dripping tap can save:

  • Water bills: £50-£200+ annually

  • Potential damage: Thousands in extreme cases

  • Replacement costs: £100-£500 for new tap installation

 

Safety Considerations

Before Starting Work

  • Ensure adequate lighting in the work area

  • Have someone available to help if needed

  • Know the location of your main water shut-off

  • Keep a plumber’s contact details handy

During the Repair

  • Work slowly and methodically

  • Don’t force stuck components

  • Clean up water spills immediately to prevent slipping

  • Stop if you encounter unexpected complications

After Completion

  • Check for leaks at all connection points

  • Run the tap several times to ensure proper operation

  • Monitor for any new issues over the following days

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Tap Still Drips After Repair

  • Check washer installation – ensure it’s properly seated

  • Verify correct part size – wrong size washers won’t seal properly

  • Inspect valve seat – may need cleaning or replacement

  • Consider professional help – underlying issues may exist

Reduced Water Flow After Repair

  • Check for debris in the mechanism

  • Ensure proper reassembly – components may be blocking flow

  • Verify full water supply restoration

  • Clean aerator if flow issues persist

Handle Feels Loose

  • Check handle screw tightness

  • Inspect for worn components

  • Ensure proper alignment during reassembly

 

Many dripping tap repairs are well within the capabilities of confident DIY enthusiasts, and successfully completing these repairs can provide significant satisfaction along with cost savings. However, knowing your limitations is crucial – attempting repairs beyond your skill level can lead to more expensive problems.

The key to successful DIY tap repair is patience, proper preparation, and having the right tools and parts. If you encounter complications or feel uncertain at any point, don’t hesitate to stop and consult a professional.

When DIY isn’t the right solution, or if you prefer professional peace of mind, consulting a plumber will ensure your tap repair is completed correctly and comes with appropriate guarantees.

Need help with your plumbing in Reading? Contact Bracknell Plumbing and Heating – we’ve been providing expert plumbing services in the local area for over 25 years. Whether you need professional tap repairs or advice on DIY projects, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today on 01344 851023 or visit our contact page for reliable plumbing solutions.