How to Fix a Dripping Tap
Stop persistent tap leaks by isolating the water supply, dismantling the tap head, and replacing worn internal rubber washers and O-rings.
This guide shows how to fix a dripping tap in 30-45 minutes. Start with isolate water supply and plug drain; follow the safety notes and step checkpoints below.
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- Read the tools, materials, safety notes, and steps below for free.
- Tap See 20-second demo if you want to understand it first.
- Tap Start Camera Coach when you want hands-free help, or Voice-only if you do not want to use the camera.
- Allow camera and microphone. Point your phone at the work; the coach watches your progress and tells you the next step.
🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ Adjustable spanner
- ✓ Flathead screwdriver
- ✓ Crosshead screwdriver
- ✓ Old towel or rag
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ Replacement rubber tap washer
- ✓ Replacement O-ring
- ✓ Plumber's silicone grease
- ✓ PTFE thread seal tape
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Verify the water supply is completely shut off before loosening tap components.
- • Cover the sink drain to prevent small screws and parts from dropping down the pipe.
- • Wrap tap chrome with a cloth before applying metal tools to prevent scratching.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (6 Steps)
Isolate Water Supply and Plug Drain
Turn off the isolation valve beneath the basin or turn off the main stopcock. Turn the tap fully on to drain residual water until flow stops. Place the plug or a clean rag firmly into the basin drain hole.
- • No water drips or flows from the open tap spout
- • Drain hole completely blocked by plug or towel
- • Leaving the drain open while handling tiny screws
- • Forgetting to release built-up water pressure before disassembly
Remove Tap Handle and Decorative Cover
Pry off the decorative cap (usually marked hot or cold) using the tip of a flathead screwdriver. Unscrew the retaining screw underneath with the appropriate screwdriver and lift the handle straight off the valve stem. Unscrew or pull off the decorative chrome shroud beneath the handle.
- • Tap handle and screw detached and placed safely in a container
- • Hexagonal brass valve body fully exposed
- • Prying aggressively and gouging the chrome trim
- • Wiggling handle sideways instead of pulling straight up
Unscrew and Extract Tap Valve
Fit an adjustable spanner onto the flat hexagonal sides of the brass valve body. Hold the tap spout firmly with one hand to counter rotation, then turn the spanner counter-clockwise until the valve is free. Lift the valve assembly out of the tap base.
- • Brass valve assembly separated cleanly from the tap body
- • Internal tap chamber visible and empty
- • Allowing the entire tap base to twist against the sink deck
- • Using loose-fitting pliers that round off brass hex flats
Replace the Worn Washer and O-Ring
Inspect the base of the valve to locate the black rubber washer held by a central nut or push-fit brass pin. Unscrew or lever off the damaged washer and press the exact matching replacement into place. Roll off the stem O-ring, apply silicone grease to the new O-ring, and slide it into the valve groove.
- • Fresh, smooth rubber washer secured flat at base of valve
- • New lubricated O-ring seated squarely in its groove without twists
- • Installing an incorrect washer diameter that curls at the edges
- • Twisting the O-ring during installation
Reassemble Valve and Tap Housing
Clean any limescale debris from inside the tap body using a damp rag. Thread the valve assembly clockwise into the tap by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten firmly with the adjustable spanner. Reattach the chrome shroud, press the handle onto the splines, and secure the central screw.
- • Valve seated tightly with no visible thread gaps
- • Handle fully seated, screw tightened, and decorative cap snapped back in
- • Cross-threading brass valve during initial insertion
- • Overtightening the valve with excessive force
Restore Water and Test Operation
Remove the plug/rag from the drain. Turn the tap handles to the closed position. Slowly reopen the isolation valve or main stopcock, then turn the tap on and off several times to purge trapped air and verify the drip has stopped.
- • Smooth, steady water stream when tap is opened
- • Zero drips from spout and zero seepage around the tap base when closed
- • Turning water mains on at full velocity instantly
- • Failing to dry and inspect base of tap for minor leaks
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by B&Q — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No Plumber's silicone grease? Petroleum jelly (for temporary lubrication of non-potable contact O-rings)
- No Adjustable spanner? Water pump pliers with cloth wrapped around jaws