How To Fix Dripping Taps

How to fix dripping taps is one of the most common plumbing questions. Unfortunately, a dripping tap wastes at least 5,500 litres of water a year, so the sooner you resolve it, the better! Fortunately, the two common causes of dripping taps are easily solved.

Follow our instructions to complete this easy fix on both tap types.

If Your Twin Lever Tap Is Dripping:

1. First, turn off the water to the sink and let the pipes drain.

2. Then, remove any protective covers from your taps.

3. Use a screwdriver to remove the handle. You’re looking for a valve that should be underneath the handle.

4. Once you’ve found the valve, use a spanner or pipe wrench to unscrew it. You should now be able to see the rubber seal disc. Depending on the model of your tap, this may be secured with a nut, so unscrew this.

5. Next, use a flat screwdriver to lift out the seal carefully. Examine the disc. If it is covered in dirt and limescale, soak it in a bowl of vinegar overnight. However, if the disc is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

6. Finally, once you’ve placed the new disc back on the lower end of the valve, re-secure it with the nut, refit the valve and screw the tap handles back on.

If Your Single Lever Tap Is Dripping:

1. First, turn off the water to the sink and let the pipes drain

2. Then, loosen the covered screws on the back or front of the tap and remove the handle. You should be able to see the built-in cartridge beneath the handle.

3. Next, use a pipe wrench to unscrew the cartridge carefully. If the container is dirty, leave it in vinegar overnight to remove any limescale.

4. Finally, rinse the cartridge thoroughly before refitting the cartridge and screwing the handle back on
   

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