Dripping tap
One drip a second is about 15 litres a day. The fix is a washer or cartridge that costs less than a coffee.
What it actually means
Traditional taps drip because a rubber washer inside has worn. Modern monobloc mixers drip because the ceramic cartridge has failed. Both are replaceable parts, not new-tap territory.
On a water meter, a steady drip is money straight down the drain, and a hot tap dripping is heated water you paid for.
Try this first, before you spend a penny
- 1
Isolate the water
Isolation valve on the pipe under the sink (small screw slot, quarter turn), or the main stopcock if there is none.
- 2
Identify the tap type
Two separate taps usually means washers. A single lever mixer means a cartridge. Take a photo before disassembly.
- 3
Swap the washer or cartridge
Unscrew the head, take the old part to a plumbers merchant, match it, refit. Hand tools only, moderate confidence needed.
When it is a pro job
Seized heads, corroded fittings or no isolation valve turn this from a 30 minute job into a flooded kitchen risk. A plumber does it in one visit with the right parts on the van.
Plumber
Typical UK range for a plumber to rewasher or recartridge a tap. DIY parts cost £3 to £20.
£60 to £130
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