That steady drip from a kitchen or bathroom tap can quickly become irritating. If you are wondering how to fix a leaking tap, some faults are straightforward DIY jobs, while others are better left to a plumber.
The key is identifying the tap type, isolating the water safely, and knowing when the fault goes beyond a washer or cartridge.
Need help with a dripping tap in Bromley?
If you would rather not dismantle the tap, our general plumbing service covers dripping taps and kitchen, basin, and bath tap repairs and replacements. If you need a plumber in Bromley, call 0208 050 2707.
Can you repair a dripping tap yourself?
Sometimes, yes. A simple dripping tap repair may involve cleaning or replacing a worn washer, seal, or cartridge. We advise turning off the water supply before starting and checking internal parts for wear, debris, or limescale.
A traditional tap that turns several times commonly uses a rubber washer. A quarter-turn or single-lever tap is more likely to use a ceramic tap cartridge.
What usually causes a tap to keep dripping?
A tap drips because an internal component is no longer sealing properly. Common causes include worn washers or cartridges, damaged seals, loose components, and limescale. A lot of the water in South-East England is hard and can leave scale deposits. Not every Bromley drip is caused by hard water, but visible chalky build-up can be a useful clue.
A leaking tap is not always a ‘replace the washer’ job. Identifying the tap mechanism first can save you from buying the wrong part or dismantling more than you need to.
How to tackle a simple tap leak safely
For a straightforward DIY repair of a leaking tap, work methodically rather than forcing stiff components.
- Turn off the isolation valve supplying the tap. If there is no local valve, use the main stopcock.
- Open the tap to check the water has stopped.
- Plug the basin so small parts cannot disappear down the waste.
- Remove the handle carefully and expose the valve or cartridge.
- Check the washer or cartridge for wear, debris, and scale.
- Fit an exact compatible replacement if needed, then reassemble without overtightening.
- Restore the water slowly and check for leaks.
Plumbing work and water fittings in England must also comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
When is calling a plumber the better option?
DIY becomes less attractive when you cannot isolate the water, cannot identify the cartridge, find seized parts, or see water escaping from somewhere other than the spout. A leak around the tap base, pipework, cabinet, wall, or floor may need a wider tap leak diagnosis rather than a simple washer or cartridge change.
For Bromley households, our plumbers handle tap repairs and replacements alongside plumbing leak detection where the source is less obvious. Our team has more than 100 years of combined plumbing experience, and general plumbing work has a 12-month guarantee, excluding drainage.
DIY or professional repair: which should you choose?
Choose DIY when the drip is clearly from the spout, the supply isolates properly, the tap comes apart without force, and you can source the correct part. Choose a plumber when the cause is uncertain, the fitting is seized, or the leak extends beyond the tap.
DIY can become poor value if incorrect parts or a damaged tap body add cost. The sensible choice depends on the condition and design of the tap, rather than a rule that every drip requires professional attention.
A sensible fix starts with the right diagnosis
A leaking tap is often repairable without replacing the whole fitting. The practical decision is whether you can identify the fault, isolate the water, and obtain the correct component confidently. If you can, careful DIY may be reasonable. If not, professional help can remove the guesswork.
Need help choosing the right repair?
If your tap is still dripping or you are unsure what is causing it, call us on 0208 050 2707 or email info@bromleyplumbersltd.co.uk. We can help you arrange appropriate plumbing support without pushing you towards work you do not need.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dripping tap be fixed without replacing it?
Yes. Many taps can be repaired by replacing or cleaning an internal washer, seal, or cartridge rather than replacing the complete tap.
Why is my tap still dripping after changing the washer?
The washer may be unsuitable, the sealing area may be damaged or scaled, or the tap may use a cartridge instead. Identifying the mechanism is the next useful check.
Can limescale make a tap leak?
Yes. Limescale can build up around internal components and interfere with an effective seal, particularly in hard-water areas.
Should I turn off the mains to repair a tap?
Not always. A working local isolation valve can shut off the tap supply. If there is no suitable local valve, use the main stopcock.
When is a leaking tap an emergency?
A slow drip from the spout is usually different from an uncontrolled leak. If water cannot be contained, is spreading into the property, or you cannot isolate the supply, seek prompt plumbing help.
