How to stop a dripping tap: the washer fix

20 to 30 minutes. A few dollars.

Try this first (costs nothing): close the tap gently. Over-tightening wears the washer faster. If it still drips after a light close, the washer or cartridge is likely worn.

The washer fix

1. Turn off the water. Look under the sink for a small valve on the pipe to that tap. Turn it a quarter turn. If there is none, turn off the water at the main stop tap.
2. Open the tap fully to drain what is left. Plug the sink so small parts cannot fall in.
3. Take off the cap, then undo the screw under it and lift off the handle.
4. Unscrew the cover and the metal body. Use a cloth to protect the finish.
5. Look at the washer at the bottom. If it is flat, hard or split, swap it for the same size.
6. Put it all back in reverse and turn the water on slowly.

Take the old part to a shop to match the size. A disc or cartridge tap uses a cartridge, not a washer.

If that does not work

• Still dripping: the seat inside may be worn. That needs a seat cutter or a new tap.
• Drip from the base of the spout: the o-ring is worn.
• Cannot turn off the water: stop and call a plumber.

Fix it, replace it or live with it

Fix it with a washer. Replace the tap if the body is old and corroded. Do not live with it for long: a steady drip wastes water and can stain the sink. A sticking drawer is a similar small job, see how to fix a sticking drawer.

Before you start

Check what kind of tap you have. A traditional tap with a separate hot and cold handle that turns round and round uses a washer. A single lever or a quarter-turn tap uses a cartridge. Photograph each step as you go, so you can rebuild it in order.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to turn the water off. Water will spray when you pull the tap apart.
• Losing small parts down the plug. Block the plug first.
• Over-tightening on reassembly. It can crack the tap or wear the new washer.
• Mixing up hot and cold parts. Do one tap at a time.

If you are not sure, a plumber can do a tap in a short visit. A steady drip does waste water, so it is worth fixing.

If the sink drains slowly too, see how to unblock a kitchen sink.