Plumbing
Why is my tap leaking?
Where the water appears tells you the cause: a drip from the spout usually means a worn washer or cartridge, water round the base points to a worn seal, and a leak underneath is usually a loose or failing connection.
Dripping from the spout
Traditional taps you turn several times usually have a rubber washer that wears out. Taps with a quarter-turn or a single lever use a ceramic disc or cartridge instead, which can crack or get clogged with limescale. Both are common, cheap parts, but fitting the right one depends on the tap's make.
Water round the base or handle
This usually means an O-ring or seal inside the tap body has worn. On mixer taps it often shows when the spout is swivelled.
Leaking under the sink
Check the flexible hoses and the isolation valves that feed the tap. A loose nut, a perished hose or a failing valve can all drip into the cupboard below. A slow leak here can rot the cupboard or floor before you notice it.
What you can do now
- Turn off the small isolation valve under the sink (a quarter turn with a flat screwdriver), or the stopcock if there isn't one.
- Put a bowl or towel underneath to catch drips.
- Take a photo of the tap and any markings. It helps the plumber bring the right parts.
A dripping tap wastes water all day and can leave limescale stains that are hard to shift, so it's worth fixing sooner rather than later.
Repair or replace?
Most leaks are a simple repair. Replacing the tap makes more sense if it's corroded, the parts are no longer made, or you were planning a change anyway.