Is it a washer or a cartridge?

If the tap turns several times to shut off, it's a traditional tap with a rubber washer. If it's a quarter-turn or single lever, it's a ceramic cartridge.

Common plumbing problems

Dripping tap: how to stop it

Guidance built with working UK plumbers · Last updated July 2026

A dripping tap is almost always a worn washer (traditional taps) or a worn ceramic cartridge (modern quarter-turn or lever taps). It's a cheap, low-urgency fix — but that steady drip still wastes water and money, so it's worth doing. The key first step is turning off the water to that tap.

Green — no rush, and a safe DIY job. There's no flood risk, but don't just leave it: a constant drip wastes a real amount of water over a year.

Do this now

Turn off the supply. Close the isolation valve under the sink or basin (turn the slot a quarter-turn across the pipe), or the main stopcock. Open the tap to drain and confirm it's off.
Identify the tap type. Turns several times to close = traditional, with a rubber washer. Quarter-turn or single lever = ceramic cartridge.
Traditional tap: unscrew the headgear and replace the rubber washer at the bottom of the spindle.
Ceramic tap: replace the cartridge — take the old one with you to match the exact size.
Reassemble, open the valve slowly, and check the drip's gone.

Likely causes

Tap type / symptom	Likely cause
Traditional tap, drips from spout	Worn rubber washer
Lever/quarter-turn, drips from spout	Worn ceramic cartridge
Leaks from the base or handle	Perished O-ring
Won't seal even after a new washer	Limescale/pitting on the seat

When to call a professional

Call a plumber if the headgear is seized or corroded and won't budge, the leak is from the tap body rather than the spout, or you can't isolate the water. LeakScan gives guidance, not a substitute for a qualified plumber.

Questions, answered straight

Is a dripping tap worth fixing?

Yes — it's cheap and quick, and a steady drip wastes a real amount of water and money over time.

Washer or cartridge — which is it?

Turns several times to close = washer. Quarter-turn or lever = ceramic cartridge.

How do I turn the water off to one tap?

Find the small isolation valve on the pipe under the sink and turn it a quarter-turn across the pipe. No valve? Use the main stopcock.

Why is my new tap dripping?

Usually a cartridge seated wrong or trapped grit. Turn off the water, remove and check the cartridge, clear debris, refit.

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