A dripping tap is one of those household problems that starts small and quietly becomes impossible to ignore. That persistent drip isn't just an annoyance — it wastes a surprising amount of water over time and can leave unsightly limescale deposits around your sink or bath. The good news? Changing a tap washer is one of the most straightforward DIY plumbing jobs you can tackle at home, and it requires only a handful of basic tools.
This guide from Asturias Bathrooms walks you through the whole process, from what you'll need to how to keep your taps in good shape once the job is done.
Why a Dripping Tap Is Worth Fixing
A single dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water each year — a significant amount that adds up on your water bill. Beyond the cost, the constant moisture can encourage limescale build-up around tap bases and spouts, which becomes harder to remove the longer it's left. In most cases, a worn or damaged tap washer is the culprit. It's a small rubber component that forms a watertight seal when the tap is turned off. Once it degrades, water gets through — and the dripping begins.
The fix is simple, inexpensive, and doesn't require a plumber. All you need is a little time and the right tools.
If your tap needs more than a washer replacement, it may be worth considering a full upgrade. Browse our range of basin taps for traditional and contemporary styles to suit any bathroom.
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather the following:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Adjustable spanner
- An old towel or a cloth
- Tap repair kit (assorted washers)
- Penetrating/releasing spray (such as WD-40, useful if parts are stiff)
Replacement washers are inexpensive and widely available from DIY and hardware stores — they typically come in assorted packs, so you'll have spares on hand for next time.
Step 1: Safety First — Turn Off the Water Supply
Before touching anything, isolate the water supply. Look under the sink for an isolation valve — usually a small slotted screw that you turn 90 degrees to shut off water to that tap alone. If there isn't one, you'll need to turn off the water at the mains stopcock.
Once the supply is off, open the tap to release any remaining pressure and let the residual water drain away. Place a towel in the basin to protect the surface and cover the plughole — small screws are prone to disappearing down drains.
Step 2: Remove the Tap Head and Handle Cap
Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully prise off the decorative cap on top of the tap handle. Beneath it, you'll find a fixing screw. Remove this screw and lift off the handle. Some taps have a middle shroud or section that needs to come off next — if it feels stiff, a quick spray of penetrating oil and a moment's patience should free it up. Avoid forcing it, as older chrome finishes can scratch or crack under pressure.
For a great example of classic styling that's also practical to maintain, take a look at the Bristan 1901 Basin Taps in Chrome — a popular choice with a 10-year manufacturer's guarantee.
Step 3: Remove the Valve
With the handle removed, you'll see the valve body (sometimes called the tap gland). Fit your adjustable spanner securely around the valve and turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it. You may get a small amount of residual water at this point — have your cloth ready. Once loose, lift the valve out completely.
Step 4: Replace the Washer
Look at the bottom of the valve — that's where the tap washer sits. It's usually a small rubber disc, often held in place by a screw or nut. If it appears worn, cracked, or flattened, it needs to be replaced. Even if it looks relatively intact, it's worth swapping it out while you have the valve in hand.
Match the replacement washer from your repair kit to the size of the old one and press it firmly into place. While you're at it, check the O-ring (the rubber seal around the spindle). On older taps, especially, a worn O-ring can cause leaks around the handle base. Replacing both at the same time saves you from having to repeat the job sooner than necessary.
Step 5: Reassemble the Tap
Thread the valve back into the tap body clockwise and tighten with your spanner — firm enough to seal, but don't over-tighten, as this can damage the tap seat. Refit the handle, fixing screw, and decorative cap in reverse order.
If you're working on your bath taps at the same time, our bath fillers collection includes a wide range of styles if you decide a full replacement is the better option.
Step 6: Turn the Water Back On and Test
Slowly reopen the isolation valve or mains stopcock. Run the tap on and off a few times and check carefully around the base and valve for any signs of leaking. If all looks dry, the job is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to change a tap washer?
For most taps, yes. The process involves no specialist skills and takes around 20–30 minutes. The most important step is isolating the water supply before you start. If your tap uses a ceramic disc cartridge rather than a rubber washer — common in modern single-lever mixer taps — the replacement process differs slightly and may require a cartridge rather than a washer.
How do you stop a tap from dripping?
In most cases, replacing the tap washer will stop the drip entirely. If the tap continues to leak after a new washer has been fitted, the valve seat may be damaged or worn, preventing a proper seal from forming. At that point, it's worth consulting a plumber or considering a new tap.
Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Taps in Good Condition
Once you've sorted the washer, a little routine maintenance goes a long way:
- Check O-rings periodically. If you notice any moisture or staining around the base of the handle, the O-ring may be on its way out. It's a quick fix and far easier to address early.
- Tackle limescale promptly. Hard water deposits around tap bases and spouts can work their way into internal components over time. A regular wipe-down with a mild limescale remover keeps things clean and prevents build-up from becoming a bigger problem.
- Don't overtighten. Repeatedly cranking a tap shut puts unnecessary pressure on the washer and shortens its lifespan. Turn it firmly but gently.
If you're looking to replace your basin mixer at the same time, our basin mixer taps range covers everything from sleek chrome finishes to brushed brass and matt black.
A Small Fix With a Big Difference
Changing a tap washer is one of those satisfying DIY jobs that takes very little time but makes a noticeable difference — no more dripping, no more wasted water, and no unnecessary call-out charges. With the right tools and a methodical approach, most homeowners can complete the job comfortably in under an hour.
If you're upgrading your bathroom fixtures while you're at it, explore our bath shower mixers for practical, stylish options that suit both modern and traditional bathroom schemes.
