A dripping Kitchen Tap is more than just an annoying sound; it's a waste of water and money. Fortunately, most leaks are caused by one or two common issues that you can fix yourself with some basic tools and a little patience.
Turn off the water supply. Look for the isolation valves under the sink. Turn them clockwise until they are fully closed. If there are no isolation valves, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your house.
Turn on the tap. After turning off the water, open the kitchen tap to drain any remaining water and release pressure in the lines.
Plug the sink. This is a crucial step to prevent any small screws or washers from disappearing down the drain.
Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
An old cloth or rag
Replacement washer(s) and/or O-rings (It's best to take the old parts to a hardware store to get exact matches)
Penetrating oil (like WD-40) if the tap is old and stuck
A towel to protect the sink finish
Optional but recommended: A tap repair kit specific to your tap type.
Where is the water coming from? This determines the repair.
Leak from the spout (dripping): This is the most common leak. It is almost always caused by a worn-out washer or cartridge inside the tap.
Leak from the base (around the handle): Water seeping out from under the handle or the body of the tap usually indicates worn-out O-rings.
Taps vary in design, but the general process is similar.
Remove the handle: Look for a small setscrew. It's often hidden under a decorative cap on the front or top of the handle. Pry the cap off with a flat-head screwdriver or a knife, then use an Allen key or screwdriver to remove the screw. Lift the handle off.
Remove the retaining nut: Under the handle, you'll find a large nut (sometimes called a bonnet nut). Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove it. Wrap the jaws of your wrench with tape or a cloth to avoid scratching the chrome finish.
Expose the inner parts: Lift out the stem or cartridge assembly. Some might just pull straight out, while others might need to be unscrewed.
For a spout leak (dripping): Examine the washer at the bottom of the stem. If it looks worn, frayed, or hardened, this is your culprit. Pry it off with a screwdriver and replace it with an identical new one. Also, check the valve seat (the area the washer presses against inside the tap body). If it's corroded, you may need a special tool to grind it smooth or replace it.
For a base leak (seeping): Look for one or more small rubber rings on the side of the stem or cartridge. These are the O-rings. Carefully remove the old ones and replace them with new ones of the exact same size. A light coating of plumber's grease on the new O-rings will help them slide in and seal properly.
Pro Tip: Take the entire stem or the old parts to your local hardware store to ensure you get the correct replacements.
Carefully insert the stem or cartridge back into the tap body, ensuring it is seated correctly.
Screw the retaining nut back on and tighten it firmly with your wrench (remember to protect the finish).
Place the handle back on and secure it with the setscrew. Don't over-tighten. Pop the decorative cap back into place.
Slowly turn the water supply valves back on.
Turn the tap on and off a few times, checking for leaks at both the spout and the base.
If it still leaks, you may need to tighten the internal nut a little more or check that you've installed the correct parts.
If you have a modern mixer tap with a single lever, the internal mechanism is likely a ceramic disc cartridge. While the repair process is similar (remove handle, replace cartridge), sourcing the exact replacement part is critical. If you are unsure, uncomfortable, or the leak persists after your repair, it's best to call a qualified plumber.
| Leak Location | Most Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dripping from Spout | Worn-out washer or faulty cartridge | Replace washer or entire cartridge |
| Leaking from Base | Worn O-rings | Identify and replace O-rings |
| General Leaking | Loose internal parts | Tighten retaining nuts and connections |
By following these steps, you can silence that annoying drip, save water, and gain the satisfaction of a DIY repair. Good luck
