That constant drip-drip-drip keeping you up at night? You're not alone - leaky taps are one of the most common household annoyances. But here's the good news: fixing a dripping tap is often easier than you think, and you can usually do it yourself with basic tools. Let's walk through the simple steps to silence that tap for good.

First Things First: What's Causing the Leak?

Before you start taking things apart, it helps to understand what's likely causing the problem. Most tap leaks fall into a few common categories:

Worn-out washers - The most common culprit, especially in older compression taps
Damaged O-rings - These cause leaks around the handle area
Faulty cartridges - Common in modern mixer taps
Corroded valve seats - Can cause leaks at the base of the spout

Gather Your Tools

You don't need fancy equipment - just these basics:

Adjustable wrench or spanner
Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
Replacement washer or cartridge (take the old one to the hardware store to match it)
Plumber's grease or petroleum jelly
Cloth or rag
Bucket or bowl

The Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

This is crucial! Find the shut-off valves under your sink and turn them clockwise until they're fully closed. Then open the tap to drain any remaining water - this prevents unexpected sprays when you start working.

Step 2: Remove the Tap Handle

Look for a small decorative cap on the handle - this usually pops off with a flathead screwdriver. Underneath, you'll find a screw. Remove this and gently pull the handle off. Some taps might need an Allen key instead of a screwdriver.

Step 3: Dismantle the Tap

Now you'll see the inner workings. Use your adjustable wrench to carefully unscrew the valve or cartridge housing. Go slowly and be gentle - you don't want to damage the threads.

Step 4: Identify and Replace the Problem Part

Here's where you'll see what needs replacing:

For compression taps: Look for a small rubber washer at the base. If it's worn, cracked, or flattened, this is your culprit
For cartridge taps: You'll see a plastic or brass cartridge. Remove it carefully, noting which way it was facing
Check O-rings around the stem - these often need replacing too

Take the old part to your local hardware store to get an exact match.

Step 5: Reassemble Everything

Apply a little plumber's grease to any new O-rings or moving parts. Then reassemble everything in reverse order. Don't overtighten - just make things snug.

Step 6: Test Your Work

Slowly turn the water back on and test the tap. If you still hear dripping, you might need to check your work or there could be another issue like a corroded valve seat.

When to Call a Professional

While most tap repairs are straightforward DIY jobs, sometimes it's best to call in a pro:

If the tap body itself is cracked
If you can't identify the problem after taking it apart
If you're not comfortable working with plumbing
If the leak persists after your repair attempt

Final Takeaway

Fixing a leaky tap is one of the most satisfying DIY home maintenance tasks. Not only will you save money on a plumber's call-out fee, but you'll also stop wasting precious water. That constant drip can waste up to 20,000 litres of water per year! With basic tools and a bit of patience, you can tackle this job confidently and enjoy the sweet sound of silence from your newly repaired tap.

How to Fix a Leaky Tap: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide