A dripping tap: fix it yourself or call a plumber?

Updated 20 October 2026

A drip is almost always a worn washer or cartridge. It’s a small job, but a tap that drips all year wastes thousands of litres.

Can you fix it yourself?

Yes, if you can find the small valve on the pipe under the sink and you know your type of tap. A tap with two handles that turn several times usually has a rubber washer. A single lever, or handles that turn only a quarter, has a cartridge.

How

1. Close the valve under the sink. If there isn’t one, close the main valve.
2. Open the tap to let the water out, and put the plug in so no small part falls down the drain.
3. Take off the handle (there’s often a screw under the cap) and unscrew the top.
4. Replace the washer or the cartridge. Take the old one to the shop to get the same size.
5. Put it back together and open the valve slowly.

Call a plumber if

• There’s no valve, or it won’t turn.
• The water comes from the base of the tap or from under the sink.
• The tap is corroded or the parts won’t come off.
• You’d rather not.

What it usually takes

One part and under an hour of work. On Dashfixe you see the part’s price and the time on the estimate before the plumber travels.

Need someone today? Dashfixe matches you with a vetted local artisan who is free now, and you approve the price before they travel.