A dripping tap seems minor, but a steady drip can waste thousands of litres a year, and on a hot water tap you're paying to heat that water too. Most drips have a simple cause.
Why taps drip
| Tap type | Common cause |
|---|---|
| Older pillar or bib tap (separate hot and cold, turn several times to open) | A worn washer at the bottom of the spindle |
| Quarter-turn tap (opens with a short turn) | A worn or cracked ceramic disc cartridge |
| Single-lever mixer | A worn cartridge or perished O-rings |
| Drip from the base or handle, not the spout | Worn O-rings or gland packing around the spindle |
Very high water pressure can also make taps drip and wear out faster. See low water pressure for how pressure is regulated in a home.
DIY fix for an older tap washer
Only attempt this if you're comfortable with basic tools.
- Turn off the water to the tap: an isolating valve under the basin, or the main stopcock. See how to shut off your water. For a hot tap, also switch off the geyser.
- Open the tap to drain it, and put the plug in so small parts can't go down the drain.
- Remove the handle and cover, then unscrew the headgear with a spanner (hold the tap body steady so you don't twist the pipe).
- Replace the washer with the same size, and the O-ring if it looks worn.
- Reassemble, turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks.
Take the old washer or cartridge to the hardware store to match it. Cartridges are brand-specific.
When to call a plumber
- A mixer or ceramic cartridge you can't identify or remove.
- Water leaking inside the wall or under the basin.
- The tap body is corroded or cracked, or the problem keeps coming back.
- Several taps drip at once, which can point to a pressure problem.
If you suspect a leak you can't see, try the hidden water leak meter test. For typical call-out rates, see plumber prices in Benoni, or compare leak detection specialists.