Why does my tap keep dripping after I changed the washer?

The most likely cause is a damaged valve seat — the brass surface inside the tap body that the washer presses against to form a seal. If the seat is scored, pitted or corroded, even a brand new washer cannot stop the drip. A plumber can reface (regrind) the seat using a seat grinding tool, or replace the tap if the damage is too severe.

How much water does a dripping tap waste?

A tap dripping once per second wastes around 15 litres per day — that is over 5,400 litres per year. On a metered South West Water supply, that adds roughly £15 to £20 per year per dripping tap. More importantly, constant dripping can stain sinks and baths and indicates a part that will only deteriorate further.

How do I know if my tap has a washer or a ceramic disc?

If the tap requires several full turns to open and close, it almost certainly uses a rubber washer. If it opens fully with just a quarter-turn (90 degrees), it uses ceramic discs. Mixer taps with a single lever typically use a cartridge that combines both functions. If you are unsure, a plumber can identify it in seconds.

Can I fix a mixer tap the same way?

Mixer taps use a single cartridge rather than separate washers. The process is similar — isolate the water, remove the handle, extract the cartridge and replace it. The main challenge is finding the correct replacement cartridge, as they are brand-specific. Take the old one to a plumbing merchant for an exact match.

How long should a tap washer last?

A good quality tap washer typically lasts 3 to 5 years with normal use. Taps that are turned off very tightly or used frequently (kitchen taps) wear washers faster. Ceramic disc cartridges last longer — often 10 years or more — but cost more to replace when they do fail.

Is it worth repairing an old tap or should I just replace it?

If the tap body is in good condition and replacement parts are available, repairing is almost always cheaper — £60 to £120 versus £100 to £250 for a new tap. Replace if the body is corroded, cracked, or so old that parts are discontinued. A plumber can advise after a quick inspection.

How to Fix a Dripping Tap (And When to Call a Professional)

A dripping tap is one of the most common plumbing problems in UK homes — and one of the easiest to fix yourself. This guide walks you through replacing a washer and a ceramic disc cartridge step by step, plus when it makes more sense to call a local Exmouth plumber.

Find Local Plumbers

What You Will Need

Before you start, gather these tools and materials. Everything is available from hardware shops in Exmouth town centre or any DIY store.

Adjustable spanner or tap spanner
Flat-head and cross-head screwdrivers
Replacement washer or ceramic disc cartridge (take the old one to a hardware shop to match)
Cloth or old towel
Bowl or container to catch water
Penetrating oil (e.g. WD-40) for seized parts

How to Fix a Traditional Washer Tap

If your tap requires several full turns to open and close, it uses a rubber washer. This is the classic UK tap found in most Exmouth homes built before the 2000s.

Turn off the water supply

Close the isolation valve under the sink (turn the slot with a flat-head screwdriver so it sits across the pipe). If there is no isolation valve, turn off the mains stopcock — usually under the kitchen sink or in the cupboard beneath the stairs.

Turn the tap on to drain residual water

Once the supply is off, open the tap fully to let any remaining water drain out. This prevents a mess when you disassemble the tap.

Remove the tap handle

Prise off the decorative cap on top of the handle (the hot or cold indicator disc). Underneath you will find a screw — remove it and lift the handle off. Some handles pull straight up, others need a gentle wiggle.

Remove the headgear (valve body)

Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the large brass nut (the headgear) anti-clockwise. Wrap the spanner jaws with a cloth to avoid scratching the tap if it is visible above the sink.

Replace the washer

The rubber washer sits on the bottom of the headgear, held in place by a small nut or press-fit. Remove the old washer and fit the new one — make sure it is the same diameter. Standard sizes are 1/2 inch (basin taps) and 3/4 inch (bath taps).

Reassemble and test

Screw the headgear back in (hand-tight, then a quarter-turn with the spanner — do not over-tighten). Refit the handle and decorative cap. Turn the water supply back on and check for drips. If it still drips, the valve seat may be damaged and needs regrinding by a plumber.

How to Fix a Ceramic Disc Tap

If your tap opens fully with just a quarter-turn, it uses ceramic discs instead of a rubber washer. The process is slightly different.

Turn off the water supply

Same as above — use the isolation valve or mains stopcock. Open the tap to drain residual water.

Remove the handle and shroud

Remove the decorative cap, undo the handle screw and lift off the handle. On many ceramic disc taps, there is also a chrome shroud (sleeve) that unscrews to reveal the cartridge.

Remove the cartridge

The cartridge is held in by a brass nut or simply slots in and is secured by a clip. Unscrew or unclip it and pull the cartridge straight out. Note which way round it sits — they only fit one way.

Match and replace

Take the old cartridge to a plumbing merchant or hardware shop to find an exact match. Ceramic disc cartridges vary by brand and size — getting the wrong one means a wasted trip. Fit the new cartridge, reassemble and test.

When to Call a Professional

Some tap problems are beyond a simple washer swap. Call a plumber if any of these apply.

The tap still drips after replacing the washer — the valve seat is likely damaged
The tap body is cracked, corroded or visibly damaged
You cannot identify the tap type or find replacement parts
The isolation valve is seized and you cannot turn the water off safely
You are replacing the entire tap, not just internal parts
The pipework under the sink is lead or badly corroded
You want an outside tap installed (requires drilling through the wall)

Need a cost estimate? See our tap repair and replacement cost guide for typical Exmouth prices, or get a quick estimate with our cost calculator.

DIY vs Plumber: Cost Comparison

Is it worth doing it yourself? Here is how the costs compare for common tap repairs in the Exmouth area. For a full breakdown of plumbing rates, see our plumber costs guide.

Approach	Cost	Notes
DIY washer replacement	£2–£5	Just the washer — you supply the tools and time
DIY cartridge replacement	£10–£40	Cartridge cost varies by tap brand
Plumber: washer replacement	£60–£90	Including callout and labour
Plumber: cartridge replacement	£70–£120	Including the part
Plumber: full tap replacement	£100–£250	New tap supplied and fitted

Dripping Tap FAQs

Rather Leave It to a Professional?

No shame in it — a plumber will have your tap fixed in under an hour with no risk of making it worse. Browse our directory of local Exmouth plumbers to find someone nearby.

Find Local Plumbers

For a full breakdown of what plumbers charge, see our plumber costs guide. For urgent leaks, visit our emergency plumber page.