A dripping tap can be surprisingly frustrating. That constant dripping at night or the wet sink isn’t just annoying — it can waste hundreds of liters of water a year. The good news? In many cases, you can fix a leaky tap yourself without expensive parts or special tools.
In this article, you’ll learn why taps start leaking, how to repair them step by step, and when it’s smarter to call in a plumber for a long-term solution.
Common Causes of a Leaky Tap
A leaking tap is usually caused by wear and tear, limescale buildup, or pressure issues in the pipes. It’s often a small defect that can be fixed quite easily. Here are the most common causes:
- Worn-out washer or seal: The rubber ring that seals the water can harden or get damaged over time, causing the tap to drip.
- Limescale or dirt buildup: Hard water can leave deposits on the internal parts of the tap, preventing a proper seal.
- Worn ceramic cartridge (in modern taps): Single-lever taps use a ceramic cartridge for sealing. If it cracks or wears out, leaks can occur.
- High water pressure: Excessive pressure can accelerate wear or cause leaks around the connections.
- Old or poorly maintained tap mechanism: With older taps, internal parts can simply wear out after years of use.
What You’ll Need to Fix a Leaky Tap
You don’t need professional tools for this job. A few basic supplies will usually do the trick:
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Small screwdriver
- Replacement washer or seal
- Descaler or white vinegar
- Cloth or sponge to absorb leftover water
How to Fix a Leaky Tap in 6 Simple Steps
Follow these quick steps and you can often stop the dripping in under 10 minutes:
- Turn off the water supply. Close the main valve or the shut-off under the sink. Check that no water is flowing.
- Disassemble the tap. Remove the handle and gently unscrew the top part with a wrench.
- Inspect the washer or cartridge. Look for cracks, deformation, or wear. Replace if needed.
- Clean the components. Remove limescale and dirt with vinegar and rinse thoroughly.
- Reassemble the tap. Put everything back together in reverse order. Tighten, but don’t overtighten.
- Turn the water back on and test. Make sure the leak is gone and the tap runs smoothly.
In many cases, fixing a leaky tap is as simple as replacing one small rubber ring. If it keeps dripping, though, the issue may lie deeper in the tap body or connections.
When to Call a Plumber
Sometimes, a DIY repair just isn’t enough. A professional plumber can identify the cause quickly and replace the right parts on the spot. Contact a plumber if:
- The leak persists after replacing the washer or cartridge
- The tap is heavily scaled or rusted
- Water is leaking from the wall or underneath the tap
- The tap is old and needs full replacement
A qualified plumber can repair or replace the tap — usually within half an hour — without damaging your sink or wall.
Need Help with a Leaky Tap?
Still can’t stop that annoying drip no matter how tight you turn it? Then it’s time to call in the experts. Patsan specializes in repairing leaky taps across Antwerp and surrounding areas.
We replace seals, fix internal mechanisms, and check all connections — neatly, quickly, and without any wall damage.
Get in touch today for fast and reliable tap repair, handled by an experienced plumber.
