How to Stop a Dripping Tap
A dripping tap wastes water and money. Here's what causes it and when to call a professional.
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The Annoying Drip
A dripping tap might seem minor, but it can waste over 5,000 litres of water per year and significantly increase your water bill. Here's what you need to know.
Common Causes
The most common cause is a worn washer or ceramic disc inside the tap. Over time, these components degrade through regular use and no longer form a watertight seal.
Can I Fix It Myself?
Simple washer replacements on traditional taps are a straightforward DIY job. However, mixer taps, ceramic disc taps, and any work on mains-pressure systems is best left to a professional to avoid making the problem worse.
When to Call a Plumber
Call a professional if the tap continues dripping after washer replacement, if you have a mixer or ceramic tap, or if you're not confident working with plumbing. Our plumbing repairs team handles dripping taps quickly and affordably — most fixed on the first visit. Book a repair online or give us a call.
Gas Safe registered plumbing and heating engineers with over 50 years of combined experience serving Peterborough and surrounding areas. All advice is written and reviewed by qualified engineers.
Reviewed and fact-checked: March 2026
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