Can a Plumber Fix a Leaking Tap?

That persistent drip from your kitchen or bathroom tap might seem like a minor annoyance, but it’s actually a significant waste of water and money. A single dripping tap can waste over 3,000 litres of water per year—enough to take more than 180 showers. In the UK, where water costs continue rising, this translates to £35-50 annually in wasted water bills from just one leaky tap.

Beyond the financial impact, leaking taps can cause damage to sinks, worktops, and surrounding areas if left unaddressed. The constant moisture can lead to mould growth, staining, and deterioration of fixtures and fittings. What starts as a minor drip can evolve into a major plumbing problem that requires expensive repairs.

The good news is that leaking taps are completely fixable, and yes, plumbers absolutely can and do repair them regularly. Understanding when you can tackle the repair yourself versus when to call a professional can help you save money while ensuring the job is done properly and lasts for years to come.

Why Taps Leak

Understanding why taps leak helps you determine whether you’re dealing with a simple fix or a more complex plumbing issue that requires professional attention.

Worn Washers and O-Rings: The most common cause of leaking taps is worn rubber washers or O-rings inside the tap mechanism. These small rubber components create watertight seals, but they deteriorate over time due to regular use, water pressure, and exposure to minerals in the water supply. When washers become cracked, hardened, or misshapen, water seeps through and creates the familiar drip.

Traditional taps with separate hot and cold handles typically use washers that press against valve seats to stop water flow. When these washers wear out, water continues flowing even when the tap appears fully closed. This type of leak often starts slowly and worsens over time as the washer deteriorates further.

Loose or Damaged Fittings: Taps consist of multiple components that must fit together precisely to prevent leaks. Over time, regular use can loosen nuts, bolts, and fittings inside the tap assembly. Loose packing nuts around the tap stem, worn valve seats, or damaged threading can all cause leaks that appear around the tap base or handle area.

Corroded or Damaged Valve Seats: The valve seat is where the washer presses to stop water flow. If valve seats become corroded, pitted, or damaged, even new washers won’t create proper seals. This problem is more common in areas with hard water, where mineral deposits can cause corrosion over time.

Ceramic Disc Problems: Modern taps often use ceramic disc cartridges instead of traditional washers. While these are generally more durable, they can crack or become damaged, causing leaks that require cartridge replacement rather than simple washer changes.

Water Pressure Issues: Extremely high water pressure can cause premature wear on tap components and contribute to leaking problems. This is particularly common in homes with combi boilers or high-pressure water systems where pressure isn’t properly regulated.

Age and Wear: Older taps simply wear out over time. Components that worked perfectly for years may reach the end of their useful life and require replacement rather than repair. Sometimes the most cost-effective solution is replacing the entire tap rather than repairing multiple worn components.

DIY Fix vs Calling a Plumber

Deciding whether to attempt tap repair yourself or call a plumber depends on your comfort level with basic tools, the complexity of the problem, and the potential consequences of mistakes.

When DIY Tap Repair Makes Sense:

• You’re comfortable using basic tools like adjustable spanners and screwdrivers
• The leak appears to be a simple drip from the tap spout (suggesting washer problems)
• You can easily turn off the water supply to the tap
• The tap is a standard design without unusual fittings or connections
• You have time to research the specific repair process for your tap type
• Replacement parts are readily available at local hardware stores

DIY repair advantages: Washer replacement typically costs £2-5 in parts, and the repair can often be completed in 30-60 minutes. You’ll gain useful home maintenance skills and save money on labour costs. Many tap manufacturers provide repair guides and replacement parts are standardized for common tap types.

When to Call a Plumber Instead:

• The leak is coming from around the base of the tap or from pipe connections
• You’re uncomfortable working with plumbing components or lack basic tools
• Previous DIY attempts haven’t solved the problem
• The tap is an expensive or unusual design where mistakes could be costly
• You can’t locate or turn off the water supply to the tap
• The problem seems to involve multiple taps or broader plumbing issues

Risks of DIY mistakes: Improper disassembly can damage tap components, making replacement necessary instead of simple repair. Over-tightening fittings can crack pipes or damage threads, creating larger leaks. Difficulty reassembling the tap correctly can result in worse leaks than the original problem.

Professional repair advantages: Plumbers carry common replacement parts, have specialized tools for tap repair, and can quickly diagnose whether leaks indicate broader plumbing problems. They also provide warranties on repair work and can recommend whether repair or replacement offers better value.

Middle ground approach: Consider calling a plumber for diagnosis and quote, then deciding whether to attempt DIY repair or proceed with professional service. Many plumbers will provide honest assessments of whether a repair is suitable for DIY or requires professional expertise.

Typical Cost of Tap Repair in the UK

Understanding typical repair costs helps you evaluate whether DIY attempts make financial sense and budget appropriately for professional plumber services.

Standard tap repair costs range from £60-£120 for common problems during normal business hours. This typically includes the plumber’s time, basic diagnostic work, and standard replacement parts like washers, O-rings, or simple cartridges.

Breakdown of typical costs:

• Washer replacement: £60-£80 (simple 30-minute job with minimal parts cost)
• Cartridge replacement: £80-£120 (more complex but still routine repair)
• Valve seat repair: £100-£150 (requires specialized tools and more time)
• Complete tap replacement: £120-£250 (including mid-range tap and installation)

Emergency call-out rates are significantly higher, typically £120-£200 for evening, weekend, or holiday service. Emergency rates apply when leaks are severe enough to cause water damage or when taps fail completely, requiring immediate attention.

Factors affecting repair costs:

• Tap type and complexity: Designer taps or unusual fittings may require specialized parts or more time
• Problem severity: Simple washer replacement vs. multiple component issues
• Geographic location: London and major cities typically charge more than rural areas
• Time of service: Emergency vs. scheduled appointment pricing
• Parts availability: Common parts vs. specialized or hard-to-find components

When replacement might be more cost-effective than repair:

• Repair costs exceed 60-70% of new tap cost
• Multiple components need replacement
• The tap is very old and likely to have additional problems soon
• You want to upgrade to more efficient or modern fixtures

Money-saving considerations: Get quotes for both repair and replacement, especially if your tap is older or has had previous problems. Sometimes spending £150 on a new tap provides better long-term value than £100 in repairs on an aging fixture that may develop new problems within months.

DIY cost comparison: If you’re comfortable with DIY repair, washer replacement costs only £2-5 in parts plus your time. However, factor in the value of your time and the risk of mistakes that could require professional repair anyway.

Conclusion

Yes, plumbers absolutely can and do fix leaking taps—it’s one of their most routine jobs. Whether you should call a plumber or attempt the repair yourself depends on your comfort level with basic plumbing tasks, the complexity of the problem, and the potential cost of mistakes.

For simple washer replacements on standard taps, DIY repair can save money and provide useful skills. However, leaks involving pipe connections, unusual tap designs, or problems that persist after attempted fixes should be handled by qualified plumbers to prevent water damage and ensure lasting repairs.

Key takeaways:

• Address leaking taps promptly to prevent water waste and potential damage
• Simple drips often indicate worn washers that can be DIY-repaired for under £5
• Base leaks or complex problems require professional attention to prevent costly damage
• UK repair costs typically range £60-£120, while emergency calls cost significantly more
• Sometimes tap replacement offers better value than extensive repairs

Bottom line: Don’t ignore that dripping tap—whether you fix it yourself or call a plumber, addressing the problem quickly saves water, money, and prevents more serious issues. When in doubt, a quick consultation with a local plumber can help you understand whether you’re dealing with a simple fix or a problem that requires professional expertise.