Worn washers and O-rings
In older, traditional taps, a rubber washer seals the valve when you turn the tap off. Over time these washers wear down, harden or perish, letting water seep past. It's one of the most common causes, and one of the easiest to fix.
A worn ceramic disc cartridge
Modern taps use a ceramic disc cartridge instead of a washer. These last a long time but can eventually wear, especially if the water supply carries grit or limescale. A dripping lever tap that's hard to move smoothly often points to this.
Limescale build-up
In hard water areas, limescale can build up inside the tap and stop it sealing fully when closed. Regular descaling helps, but a heavy build-up usually means the internal parts need replacing.
When it's worth calling a plumber
A single dripping tap might be a five-minute fix. But drips from multiple taps, unusually high pressure, or a drip that keeps coming back after a repair are worth having a plumber look at properly. It can point to a wider pressure issue in the system.
More from the blog
How Often Should You Service Your Boiler?
Annual servicing keeps your boiler safe, efficient and under warranty. Here's what's involved and why it's worth booking in every year.
What to Do When You Have a Burst Pipe
A burst pipe can cause serious damage fast. Here's exactly what to do in the first few minutes, before help arrives.
Signs You May Have a Hidden Water Leak
Not every leak shows itself straight away. These are the warning signs worth acting on before they become a bigger problem.