How to Fix a Dripping Kitchen Tap: Step-by-Step Guide for Quick Repairs

Posted by Alice F on 07/04/2025

Wondering how to fix a dripping mixer tap UK? You’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide shows you how to identify the issue and carry out the repair yourself using basic tools and genuine spare parts.

Not sure what’s causing the leak? Start with our dripping tap diagnosis guide to save time and avoid ordering the wrong part.

If you’re ever unsure or feel daunted at any point, just send us a photo of your tap and a short description of the issue. We’ll help you identify the part you need. Email: sales@tapsandsinksonline.co.uk

We’ve been helping customers source the right tap spare parts for over 40 years — both offline and online since 2012.

Step 1 – Turn Off the Water Supply

Before starting any repair, turn off the water using the isolation valves under your sink or the main stopcock. Open the tap to let any remaining water drain out.

Need a replacement handle? We supply genuine kitchen tap handles for most major UK brands. If your handle is damaged or missing, you can find the correct part here.

Step 2 – Remove the Tap Handle

To access the faulty part, remove the tap handle. This usually involves unscrewing a cap or grub screw.

Need help? See our guide to removing a kitchen tap handle.

Tip: Always use the correct size Allen key. We’ve seen even experienced users damage a handle or grub screw by forcing the wrong tool — or worse, by fitting the handle back onto a part that wasn’t a proper match. If you’re ever unsure, send us a photo and we’ll help identify the correct parts before you begin.

Step 3 – How to Fix a Dripping Kitchen Tap by Replacing the Faulty Part

The right fix depends on your tap type. Here’s what to look for:

Two-handle taps: Replace the ceramic disc valve. Shop genuine replacement valves.
Single lever taps: Replace the cartridge. Shop genuine kitchen tap cartridges.
Compression taps: Replace the washer or O-rings. Browse washers and O-rings.
Filter taps: These can have two or three levers and often use a mix of ceramic valves and cartridges — depending on the number of water feeds connected to each lever.

We supply only genuine, model-specific parts — including valves, cartridges, washers, and O-rings for Franke, Howdens, Carron Phoenix, and many other UK kitchen tap brands.

Ready to order? Browse by tap brand here or search by part type here.

Not sure which part you need? Just send us a photo of your tap along with a short description of the problem — we’ll help diagnose the issue and send you the direct link to the correct genuine part.

Helpful resources:

Tip: If you live in a hard water area, limescale may cause parts to wear faster. See Thames Water’s guide on hard water for more details.

Step 4 – How to Fix a Dripping Mixer Tap in the UK: Leaks Around the Spout

If your tap is leaking at the base where the spout meets the body, the problem may be:

⚙️ Worn O-rings
🔩 A pinhole or worn spout

Replacing O-Rings

Remove the spout using an Allen key (usually 2mm or 2.5mm), then replace the O-rings with the correct model-specific kit.

Important: O-rings are not universal. We stock genuine O-ring kits for many UK brands — including older or discontinued models. Browse our genuine O-ring kits here.

Replacing the Spout

If there’s a pinhole or the spout itself is worn, it’s best to replace the entire spout. But it’s important to note that spouts are not universal. Each tap model has its own design for how the spout fits into the base — including the shape and thickness of the O-rings, and the spout fixing mechanism (grub screw or locking nut).

We supply genuine replacement spouts for most major UK kitchen tap brands. These are manufacturer-specified parts designed for correct fit and performance. Shop kitchen tap spouts here.

Step 5 – Final Checks After You Fix a Dripping Kitchen Tap

Once your part is replaced, reassemble the tap carefully. Turn the water back on slowly and test. If the drip is gone — great! If not, double-check you’ve used the correct part.

Reminder: Using the wrong part — especially a non-genuine or incorrectly sized one — is a common cause of continued leaks. If you’re unsure, send us a photo of your tap and we’ll confirm the correct match. Or you can browse our genuine spare parts by type.

What If You Have a Tall Single Lever Tap?

Many modern kitchens have tall single lever taps — but these can be more complex to repair. The cartridge is usually recessed deep inside the tap body, often stacked with the O-rings. To access it, you may need to fully remove the tap from the sink.

If you’re dealing with this type of tap, we recommend reviewing our step-by-step video here. It shows the tools you’ll need and exactly what to expect.

Even tall taps can be fixed at home. If you’re unsure whether yours is a tall model, send us a photo and we’ll help you identify it.

Is It Worth Repairing an Old Kitchen Tap?

Repairing a dripping tap is usually much more cost-effective than replacing it. Many UK homeowners have high-quality Franke, Howdens, or Carron Phoenix taps that just need a new valve, cartridge or O-rings to keep going strong.

Even if your tap is 10 or 20 years old, we likely stock the genuine part you need. Don’t throw out a good mixer tap just because it drips — fix it properly and avoid the cost and hassle of a full replacement.

Do I Need a Plumber to Fix a Dripping Tap?

Many of our customers fix their dripping taps themselves, especially with our step-by-step guides and genuine spare parts. But if you’re not confident with DIY, calling in a plumber is a perfectly valid option — especially if your tap is old, corroded, or difficult to disassemble.

Even if you do plan to use a plumber, identifying the problem in advance and purchasing the correct part can save time and cost. It means the plumber won’t need to make multiple visits or rely on a generic quick-fix that might not last — or worse, may damage your tap if it doesn’t fit properly.

We often hear from plumbers who appreciate customers sourcing the correct, genuine parts beforehand — particularly for Franke, Howdens, and Carron Phoenix taps, where generic alternatives can cause issues like stiff handles or internal wear.

Common Mistakes When Fixing a Dripping Kitchen Tap

❌ Not turning off the water fully before starting
❌ Using the wrong (non-genuine) replacement part
❌ Over-tightening the valve or spout during reassembly
❌ Missing hidden limescale buildup inside the tap

If you’re not sure what part you need, just send us a photo of your tap. We’ll identify the correct replacement for you. Email: sales@tapsandsinksonline.co.uk

Why Choose Genuine Spare Parts?

Generic parts often don’t fit properly and can cause more damage. We only supply authentic spares from trusted UK tap manufacturers — no compatibles or unbranded copies.

🛒 Search by brand: Shop tap parts by brand
🔍 Search by part: Shop by part type

Still unsure? Send us a photo and we’ll help you find the correct part.

Why buy from us? We’ve been helping UK customers repair their kitchen taps for over 40 years, supplying only genuine replacement parts from trusted manufacturers — no copies or compatibles.

Need help? Send us a photo of your tap and we’ll identify the correct part and send you the direct product link.