Is your kitchen tap leaking? You’re not alone. A leaky kitchen tap is one of the most common plumbing problems in UK homes. Whether it’s a constant drip, a small puddle around the base, or water spraying when you turn the tap, it’s annoying and it wastes water too.
If you’re wondering how to fix a kitchen tap leak, this guide will help. We’ll walk you through what causes a leaking kitchen tap, how to fix it step by step, and when it’s time to call in the experts.
Let’s get that dripping kitchen tap sorted!
Why Is My Kitchen Tap Leaking?
Before diving into the fix, it’s good to know what’s causing the issue. The most common reasons your kitchen tap is leaking include:
Worn out washers or O-rings – Over time, the rubber seals inside your tap wear down.
Damaged tap cartridge – If you have a mixer tap with a lever, the internal cartridge might be faulty.
Loose parts or fittings – Sometimes, it’s just a case of tightening things up.
Corrosion or build-up – Hard water can cause mineral deposits that damage parts of the tap.
Knowing what’s behind the problem makes it easier to decide whether it’s a DIY job or something for a professional kitchen tap repair service.
Step-by-Step:
How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Tap
Here’s how to fix a kitchen tap leak yourself. Follow these simple steps and you could stop that annoying drip in no time.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Start by switching off the water. You’ll find isolation valves under the sink turn them clockwise to shut them off. If you can’t find them, you may need to turn off the main water supply.
Then, turn on the tap to drain out any remaining water. This step is crucial before you attempt any kind of kitchen tap repair.
2. Plug the Sink
Use the sink plug or place a cloth over the drain. Small screws and washers can easily fall down the plughole and trust us, you don’t want to be fishing around your waste pipe for a rogue O-ring.
3. Identify the Type of Kitchen Tap
There are a few types of taps, and knowing which one you have will help with replacing the right parts:
Traditional compression tap – Separate hot and cold handles, usually with washers.
Mixer tap with cartridge or ceramic disc – One lever that controls both temperature and flow.
Understanding your tap helps you figure out how to fix a leaking kitchen tap effectively.
4. Dismantle the Tap
Use a screwdriver or Allen key to remove the tap handle. Then use a spanner or wrench to loosen the internal components.
Look closely at the washer, O-ring, or cartridge. Is it cracked? Flattened? Worn down? If yes, that’s the likely reason your kitchen tap is leaking.
5. Replace the Faulty Part
This could be:
A washer – For traditional taps
An O-ring – Often found at the base of the spout
A cartridge or ceramic disc – For mixer taps
Take the part to your local hardware shop or plumber’s merchant to get an exact match.
6. Reassemble the Tap
Once you’ve replaced the worn-out part, put everything back together carefully. Tighten the fittings gently don’t overdo it, especially with plastic parts.
7. Turn the Water Back On and Test
Turn the water back on and check your tap. Has the kitchen tap leak stopped? If so job done! If not, don’t worry some leaks need a professional touch.
When You Should Call a Plumber
Sometimes, no matter how many washers or cartridges you change, that leaky tap just won’t stop. Call us if:
The leak is getting worse, not better.
You can’t remove or identify the faulty part.
Water is leaking from under the sink or tap base.
You’d rather have a pro handle it quickly and cleanly.
We’ve fixed hundreds of leaking kitchen taps, and we’ll fix yours too fast and with no fuss.
Say Goodbye to That Dripping Kitchen Tap
Knowing how to fix a kitchen tap leak is handy, but sometimes it’s just easier to call in the experts. If your kitchen tap is leaking, and you’ve had enough of the drip-drip-drip keeping you up at night, let us take care of it.
At Plumbing Immediately, we offer quick, affordable and professional kitchen tap repair services. Whether it’s a worn-out washer or a faulty tap cartridge, we’ll diagnose the issue and get your kitchen back to normal no mess, no stress.
Give us a call today to book a repair or ask for free advice.
We’re local, we’re reliable and we’ve got the tools and know-how to stop any tap from leaking.
Call Us to Fix Your Leaking Kitchen Tap
Tired of that constant drip? Whether it’s a worn washer, faulty cartridge, or just too frustrating to fix yourself, we’re here to help. Our expert plumbers can repair your leaking kitchen tap quickly, cleanly, and affordably.
Call now to book your repair or get a free quote we’ll sort it, no stress.
