Dripping tap – what to do?
Difficulty: Easy · Time: approx. 15 minutes
A dripping tap is annoying, wastes a surprising amount of water over a year – and is luckily one of the most rewarding repairs for beginners. In the vast majority of cases, only a small, cheap washer or the cartridge inside is worn out.
You don't need any special knowledge and usually only tools you already have at home. Allow around 15 minutes. The only thing that matters is the right order – above all: shut off the water first.
What you'll need
- Flat-head or Phillips screwdriver
- Water pump pliers or an adjustable spanner
- Replacement washer or matching cartridge (take the old part as a sample)
- A cloth or old towel
- Optional: some vinegar for limescale
Step by step
- 1
Shut off the water
Close the angle valve under the sink (a small lever or knurled wheel on the wall). Then open the tap until no more water flows – this releases the pressure so nothing sprays when you open it up.
- 2
Remove the handle
Gently pry off the coloured cover cap on the handle with a flat-head screwdriver. Underneath is a screw – undo it and pull the handle upwards. Lay out the parts in the order you remove them.
- 3
Unscrew the cartridge or valve top
Use the water pump pliers to unscrew the valve top or cartridge anticlockwise. A two-handle tap has a valve top with a rubber washer; a single-lever mixer has a round cartridge.
- 4
Check and replace the worn part
Look at the rubber washer at the bottom: if it's brittle, flattened or cracked, that's the cause. Replace the washer or the whole cartridge. Take the old part to the hardware store – that way you're sure to find the right spare.
- 5
Reassemble and test
Put everything back together in reverse order, slowly reopen the angle valve and check the tap. If it no longer drips, the repair is done.
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Upload a photo →Frequently asked questions
- How do I know whether the washer or the cartridge is faulty?
- Rule of thumb: classic taps with two separate handles (hot/cold) have valve tops with a rubber washer – a new washer usually does the job. A single-lever mixer with one handle for everything has a cartridge that is replaced as a whole.
- How much does the spare part cost?
- A single washer costs a few cents, a valve top a few euros. A single-lever cartridge is usually between 5 and 20 euros depending on the brand – still a fraction of a tradesperson's call-out.
- How long does the repair take?
- With a little practice, 10 to 15 minutes. The first time, allow half an hour, mainly for the trip to the hardware store if you don't have the spare part yet.