When it counts as an emergency
- A tap that will not turn off
- Water leaking from the base of the tap into the cupboard below
- A loose tap that moves and splashes water behind the sink
Tap Repair & Replacement: what the job involves
A dripping tap wastes water every hour it runs. Older taps drip when the rubber washer wears out. Mixer taps, by contrast, usually drip because the ceramic cartridge or a seal has failed. Hard water can also speed up that wear.
A local plumber turns off the water to the tap and takes it apart. They then replace the worn washer, cartridge or O-ring with a matching part. If the tap body has cracked or the parts have gone out of production, they can fit a new tap instead. They explain the options, and you can ask for the price before they start.
Most dripping taps are not an emergency, although they are worth fixing soon. However, a tap that will not turn off at all needs help straight away. In that case, turn off the isolation valve under the sink or the main stop tap. Then send your request and mark it as urgent.
What to do while you wait
- Turn off the isolation valve under the sink, or the main stop tap
- Put a bowl under any leak in the cupboard
- Note the make of the tap if you can see it, as it helps the plumber bring the right part
How the request works
- 1
Send your request
Use the form with your postcode and a short note about the problem. Photos help if you can add them later. - 2
A local engineer contacts you
We pass your request to an engineer who covers your area. They call or email you to agree a time. - 3
Take the tap apart
The plumber isolates the water and opens the tap. They then check which part has worn out. - 4
Replace and test
They fit a new washer, cartridge or tap. Then they turn the water back on and check for drips.
Typical tap repair & replacement costs
UK price guides put a dripping tap repair at about £50 to £150 outside London (Fantastic Services and UK Plumber Spot, 2026). The average sits near £100. A new tap costs more, because you pay for the tap as well as the fitting. These are typical ranges rather than our prices.
Tap Repair & Replacement: frequently asked questions
Is a dripping tap urgent?
Usually not, because a drip wastes water slowly rather than causing damage. Still, it is worth fixing soon, since a worn part only gets worse. A tap that will not turn off, however, needs help straight away.
How much does it cost to fix a dripping tap?
UK price guides put a dripping tap repair at about £50 to £150 outside London (Fantastic Services and UK Plumber Spot, 2026). A new tap costs more, because you pay for the tap as well. These are typical ranges, not our prices.
What makes a tap drip?
Older taps drip when the rubber washer wears out. Mixer taps drip when the ceramic cartridge or O-ring fails instead. Hard water speeds up the wear in both types.
How do I request help?
Fill in the short form on any page with your postcode and a note about the problem. We pass your request to a local engineer, who contacts you to agree a time. Because we have no phone line, the form is the fastest way to reach us.
Can I send a request at night or at the weekend?
Yes, the form stays open 24/7, including bank holidays. Mark your request as urgent if water is still escaping. The engineer then knows to treat it as an emergency.
Is the quote free?
Yes, the quote request is free and there is no obligation to go ahead. You can ask the engineer to talk you through the likely cost before they start. However, if the job changes once they can see it, they tell you before doing more.
Further reading
Our guide on keeping kitchen sinks and drains clear has simple habits for the area under your sink. If the leak seems to come from the pipes rather than the tap, see our leak detection page. For a running toilet, our toilet repair page explains the usual causes.
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