When Should I Replace a Dripping Tap?
A dripping tap can seem like a minor annoyance, but left unaddressed it wastes water, can stain sinks and baths, and often gets steadily worse rather than better. The question we are asked most often is whether it is worth repairing an existing tap or simply replacing it outright, and the honest answer depends on the age, type, and condition of the tap in question.
Modern taps are generally repairable, with washers, cartridges, and seals that can be replaced individually, often restoring the tap to full working order at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Older or heavily worn taps, however, can reach a point where repair is no longer cost-effective, particularly if the body of the tap itself is corroded or the finish is badly worn.
This guide explains the common causes of a dripping tap, how a plumber decides between repair and replacement, and what to expect in terms of cost for tap repairs.
Common causes of a dripping tap
Traditional taps with separate hot and cold controls typically drip because of a worn rubber washer inside the tap, which hardens and loses its seal over years of use. Modern mixer taps generally use a ceramic disc cartridge instead, which can develop scratches or debris trapped within it, causing a similar drip even though the mechanism is different. Mineral build-up from hard water is a frequent contributing factor in both cases, gradually degrading seals and moving parts.
When a simple repair makes sense
If the tap itself is in good condition, free from significant corrosion, and the fault lies with a washer or cartridge, a repair is usually the most sensible option. This is typically a quick job for a plumber, involving isolating the water supply to the tap, replacing the worn part, and testing for a proper seal. It is considerably cheaper than replacement and can extend the life of a tap by several more years.
When replacement is the better option
Replacement becomes the more sensible choice when the tap body itself is worn, when spare parts are no longer available for an older or discontinued model, or when the tap has needed repeated repairs in a short space of time. Heavily corroded taps can also pose a risk of failing more seriously later, so replacing them proactively is often more cost-effective than repeated call-outs.
Signs your tap needs attention
Aside from an obvious drip, watch for taps that are increasingly stiff to turn, that leak from the base or spout when running rather than just when off, or that leave a persistent green or brown stain in the sink or bath, which indicates mineral deposits from a slow, ongoing leak. Catching these signs early usually means a straightforward repair rather than a more involved job.
The cost of tap repairs and replacement
Our tap repair work is charged at our standard hourly rate of £99 + VAT on weekdays, £120 + VAT in the evening, and £185 + VAT overnight and on Sundays and bank holidays, all excluding VAT, with a one-hour minimum. Materials such as washers or cartridges carry a 20% mark-up on cost. If you would prefer to purchase a replacement tap yourself for us to fit, that is perfectly possible, though please bear in mind that customer-supplied materials are not covered by our workmanship or product warranty.
Choosing a replacement tap
When replacing a tap, it is worth considering the type of water system in your home, as some taps require a minimum water pressure to function properly, particularly with gravity-fed systems common in older properties. A plumber can advise on suitable options during a visit, taking into account your existing pipework and any plans you might have for a wider bathroom or kitchen refurbishment.
Getting it fixed promptly
Whether you are in Wimbledon itself or the surrounding areas, a dripping tap is worth dealing with sooner rather than later, both to avoid wasted water and to prevent staining that can be difficult to remove from sinks, baths, and worktops. Same-day appointments may be available depending on demand, though we cannot guarantee this for every booking request.
Need a plumber or heating engineer?
We arrange appointments across Wimbledon and south west London at clear hourly rates. Call 020 3727 2578 or request an appointment.