Leaking Tap: Should You Fix It or Replace It?
A dripping tap wastes up to 5,500 litres of water a year. Most leaking taps can be fixed with a new washer or cartridge, but sometimes a full replacement makes more sense.
Why do taps leak?
The most common cause is a worn washer or ceramic disc inside the tap. Over time, these components degrade and no longer create a watertight seal. The tap starts to drip even when fully closed. Hard water areas like Surrey speed up the wear because limescale builds up on the internal parts.
Can I fix it myself?
If you are comfortable turning off the water supply and dismantling the tap, replacing a washer is a straightforward job. You need to identify your tap type (compression, ceramic disc, or mixer cartridge) and get the right replacement part. Make sure you know where your stopcock is before you start. If you are not sure, it is better to call a plumber than risk damaging the tap or the pipework.
When to repair
If the tap is relatively modern, in good condition, and the leak is from the spout or handle, a repair is usually the cheapest and quickest option. A new washer or cartridge costs a few pounds and the job takes 15-30 minutes.
When to replace
If the tap is old, corroded, or the body itself is cracked, a replacement is better value. If you are renovating the bathroom or kitchen anyway, new taps give you a fresh look without much extra cost. We will always advise you honestly on whether a repair or replacement makes more sense.
How much does it cost?
A tap repair typically costs between £40 and £80 depending on the tap type and whether parts need to be sourced. A full tap replacement including a standard tap starts from around £80-£150. As one of our customers said, we are happy to go “over and above” to sort out extra jobs while we are there.
Need help with this?
Call us on 01932 943 009 or email info@hphsolutions.co.uk. We cover Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and London. Free quotes, no obligation.
