Why Is My Tap Dripping?
A dripping tap is one of the most common household annoyances — and it can waste a surprising amount of water over time. If you’re in Blackburn and dealing with this problem, here are the most common causes of a dripping tap.
1. Worn Washers
Over time, washers inside your tap wear down, causing water to seep through even when the tap is turned off.
2. Damaged O-Rings
An O-ring helps keep your tap handle watertight. When it cracks or loosens, drips can appear around the base of the tap.
3. Faulty Cartridges
Modern mixer taps often use cartridges instead of washers. If these wear out, you’ll notice leaks, drips, or poor water flow.
4. Corrosion & Limescale
In older taps, corrosion and limescale can stop parts sealing properly — especially in hard water areas like Lancashire.
When to Call a Handyman
Some issues (like replacing a washer) can be DIY jobs, but often it’s quicker and safer to call a local handyman. If you’re in Blackburn, I can:
- Identify the cause of the drip
- Replace the faulty part or tap
- Make sure your water supply is properly isolated and reconnected safely
Why it is worth fixing a drip sooner rather than later
A single dripping tap can waste a surprising amount of water over a year, and the constant moisture leaves limescale trails and staining on the sink or bath. The wear that causes the drip — a perished washer or a failing cartridge — tends to get worse, so a small fix today often saves a bigger one later. If the drip is from the spout it is usually a washer or cartridge; if it is from the base or handle, it is more likely an O-ring.
Can you fix a dripping tap yourself?
If you are confident isolating the water and can get the right washer or cartridge for your tap, a drip is a fixable DIY job. The catches are matching the exact part, dealing with limescale-seized fittings, and reassembling without over-tightening. If that sounds like more bother than it is worth, it is a quick visit for me — see tap repairs and replacement.
Final Thoughts
Need a hand with this in Blackburn? I offer tap repairs and replacement across Blackburn and the surrounding areas — get a free quote.