Dripping Tap Repair London
That persistent drip costs you water and money every single day. We fix dripping kitchen taps, bathroom taps, bath taps, and mixer taps across London — same day, from £45. Rubber washers, ceramic discs, cartridges — we carry the parts.
The True Cost of a Dripping Tap in London
A drip seems trivial — but on a Thames Water metered supply, it adds up fast. And if it's a hot tap, your boiler is heating water that goes straight down the drain.
What Type of Tap Is Dripping?
The fix depends entirely on the tap type. We diagnose on arrival — but knowing your tap type helps us bring the right cartridge first time.
Traditional Rubber-Washer Taps
The classic two-handle tap found in pre-1990s London homes. Drips when the rubber washer at the bottom of the spindle wears out. Common in period properties across Islington, Hackney, and Southwark.
Fix: Washer replacement
£45
Ceramic Disc (Quarter-Turn) Taps
Modern taps that open fully with a 90° turn. Drip when the ceramic disc cracks or limescale prevents it seating properly. London's hard water (280–320 mg/l) is the most common cause of premature failure.
Fix: Cartridge replacement
£65
Monobloc Mixer Taps
Single-lever kitchen or basin mixers. Drip from the spout when the internal cartridge wears, or leak at the base from a failed O-ring. Cartridge sizes vary by brand — we carry Grohe, Hansgrohe, Bristan, and generic sizes.
Fix: Cartridge replacement
£75
Thermostatic / Pressure-Balance Taps
Found in modern showers and bath-mixers. Thermostatic cartridges are more complex and brand-specific. Drips usually mean the main cartridge or check valve has failed.
Fix: Thermostatic cartridge
£85–£120
Where Is the Drip Coming From?
The drip location tells us which component has failed — which determines how long the repair takes and whether we can fix it or need to replace the tap.
| Drip location | Likely cause | Fix | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| From the spout | Worn washer or failed cartridge | Washer / cartridge replacement | £45–£75 |
| Around the handle / top | Worn O-ring or gland packing | O-ring / gland replacement | £45 |
| From the base of the tap | Failed body O-ring | O-ring replacement or full replacement | £45–£95 |
| From under the sink | Flex connector or isolation valve | Connector / valve replacement | £65–£85 |
| Where tap meets basin | Loose backnut or failed seal | Re-tighten or reseal | £55–£75 |
Dripping Tap Repair Prices — London 2026
| Repair | Time | Price (parts + labour) |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber washer replacement | 30 min | £45 |
| O-ring / gland packing (base/handle leak) | 30 min | £45 |
| Ceramic disc cartridge replacement | 30–45 min | £65 |
| Monobloc mixer cartridge | 45 min | £75 |
| Thermostatic shower cartridge | 45–60 min | £85–£120 |
| Full tap replacement — labour only | 45–60 min | £95 |
| Full tap replacement — supply & fit | 45–60 min | £150–£220 |
| Isolating valve replacement (seized) | 30 min | £65–£85 |
All prices include parts and labour. Fixed quote given before work starts. No call-out fee — 7 days a week including Bank Holidays.
Dripping Tap Repairs Across London
We cover every London borough — from Richmond to Romford, Barnet to Bromley. Same-day appointments available 7 days a week, including evenings.
Dripping Tap FAQs
How much does dripping tap repair cost in London?
Dripping tap repair in London costs £45–£95 depending on the tap type. A rubber washer swap is £45, a ceramic disc cartridge replacement £65, and a monobloc mixer cartridge £75. If the tap body is too corroded to repair, full replacement labour is £95 (you supply taps) or £150–£200 including a quality tap. Fixed quote before we start.
How much water does a dripping tap waste?
A tap dripping once per second wastes around 5,500 litres of water per year — equivalent to 33 full baths. On a Thames Water metered supply that's roughly £15–£25 per year extra. A hot water tap dripping wastes that water after your boiler has heated it, adding to your energy bill on top.
What causes a tap to drip?
The cause depends on the tap type. Traditional taps (rubber washer type) drip when the rubber washer or O-ring wears out. Ceramic disc taps (quarter-turn) drip when the ceramic cartridge cracks or the seals degrade — often accelerated by London's hard water limescale. Monobloc mixers drip when the internal cartridge fails.
Can I fix a dripping tap myself?
Rubber washer replacement is a classic DIY job — isolate under the sink, remove the tap head, replace the washer (£1 part). Ceramic disc taps are trickier: you need the right cartridge size for your brand. Monobloc mixers can be fiddly under confined sink spaces. If you're unsure, call us — repairs start at £45 and we carry common cartridges.
Why is my kitchen tap dripping from the spout?
A drip from the spout means the internal valve or cartridge isn't sealing fully when closed. On a traditional tap that's a worn rubber washer; on a ceramic disc or monobloc mixer it's a failed cartridge. London hard water (280–320 mg/litre) deposits limescale on ceramic discs, which prevents them seating cleanly.
Why is my tap dripping from the base or handle?
A leak from the base or around the handle indicates a worn O-ring or gland packing, not the main washer. This is a separate seal that sits around the spindle. It's easy to replace (£45) but shouldn't be ignored — water tracking down behind the sink can damage cabinets and cause mould.
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Stop the Drip Today
Same-day across London · From £45 · No call-out fee
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