Stop Wasting Water — and Money — With This Simple Fix
A dripping faucet doesn't just interrupt your sleep with that endless drip, drip, drip. A faucet that leaks just one drop per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water a year. That's real money down the drain — and a repair that takes less than an hour to do yourself.
You don't need a plumber. You need a wrench, a screwdriver, and this guide.
What You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Replacement washers and O-rings (£3–5 at any hardware store)
- Plumber's grease
- A towel and a bucket
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Look under the sink for the shutoff valves — one for hot, one for cold. Turn them clockwise until they stop. Then open the faucet to release any remaining pressure and drain the pipes. Put the plug in the drain so you don't lose any small parts.
Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handle
Most handles have a decorative cap on top (usually marked H or C). Pry it off with a flathead screwdriver to reveal a screw underneath. Remove the screw, then pull the handle straight up and off.
Step 3: Identify the Problem
For a compression faucet (older style with separate hot and cold taps), the culprit is almost always a worn rubber washer at the base of the stem. Unscrew the packing nut with your wrench, pull out the stem, and look at the washer at the bottom — if it's flattened, cracked or misshapen, that's your leak.
For a cartridge faucet (common in modern kitchens and bathrooms), the entire cartridge usually needs replacing. Take a photo before removing it so you know the correct orientation.
Step 4: Replace the Worn Part
Take the old washer or cartridge to the hardware store to match the size exactly. Install the new part, coat any O-rings lightly with plumber's grease, and reassemble in reverse order: stem in, packing nut on, handle on, screw in, cap on.
Step 5: Turn the Water Back On and Test
Slowly reopen the shutoff valves and let water flow. Turn the faucet on and off a few times. No drip? You've fixed it. If it still drips, double-check that the washer is seated properly and the packing nut is snug (don't overtighten — you'll crack the seat).
When to Call a Professional
If you find the valve seat itself is damaged (it will look pitted or corroded), you'll need a seat wrench to replace it — or that's the moment to call a plumber. But in most cases, a £4 washer is all that stands between you and a dry sink.
You've got this. Thousands of women fix their own faucets every day. Now you're one of them.