Leaking Tap Repair Guide for Reigate Homeowners

Published August 2026 | Leaking Tap Repair

We asked our Plumber engineers the questions Reigate homeowners ask most about leaking taps - from a single dripping kitchen mixer to an old bathroom tap that just won't stop running.

What actually causes a tap to start leaking?

A leaking tap is almost always down to worn internal components rather than the tap body itself. The most common culprits are washers and O-rings. In older pillar taps - the kind with separate hot and cold handles you still find throughout many Surrey homes - a rubber washer sits against a metal seat inside the tap body. Every time you turn the tap off, that washer gets compressed. Over years of use, it hardens, cracks, or distorts, and water starts seeping through even when the tap is fully closed.

In newer ceramic disc taps, the mechanism is different. A pair of ceramic discs rotate against each other to control flow. These are generally more durable, but they can crack or collect debris that stops them sealing properly. Mixer taps often fail at the O-rings - the rubber seals around the cartridge or spout base.

Hard water is a significant factor across Surrey. Limescale builds up inside the tap valve over time, corroding seals and making them brittle far sooner than they would in softer water areas. If you've lived in Reigate for more than a few years, you'll know the white chalky deposits that form around taps - that same mineral content is working on the internals too, and it's one of the main reasons we see so many tap repairs in this part of the county.

Can I fix a leaking tap myself, or do I need a plumber?

This depends on the type of tap and your confidence level. Replacing a washer on a pillar tap is something a reasonably competent DIYer can tackle. You turn off the water supply - either at the isolation valve under the sink or at the mains stopcock - remove the tap head, unscrew the headgear, and swap out the washer. Parts typically cost under 2 pounds from a hardware shop or plumbers' merchant.

Ceramic disc cartridges are a bit trickier. You need to identify the exact cartridge model, source the right replacement, and fit it correctly. It's doable, but the risk of buying the wrong part or reassembling incorrectly is real. Get it wrong and you can end up with a tap that runs backwards, won't seal, or leaks worse than before.

Our engineers would always recommend calling a plumber if the tap body itself is damaged, if the leak is coming from the pipework rather than the tap, or if you've got a mixer tap with an integrated cartridge from a less common brand. We also use the Voltrade GoFIX diagnostic tool to confirm exactly which component has failed before ordering any parts - it saves time and avoids unnecessary return visits to collect the right part.

How do I tell which type of tap I have?

The three main types you'll encounter in UK homes are pillar taps, ceramic disc taps, and cartridge mixers. Here's how to tell them apart.

Pillar taps have separate hot and cold taps, usually with a cross-head or crutch handle. You'll typically need to turn them several times to open or close them fully. These use a rubber washer and are common in older properties across Reigate - particularly in houses built before the mid-1990s.

Ceramic disc taps also have separate hot and cold controls but use a lever handle that needs only a quarter turn from open to closed. The firm, definite stop at each end is the giveaway. These are more modern and require a different repair approach - washers won't fix them.

Monobloc mixer taps combine hot and cold through a single spout, usually with one or two lever handles. These are standard in most kitchens and bathrooms fitted in the last 20 years. They use either a ceramic cartridge or a ball valve internally, and the repair method depends on which one is fitted. If you're unsure, one of our engineers can identify it in a matter of minutes.

What tools and parts do I need before I start?

For a basic washer replacement on a pillar tap, you'll need an adjustable spanner, a flathead screwdriver, a crosshead screwdriver, PTFE tape, and replacement washers or an O-ring kit. A rubber washer kit covering the most common sizes costs around 3 to 5 pounds from any plumbers' merchant or hardware shop.

For ceramic disc replacements, you also need to know the cartridge dimensions - typically the diameter and height. Many manufacturers use standard sizes, but some proprietary brands do not. Take a photo of any markings on the old cartridge before you order a replacement. Ceramic disc cartridges typically cost between 5 and 25 pounds depending on the brand.

A few things worth having on hand regardless of the job: a bowl or towel to catch residual water when you open the tap body, plumber's grease (silicone-based, not petroleum-based - petroleum grease degrades rubber seals quickly), and good lighting. Working under a kitchen sink in poor light is how mistakes get made. If you have any doubt about the supply isolation before you start, locate the mains stopcock first - in most Reigate properties it's under the kitchen sink or in an understairs cupboard.

Can you walk me through the steps for a dripping pillar tap?

Here's how our engineers approach a standard washer replacement on a pillar tap.

1. Turn off the water supply at the isolation valve (usually a slotted screw under the sink that you turn 90 degrees) or at the mains stopcock. Open the tap to drain any remaining water in the pipe.

2. Remove the tap handle. There's often a decorative cap on top - lever it off gently with a flathead screwdriver to reveal a retaining screw underneath. Remove that screw and the handle should lift off cleanly.

3. Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the packing nut or headgear - the large hex nut that holds the internal mechanism in place. Wrap the spanner jaws with tape if you want to protect any chrome finish.

4. Lift out the headgear assembly. At the bottom you'll see the washer - a rubber disc held in place by a small brass nut. Undo the nut, remove the old washer, and fit the new one. Make sure it sits completely flat.

5. Before reassembling, inspect the rubber seat inside the tap body for scoring or corrosion. A damaged seat means the new washer will leak again quickly. A tap reseating tool can resurface it, or you can fit a nylon seat insert instead - both are inexpensive.

6. Reassemble in reverse order. Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks at the packing nut as well as the spout before considering the job done.

Why is my tap leaking from the base rather than the spout?

A leak from the base of the spout - that pooling of water around the bottom of the tap body - usually means the O-rings around the spout have failed. This is especially common on monobloc mixer taps, where the spout swivels and the O-rings wear with every rotation. If you use your kitchen mixer tap many times a day, those O-rings can wear out within a few years.

The fix involves removing the spout from the tap body (which usually requires undoing a grub screw underneath or a large retaining nut), sliding off the old O-rings, and fitting new ones. Smear the new O-rings with silicone grease before fitting to make assembly easier and to extend their working life.

A base leak can also indicate a problem with the supply pipe connections underneath the tap - particularly if you notice water appearing only when a specific tap is running. In that case, it may be the compression fitting or flexi-hose connection that needs attention rather than the tap itself. Our engineers see this regularly in Reigate properties where older copper supply pipes have been joined to modern flexible hoses - those connections can work loose over time, especially if the hoses were not fitted with adequate support.

How much does a plumber charge to fix a leaking tap in Reigate?

For a standard leaking tap repair - replacing a washer, O-ring, or ceramic cartridge - you're typically looking at between 65 and 130 pounds for a one-off callout, including parts. Most plumbers in the Surrey area charge a callout fee (commonly between 50 and 80 pounds for the first hour) plus the cost of any parts required.

If you have multiple taps to fix, it makes financial sense to address them all in a single visit. Getting two or three taps repaired in the same hour of labour is considerably more cost-effective than booking separate callouts. Our Reigate engineers can assess all your taps in one visit and quote for the full scope of work upfront, so there are no surprises.

Tap replacement rather than repair runs higher - typically between 150 and 350 pounds depending on the tap supplied and the complexity of fitting. If you're supplying your own tap, labour alone for a simple swap is usually 80 to 150 pounds. Unusual configurations - awkward access, old pipework that needs adapting, or a basin waste replacement at the same time - will push the cost up. Always ask for a written quote before work starts.

When does it make more sense to replace a tap than repair it?

Age and overall condition are the main factors. If a tap is more than 20 to 25 years old, parts may be difficult or impossible to source. Even if you find a replacement washer, the internal brass components may be corroded to the point where the tap will develop another fault within months. At that stage, repair is not a good use of money.

Physical damage to the tap body - a crack in the chrome, a damaged thread, or a broken handle spindle - is generally not worth repairing. The cosmetic result is rarely satisfactory, and structural damage tends to recur. Similarly, if the same tap has been repaired two or three times in a few years, replacement is the better long-term decision.

A decent quality replacement tap from a brand like Grohe, Bristan, or Crosswater will typically last 15 to 20 years with normal use, and modern ceramic disc taps are considerably more reliable than the rubber washer taps they replace. If you are replacing, it's also a good moment to fit an inline filter to protect the new tap from Surrey's hard water - a simple addition that can meaningfully extend the life of the components.

Can a leaking tap cause bigger problems if I ignore it?

Yes - and this is something our engineers raise regularly with Reigate homeowners who have been putting a repair off. A consistently dripping tap wastes a significant volume of water. A tap dripping at roughly one drop per second adds up to approximately 5,400 litres per year. On a metered supply that's a real cost, and it's entirely avoidable.

More seriously, persistent moisture around a tap causes problems well beyond the tap itself. Water sitting under a sink cabinet causes timber to swell, delaminate, and eventually rot. Mould follows quickly in enclosed spaces. In bathrooms, water seeping around a base-leaking tap can get under silicone sealant and into the surface below - particularly around baths and basins set into vanity units, where remedial work becomes significantly more involved.

A slow leak that has been running for months can also damage supply pipe connections over time. Copper fittings that are perpetually damp can develop pinhole corrosion, and the constant vibration of dripping can gradually loosen compression fittings. What starts as a 70-pound tap repair can become a much more involved plumbing job if left unattended. Getting it looked at promptly is always the better call.

How long does a typical tap repair take?

A washer or O-ring replacement on an accessible tap takes an experienced plumber around 20 to 40 minutes. Ceramic cartridge replacements on common mixer taps are similar. The time increases if access is difficult - under-sink taps where the isolation valves have not been operated in years can be stubborn, and working in a tight vanity unit adds time.

Situations that commonly add time include taps where the headgear has seized due to limescale (very common in Surrey's hard water areas), taps with non-standard threading, and older taps where components have corroded together. If the tap seat needs regrinding with a reseating tool, that adds another 15 to 20 minutes. If a replacement cartridge needs to be sourced before the repair can be completed, allow either a longer initial appointment or a return visit.

Booking a plumber who gives you a clear arrival window and arrives with the common parts already on the van is the most efficient approach. Most standard tap repairs in Reigate are completed in a single visit with no need to order parts in advance, provided the tap is a common make and model.

Leaking taps are one of the most frequent calls we handle from across Surrey, and in the vast majority of cases they are entirely fixable in a single visit. Whether you're dealing with a dripping bathroom tap in an older Reigate property or a mixer tap that has developed a base leak, the key is identifying the right component and using the correct parts for your specific tap type. If you are not sure where to start, our engineers can diagnose the problem clearly and give you a firm quote before any work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off the water supply before fixing a leaking tap?

Look for an isolation valve on the supply pipe directly below the tap - it's usually a small brass valve with a slotted head that you turn 90 degrees with a flathead screwdriver. If there's no isolation valve, you'll need to use the mains stopcock, which is commonly located under the kitchen sink or in an understairs cupboard in most UK homes.

Why does my tap still drip after I replaced the washer?

The most common reason is a damaged tap seat - the metal surface the washer presses against. If the seat is scored or pitted from years of use, even a new washer won't seal against it properly. A tap reseating tool can resurface it, or your plumber can fit a nylon seat liner as an alternative fix that avoids the need for specialist tools.

Is a leaking tap covered by home insurance?

Standard home insurance policies typically do not cover gradual leaks caused by wear and tear, which includes most tap repairs. Some policies with home emergency cover will pay out if a leak is causing immediate damage, but routine washer or cartridge replacement is generally considered maintenance and falls outside policy terms. Always check your specific policy wording before assuming you are covered.

How often should tap washers be replaced as a matter of course?

There is no fixed schedule - washers last until they fail, which depends on usage frequency, water hardness, and the quality of the original component. In hard water areas like Surrey, rubber seals typically have a shorter working life than in softer water regions. If you are having any plumbing work done, it is worth asking your engineer to inspect your tap internals at the same time.