How to fix a dripping tap 💧, by B&Q on YouTube. 2 min 17 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 17 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn off the water supply at the isolation valves under the sink, or the main stopcock if there are none. Open the tap to drain any water left in the pipes.
Put the plug in the sink or lay a towel over the drain so small screws and parts do not disappear.
Prise off the hot and cold indicator cap on the handle with a small flat screwdriver, then remove the screw underneath.
Lift off the handle and any cover ring or shroud to expose the cartridge.
Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the cartridge retaining nut anti-clockwise, then pull the cartridge straight out.
Take the old cartridge to a plumber's merchant or compare it online to buy an identical replacement, matching the splines and size.
Fit the new cartridge, aligning the lugs, and tighten the retaining nut by hand plus a quarter turn with the spanner.
Refit the cover ring and handle, tighten the screw and push the indicator cap back on.
Turn the water back on slowly and run the tap for a few seconds. Check for leaks around the base and under the sink.
Tips and common mistakes
Take a photo of the old cartridge and the tap model before you shop, as cartridges are rarely interchangeable.
If the drip continues, check that the cartridge is seated straight and the retaining nut is fully tight.
Wrap the spanner jaws in cloth if the nut is chrome to avoid scratching it.
If you have a boiling water tap or under-sink heater, switch off its power before draining the pipes.
Questions
How do I know which cartridge to buy?
Remove the old cartridge and match its diameter, height and spline count. Take it to a store or search the tap model number online.
Can I fix a dripping tap without a new cartridge?
Sometimes cleaning limescale off the old cartridge and rinsing it helps for a short while, but a worn ceramic disc usually needs replacing.
Why is my tap still dripping after fitting a new cartridge?
The cartridge may be the wrong size, seated at an angle, or the retaining nut may be loose. Turn the water off and refit it.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
