A tap that drips once every few seconds can seem like a minor annoyance, especially when the water is not pooling under the sink. But if you are asking, “why is my tap dripping,” the issue is usually a worn internal part, loose connection, or water-pressure problem that will not improve on its own. Left alone, a small drip can waste a surprising amount of water, leave mineral marks on fixtures, and sometimes point to a larger plumbing issue.
The good news is that many dripping taps have a straightforward cause. The right repair depends on where the water is coming from, what type of tap you have, and whether the tap is old enough that replacement makes more sense than repeated repairs.
Why is my tap dripping from the spout?
When water continues to fall from the spout after the tap is turned off, the seal inside the tap is no longer stopping the water flow properly. In most cases, the culprit is a worn washer, O-ring, cartridge, or valve seat.
Older compression taps, which use separate hot and cold handles that turn several times, commonly rely on rubber washers. Each time the handle is tightened, the washer presses against a valve seat to stop the water. Over time, the rubber hardens, cracks, or wears down. Tightening the handle harder may slow the drip temporarily, but it can damage the washer further and make the repair more difficult.
Modern mixer taps usually use a ceramic disc cartridge rather than a traditional washer. These cartridges are durable, but grit, scale, and normal wear can prevent the discs from sealing completely. If your tap has become stiff to operate, drips intermittently, or leaks after being turned off firmly, the cartridge may need cleaning or replacement.
A damaged valve seat can also be responsible. The valve seat is the surface the washer seals against. Mineral buildup or corrosion can create tiny grooves that allow water to pass through even with a new washer installed. This is one reason a quick washer replacement does not always solve the problem.
A drip around the handle is a different problem
Water escaping around the base of the handle or from behind it is not usually caused by the same part that creates a drip from the spout. This type of leak often points to a worn O-ring, loose packing nut, or failing cartridge seal.
You may notice this leak only when the tap is running. That is a useful clue: water pressure is pushing water through a compromised seal while the tap is open. If the handle feels loose or wobbly, a connection may need tightening, but take care not to overtighten it. Excess force can crack plastic components, strip threads, or damage a ceramic cartridge.
For taps mounted through a sink or countertop, water may also appear around the tap base. Sometimes this is simply splashback or a failed bead of sealant. Other times, the leak is coming from a hose or fitting below the counter and traveling upward or outward. Checking underneath with a flashlight before assuming it is a surface issue can prevent a more serious leak from being missed.
Common reasons a tap starts dripping
Taps work hard every day, so internal parts eventually wear out. The most likely causes include normal age, mineral deposits, changing water pressure, and damage from forcing a stiff handle closed.
Hard water can be especially tough on tap components. Scale builds up around aerators, cartridges, and valve seats, making handles harder to turn and interfering with seals. A tap may begin dripping shortly after plumbing work as well, because sediment disturbed in the pipe can lodge inside the cartridge.
Water pressure matters too. If several taps in the property suddenly start dripping, banging, or spraying unevenly, the issue may not be isolated to one fixture. High or fluctuating pressure can shorten the life of washers, flexible hoses, and valves. In a rental property, this is worth addressing promptly to protect both the fixture and the building.
A dripping outdoor tap deserves the same attention. Aside from water waste, a damaged outdoor tap can affect nearby cladding, paths, gardens, or foundations if water continually runs into the same area. If it leaks only when a hose is attached, the hose washer or connector may be the simple fix. If it drips with nothing attached, the tap itself likely needs repair.
Safe checks you can make before arranging a repair
Start by identifying exactly where the water appears. Dry the tap completely, wait a few minutes, and look at the spout, handles, base, and cabinet below. A slow leak below the sink can be more urgent than a visible drip from the spout because it may damage cabinetry before anyone notices.
Next, check whether the drip comes from the hot side, cold side, or a single mixer spout. Run the tap briefly, turn it off normally, and observe it. Avoid repeatedly cranking the handle tight. A tap should shut off with normal hand pressure.
If you are comfortable doing basic maintenance, clean the aerator at the end of the spout. Unscrew it carefully, rinse away visible debris, and refit it without cross-threading. This will not usually cure a drip from the spout, but it can improve uneven flow and reveal whether mineral buildup is affecting the fixture.
Before removing handles or cartridges, turn off the local isolation valves under the sink. If there are no working isolation valves, the water supply may need to be shut off at the main. This is where a small repair can become inconvenient, particularly in apartments, commercial bathrooms, or occupied rental homes. It is often more practical to have a professional handle the repair with the right replacement parts ready.
When a tap repair is worth it – and when replacement is smarter
Repair is usually the best option when the tap is in good condition, the finish is intact, and the correct washer or cartridge is readily available. Replacing a seal or cartridge is generally less disruptive than installing a new fixture, and it can give a quality tap years of additional service.
Replacement can be the better value when the tap is heavily corroded, the handle mechanism is damaged, or parts are discontinued. It may also make sense during a kitchen or bathroom refresh, when updating the fixture improves function and appearance at the same time. A new tap is not automatically better, though. The replacement should suit the existing sink, mounting holes, water pressure, and plumbing connections.
For commercial properties, consider how downtime affects staff and customers. A dripping tap in a staff kitchen may be a nuisance, but a leak in a public restroom can create a poor impression and increase slip risk. Scheduling a prompt repair helps keep the space clean, functional, and professional.
Signs you should call a professional promptly
A single slow drip is rarely an emergency, but some symptoms need faster attention. Arrange professional help if water is collecting under the sink, the cabinet base feels soft or swollen, the tap will not turn off, or there is discoloration on walls, flooring, or ceilings nearby. You should also act quickly if the leak involves hot water, if an isolation valve is seized, or if you suspect unusually high water pressure.
A qualified handyman can assess the tap, replace common components, check connections, and let you know if a plumber is needed for a more complex issue. For Auckland homeowners, landlords, and property managers, Icon Handyman can take care of small tap repairs as part of practical property maintenance, with clear communication and a tidy finish.
A dripping tap is easy to put off because it is familiar and small. Fixing it early protects your fixtures, avoids needless water waste, and gives you one less property problem waiting to grow.
