Why Your Kitchen Tap Is Leaking and How to Fix It Permanently

1. Understanding Why Kitchen Taps Start Leaking

A leaking kitchen tap is more than just an annoying drip—it’s a sign that something inside the tap isn’t working as it should. Over time, even high-quality taps experience wear and tear due to constant use, water pressure, and mineral buildup. Understanding why your tap is leaking is the first step toward fixing it properly rather than applying a temporary solution.

Kitchen taps typically leak for one of three reasons: worn internal components, loose fittings, or pressure-related stress. Each time you turn the tap on and off, internal parts move and rub against each other. Over months or years, seals harden, washers degrade, and cartridges lose their precision.

Hard water can speed up this process. Minerals like limescale build up inside the tap, interfering with smooth operation and causing small gaps where water can escape. High water pressure can also place extra strain on internal components, shortening their lifespan.

The good news is that most kitchen tap leaks are fixable—and when repaired correctly, the solution can last for years.

2. Common Types of Kitchen Tap Leaks and Their Causes

Not all tap leaks are the same. Identifying where the leak is coming from helps pinpoint the exact cause and the correct fix.

Dripping from the Spout

This is the most common issue. Water continues to drip even when the tap is fully turned off.

Typical causes include:

• Worn washers in older taps
• Faulty ceramic cartridges in modern taps
• Limescale buildup preventing a proper seal

Leaking from the Handle or Base

If water appears around the handle or where the tap meets the sink, the issue is usually related to seals rather than the main valve.

Common reasons include:

• Damaged O-rings
• Loose handle fittings
• Worn internal seals

Leaks Under the Sink

Sometimes the tap itself isn’t the problem. Water may drip from underneath the sink when the tap is in use.

Possible causes include:

• Loose or damaged supply hose connections
• Worn flexible hoses
• Poorly sealed fittings

Spray or Pull-Out Tap Leaks

Pull-out taps have additional components, which means more potential failure points. Leaks can occur in the hose, connector, or spray head if seals wear out or connections loosen.

Correctly identifying the leak location prevents unnecessary part replacement and ensures a permanent repair.

3. How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Tap Step by Step

Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, the repair process becomes much simpler. Most fixes can be completed with basic tools and replacement parts.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Always start by turning off the water supply beneath the sink. Open the tap afterward to release any remaining pressure.

Disassemble the Tap Carefully

Remove the handle using the appropriate tool. Keep screws and small parts organised so reassembly is straightforward.

Inspect Internal Components

Look for visible signs of wear such as flattened washers, cracked O-rings, or damaged cartridges. In ceramic cartridge taps, even small internal damage can cause persistent dripping.

Replace Worn Parts

• Replace washers and O-rings with identical sizes
• Swap faulty cartridges with manufacturer-compatible replacements
• Clean away limescale before installing new components

Using the correct replacement parts is crucial. Mismatched components often lead to recurring leaks.

Reassemble and Test

Reassemble the tap carefully, ensuring all parts are snug but not overtightened. Turn the water back on and test for leaks.

When done correctly, this repair should stop the leak completely and restore smooth tap operation.

4. Fixing the Root Cause for a Permanent Solution

Stopping the drip is only part of the solution. To fix a leaking tap permanently, you need to address the underlying cause.

Deal with Limescale Buildup

Hard water causes mineral deposits that damage seals and cartridges over time. Regular cleaning of the tap aerator and internal components reduces long-term wear.

Check Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure accelerates component failure. If leaks keep returning, pressure regulation may be necessary to protect internal parts.

Avoid Over-Tightening

Turning the tap off too forcefully strains washers and cartridges. A gentle but firm close is enough to stop the flow without causing damage.

Use Quality Replacement Parts

Low-quality washers or cartridges may work temporarily but wear out quickly. Investing in durable components ensures a longer-lasting fix.

Replace Severely Worn Taps

If leaks persist despite multiple repairs, the tap body itself may be worn internally. In such cases, replacing the tap is often more cost-effective than repeated fixes.

Permanent solutions come from addressing wear patterns, pressure issues, and maintenance habits—not just replacing the same parts repeatedly.

5. Preventing Future Leaks and Maintaining Your Kitchen Tap

Prevention is just as important as repair. A few simple habits can significantly extend the life of your kitchen tap and prevent leaks from returning.

Perform Regular Checks

Inspect handles, spouts, and under-sink connections every few months. Catching small issues early prevents major leaks later.

Clean the Aerator

Remove and rinse the aerator periodically to prevent mineral buildup that affects flow and internal pressure.

Operate the Tap Smoothly

Avoid slamming handles shut or forcing stiff controls. Smooth operation reduces stress on internal components.

Address Minor Drips Immediately

A slow drip may seem harmless, but it often signals early component failure. Fixing it promptly prevents more serious damage.

Choose Durable Taps for Long-Term Reliability

If you’re replacing a tap, select one with solid construction, ceramic disc cartridges, and quality seals. A well-made tap is far less likely to leak prematurely.

Final Thoughts

A leaking kitchen tap isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a warning sign that something inside needs attention. By understanding why leaks happen and how to fix them properly, you can restore your tap’s performance and avoid repeated repairs.

Most leaks are caused by worn washers, damaged cartridges, or failing seals, all of which are fixable with the right approach. Addressing limescale, water pressure, and usage habits ensures the repair lasts, not just weeks or months.

When repaired correctly and maintained regularly, your kitchen tap can remain leak-free for years—saving water, money, and frustration along the way.