How To Fix A Dripping Tap & Leaking Bathtub

If your tap is dripping, you’ll likely need to replace one of the internal parts, such as the washers, ceramic valve, cartridge or O-ring. First, you’ll need to determine the type of taps your bathtub has to get the right parts.

Turn the handle and switch the water on to find out what kind of tap you have. If your tap handle only turns halfway, it probably has a ceramic disc or cartridge. If you have to turn the tap a full 360˚ rotation before the water starts running, it’s likely to have rubber washers. Most older designs have rubber washers, which are renowned for leaking.

If you’re still unsure what type of taps you have, you might need to take the faucet apart to see which components it has.

Tap washers are small disks fitted inside a tap. They create a water-tight seal to prevent leaks when the tap is turned off. Tap washers can be made from rubber, which tends to be cheaper and less efficient long-term, or ceramic, which is more hard-wearing. You can find spare parts for any Mira Showers taps, should you need to replace them. All our taps come with a 5-year warranty.

To repair a dripping tap, you’ll need to remove the tap head to get to the internal parts. If you’re changing the entire tap body for a different style, find out how to remove and change a bath tap in our dedicated guide.

What you’ll need

• Screwdriver 
• Pliers
• Allen key (depending on your tap’s design) 
• Adjustable spanner
• Replacement ceramic valve, washers or cartridge 

If your tap has rubber washers, the repair process is essentially the same as replacing cartridges or ceramic valves. However, there are a few additional steps:

• After removing the tap’s stem, unscrew the packing nut to reveal the rubber washer. This can be removed with your fingers or use a pair of pliers.
• Replace the rubber washer with a new one, ensuring it’s the same size. Screw the packing nut back into place, then reassemble the tap.

Most taps require little maintenance, as cartridges and ceramic valves are hard-wearing and long-lasting. We recommend carrying out an annual check to prevent them from seizing in the tap body, using silicone grease to lubricate these parts.

If you live in an area with hard water, clean the outlet flow aerator regularly to prevent limescale build-up and improve water flow. Discover the best ways to de-scale your bathroom taps in our step-by-step guide.

Is your tap still leaking after replacing the faulty parts? There might be a problem with the valve, which you can check yourself or get professional assistance for. You can speak with one of our professionals through our repair service, who will guide you through the process or schedule a home visit.

Planning a complete bathroom makeover or want to upgrade your old bathtub to a modern design? Explore our bath buying guide for more inspiration.