
Emergency plumbing
Dripping tap repair and replacement across London
A tap that will not stop dripping, a stiff lever that no longer shuts off, or a mixer that has lost its temperature control usually means a worn washer, cartridge, or O-ring. Our directly-employed, fully insured plumbers repair or replace it across London and the M25, typically within 30 to 60 minutes.
A dripping tap is rarely just a dripping tap. On older quarter-turn ceramic disc cartridges the seat is scored, on traditional rising-spindle taps the washer has perished, and on mixer taps the diverter or O-ring has hardened past the point of a serviceable rebuild. Left alone, the slow drip wears the porcelain glaze on a basin, leaves a limescale tail on stainless steel, and in hard-water postcodes accelerates pinhole corrosion on the brass below.
We repair where a repair is the right call, and replace where it is not. Ceramic disc cartridges on Hansgrohe, Bristan, Grohe, and Vado bodies are stocked in 35mm and 40mm sizes for same-visit swaps, and we carry traditional 1/2-inch BSP reseating kits for older bib taps and pillar taps where the brass is still sound. Where a full replacement is needed, the new tap is matched to the existing tap-hole layout (monobloc, three-hole, deck mounted, or wall mounted), supplied as a WRAS-approved unit, fitted with new flexi tails, and isolated through new in-line service valves so the next service can be done without draining the system.
Where this service applies
- Dripping kitchen monobloc, where the hot or cold side will not fully shut off at the lever
- Stiff or grinding ceramic disc cartridge that no longer turns smoothly under fingertip pressure
- Mixer tap losing temperature control, hot and cold crossing through a failed cartridge or diverter
- Basin pillar taps weeping at the spindle gland or running on at the spout
- Loose tap body rocking on the worktop or basin, back-nut has loosened over time
- Limescale-locked spouts on swivel kitchen taps, no longer rotate cleanly
- Pull-out spray hose or pull-down kitchen mixer hose failure
- Fitting of new isolation valves so future tap servicing does not require a full drain-down
How we deliver
No surprises, no upselling. The exact path every job follows.
-
1Inspection and repair-or-replace call
We strip the tap head to identify the cartridge family (ceramic disc, traditional washer, or compression), check the seat, and confirm whether a service kit will give a reliable long-term fix or whether replacement is the safer choice. -
2Isolation at service valve or stop-tap
Where in-line isolation valves exist we shut hot and cold locally. Where they do not, we close the internal BS1010 stop-tap and drain the relevant section, then fit new isolators on the supply tails as part of the visit. -
3Tap removed cleanly
Flexi tails disconnected, back-nut released with a basin wrench, and the old tap lifted clear. We protect basin glaze and worktop laminate during removal so the surface is not chipped or scored. -
4Cartridge service or new tap fitted
Replacement 35mm or 40mm ceramic disc cartridge fitted on a serviceable body, or a new WRAS-approved tap installed with fresh sealing washers and a stainless top-hat where the basin is thin-rim ceramic. -
5New flexi tails and isolators
Old braided tails replaced as standard, since the rubber core perishes long before the outer braid shows wear. New quarter-turn isolation valves fitted on hot and cold tails so the next service does not require a full drain-down. -
6Recommission and test
Supplies reopened slowly to purge air, hot and cold run through full lever travel, and joints checked under live pressure. Aerator removed and cleared of any debris flushed through during the works. -
7Site left clean and photo-logged
Old parts bagged for disposal, work area wiped down, and a short photo record kept of the installed tap and isolators for our service file and your records.
Your questions answered
Is it worth repairing a dripping tap, or should I just replace it?
How long does a tap replacement take?
Do I need to turn the whole house water off?
Can you supply the new tap, or do I need to buy one?
Why does my tap make a hammering noise when I shut it off?
Need a 24/7 emergency engineer?
30 to 60 minute response across every London borough. Gas Safe registered. 12-month workmanship guarantee.
FAQ
Dripping tap repair and replacement: your questions
How fast can you reach me for dripping tap repair and replacement?
What does dripping tap repair and replacement typically cost?
Is the work guaranteed?
Are you Gas Safe registered?
Read next
More on emergency plumbing
Emergency Plumbing Advice
Emergency Plumbing Advice: What to Do When Disaster Strikes Plumbing emergencies are never convenient and can happen when you least expect them. Knowing how to react quickly and effectively can minimise damage and…
30 Mar 2026 · 4 min read
Why 24/7 Flood and Water-Damage Response Is Now Essential for London Property Owners
For London property owners, water damage is no longer an occasional inconvenience that can safely wait until normal working hours. It is increasingly becoming an urgent property risk that demands immediate professional…
25 Mar 2026 · 8 min read
Holiday Property Emergencies in London: How to Avoid Overpaying for Urgent Repairs
The festive season is one of the busiest times of year for emergency property repairs. Colder temperatures, increased household activity, visiting family or guests, and heavier use of heating, plumbing, and electrical…
21 Mar 2026 · 8 min read
Emergency Trades in London 2026: A Practical Checklist for Choosing a Reliable 24/7 Service
In a city as fast-moving as London, property emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A boiler failure on a winter evening, a burst pipe before business hours, a drainage backup in a rental property, or a lockout…
17 Mar 2026 · 9 min read
Need dripping tap repair and replacement now?
30 to 60 minute response across every London borough. Gas Safe registered. 12-month workmanship guarantee.
