Dripping Taps and Outside Taps: What to Check Before Calling a Plumber

Start by finding where the water is coming from

Before deciding what the fault might be, work out exactly where the water appears. A tap that drips from its spout after it has been turned off presents a different clue from one that leaks around the handle, at the base or beneath the sink. Those signs help narrow down the problem, but they do not confirm which part needs attention.

Dry the tap and nearby surfaces, then watch where water first appears during normal use. If the spout continues to drip when the tap is closed, the internal sealing parts may not be shutting off the flow completely. Depending on the tap design, that could involve a washer or a cartridge (an internal tap valve). If water appears around a handle or at the base, it may be escaping from a seal or connection instead. A wet patch below the sink could also come from a pipe connection, not the tap itself.

Avoid repeatedly tightening the handle to stop a drip. Forcing it can put extra strain on the tap and may make the fault worse without fixing its cause.

What to check on a dripping tap

First, note which tap is affected and whether it leaks only after use or continues when left alone. Check whether the drip comes from the spout or another part of the fitting. If there is a separate hot and cold tap, note which one leaks. This is useful information when describing the problem to a plumber.

You can also look beneath the basin or sink for visible dampness, water marks or a drip while the tap is running. Keep the inspection to what you can see without moving pipework or taking fittings apart. If the cabinet is wet, remove stored items so you can see whether the water is spreading, but do not assume the tap is the source until you have traced where the water appears.

Do not dismantle a tap just because the drip seems small. Tap designs differ, and replacing a part without identifying the right type can leave the leak unresolved. Some fittings also need their water supply isolated before they can be opened. If you cannot identify a suitable valve that shuts off the water to that tap, or it will not turn easily, do not force it.

Checks for an outside garden tap

For an outside tap, note whether water comes from the outlet after the tap is closed, or appears around the handle, body or pipe connection. Check the visible area where the pipe passes through the wall for dampness. Do not pull or twist the tap to test it, as that can strain the pipework behind the fitting.

If you can see water escaping from a pipe or from where it enters the wall, treat that as more than a dripping outlet. If the leak is substantial and you know where the main water shut-off valve (stopcock) is, you may be able to turn off the water supply. Only do this if the stopcock is accessible and turns without force. If you are unsure, leave it alone and seek plumbing advice.

When a check is enough, and when it is not

A brief observation can help you describe the fault, but it cannot reliably distinguish a worn internal part from a damaged fitting or a leak on connected pipework. The distinction matters: changing a washer or internal tap valve (cartridge) will not resolve water escaping from a joint, and replacing the whole tap may be unnecessary if the fault is limited to a part that can be replaced.

Stop checking and arrange help if water is reaching cupboards, walls or flooring, if a connection is visibly leaking, or if the leak continues after the tap is closed. Do not open the tap or attempt a repair if you cannot safely turn off its water supply. If you have already turned a valve and it is stiff, do not apply extra force.

When you speak to a plumber, describe the location of the drip, whether it happens with the tap on or off, and any dampness you found nearby. A clear description helps focus the assessment. We handle general plumbing in Taunton, including tap faults. For more about the service, see our General Plumbing page.

A useful check, not a diagnosis

The safest first step is to observe, locate and describe the leak, not to dismantle the fitting. Those checks can help separate a drip from the spout from water escaping around the tap or its pipework, while leaving the diagnosis and repair to someone equipped to assess the fitting properly. Here at Nick Keeble and Son, we can help you work out the next step when a tap or outside tap is leaking.