A dripping tap is easy to ignore, but it is usually one of the cheaper plumbing problems to put right if you deal with it early. For a straightforward domestic repair, the cost to fix a leaking tap is
A dripping tap is easy to ignore, but it is usually one of the cheaper plumbing problems to put right if you deal with it early. For a straightforward domestic repair, the cost to fix a leaking tap is usually around £70 to £150 during normal working hours, including labour and basic small parts.
The final price depends on what is causing the leak, the type of tap, whether parts are easy to source and how your plumber charges for small jobs. If the tap is old, badly corroded or difficult to access, replacing it can sometimes make more sense than repairing it.
Quick answer: typical leaking tap repair costs
As a budgeting guide, here is what homeowners and landlords in the UK can usually expect for common leaking tap jobs in 2026.
| Job type | Typical cost | What it usually covers |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a washer or O-ring | £70 to £120 | A simple repair on an accessible tap, often completed in one visit |
| Replace a ceramic disc cartridge | £80 to £160 | Labour plus a standard cartridge if the correct part is available |
| Repair a leaking mixer tap | £90 to £180 | Diagnosis, dismantling and replacing small internal parts where possible |
| Replace a standard tap | £120 to £250+ | Labour to remove the old tap and fit a new one, with the tap itself adding to the cost |
| Emergency or out-of-hours visit | £120 to £250+ | Higher call-out charges for evenings, weekends or urgent leaks |
These are typical ranges, not fixed prices. VAT, parking, congestion charges, specialist branded parts or a second visit can all increase the bill. This is where HaMuch is useful, because it helps you compare real, local plumber prices rather than relying on vague national averages.
Why a small leak is worth fixing quickly
A leaking tap may look minor, especially if it is only dripping into a sink or bath. The problem is that small leaks often get worse. A worn washer can turn into a constant trickle, and a leak around the base of a tap can damage worktops, cupboards, flooring or plasterboard if water is escaping where you cannot see it.
There is also the water waste to think about. Waterwise notes that a dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water a year, which matters even more if the property is on a water meter.
For landlords and property managers, dealing with a leaking tap promptly can help avoid tenant complaints, water damage and repeat call-outs. If you manage several properties, it is often worth grouping minor plumbing jobs together so one plumber can deal with them in a single visit.
What does a plumber do when fixing a leaking tap?
Most leaking tap repairs start with a quick diagnosis. The plumber will check where the water is coming from, whether the tap can be isolated safely and what type of mechanism is inside. Traditional taps often use rubber washers. Many modern mixer taps use ceramic disc cartridges, which are usually replaced rather than repaired.
If the leak is from the spout, the issue is often inside the tap. If water is pooling around the base, the seal or the pipe connections under the sink may be the cause. If the tap body is cracked, corroded or badly worn, a repair may not be reliable and replacement is usually the better option.
A simple washer replacement can take less than an hour if the tap comes apart easily and the water can be turned off nearby. A mixer tap can take longer, especially if the cartridge is not a common size or the fixings under the sink are awkward to reach.
What affects the cost to fix a leaking tap?
The biggest cost factor is usually not the part itself. A washer may cost only a few pounds, but you are paying for a qualified plumber's time, travel, call-out charge and experience. That is why a small repair can still cost £70 or more.
The type of tap
Basic pillar taps are usually cheaper to repair than mixer taps. Modern mixer taps can have cartridges that vary by brand, size and fitting. If the plumber has the correct cartridge in the van, the job may be simple. If they need to identify and order a part, the total cost can rise.
Whether the water can be isolated easily
Many sinks have a small shut-off valve under the basin or in the cupboard. If this works, the plumber can turn off water to that tap only. If it does not work, or there is no local valve, they may need to turn off the property's main stopcock. If the stopcock is stiff, hidden or faulty, the job can take longer.
Access under the sink or bath
A tap on an open basin is normally easier to work on than a tap behind a bath panel, inside a cramped vanity unit or below a deep kitchen sink. Poor access can turn a quick repair into a longer job.
Parts and tap quality
Cheap taps are not always economical to repair. If the tap is low quality and the cartridge is hard to identify, replacing the whole tap may cost little more than repairing it. On the other hand, good-quality branded taps are often worth repairing, especially if parts are available.
Timing and urgency
A slow drip during working hours is usually a standard appointment. A leak that cannot be turned off, is damaging a surface or is affecting a tenant's use of the property may need a faster response. Evening, weekend and bank holiday visits normally cost more.
How location changes the price
Plumbing rates vary across the UK because travel time, parking, demand and business costs differ by area. A leaking tap repair in a major city may cost more than the same job in a smaller town, especially if the plumber has to allow for traffic or parking.
| Area | What usually changes | How to compare sensibly |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber rates in London | Repairs often sit towards the upper end because of travel time, parking and higher local operating costs | Ask whether the call-out includes the first 30 or 60 minutes |
| Plumber rates in Birmingham | Prices can vary by suburb, availability and whether the job is booked during normal hours | Compare hourly rates and recent customer reviews before choosing |
| Plumber rates in Manchester | Demand can affect price, especially after cold weather or at weekends | Book a standard appointment where possible rather than an urgent visit |
This is one of the main reasons to compare locally. A fair quote is not just about the cheapest headline figure. It is about what is included, how quickly the plumber can attend and whether their rate is clear before you agree to the job.
Repair or replace: which is cheaper?
For a newer tap with a simple washer or a standard cartridge, repair is usually the cheaper option. If the tap is old, stiff, corroded or has leaked more than once, replacement may give better value.
| Situation | Repair is usually sensible | Replacement may be better |
|---|---|---|
| The tap is fairly new | Yes, especially if parts are easy to get | Not usually needed |
| The leak is from a worn washer | Yes, this is often a quick fix | Only if the tap is also damaged |
| The cartridge is rare or expensive | Sometimes, if the tap is high quality | Often, if the tap is a cheaper mixer |
| The tap body is cracked or corroded | Usually no | Yes, repair is unlikely to last |
| You want to update the sink or bathroom | Not if appearance matters | Yes, fitting a new tap may be worthwhile |
If you are unsure, ask the plumber to price both options. A good quote should make clear whether the tap is likely to repair well or whether you may be paying for a temporary fix.
Can you fix a leaking tap yourself?
Some confident DIYers can replace a basic washer, especially on an older tap where the water can be turned off easily. Parts are cheap, and the job can be simple with the right tools.
However, it is not always worth the risk. If you cannot isolate the water, the tap will not come apart easily, the leak is under the sink or you are dealing with a rental property, hiring a plumber is usually the safer choice. Forcing a seized tap or damaging a connection can quickly turn a small repair into a much larger plumbing bill.
If you do try a simple DIY fix, turn the water off first, open the tap to release pressure and avoid overtightening anything when you put it back together. If the leak continues after replacing a washer, stop and get professional advice.
How to get a fair quote for a leaking tap repair
For small plumbing jobs, clarity matters. Before you book, give the plumber enough information to price the job properly and reduce the chance of surprises.
- Explain where the tap is leaking from, such as the spout, base or under the sink.
- Share the tap type if you know it, such as separate hot and cold taps or a mixer tap.
- Ask whether the quote includes the call-out charge, labour, VAT and standard parts.
- Check whether there is a minimum charge for the first hour.
- Confirm if extra costs apply for parking, congestion charges or collecting parts.
- If you are a landlord, ask for an invoice and keep it with your property maintenance records.
It is sensible to compare more than one quote, especially if the first price seems high or the plumber recommends replacing the whole tap. HaMuch makes this easier by showing comparable local pricing and genuine customer reviews, so you can make a decision with more confidence.
When is a leaking tap urgent?
A steady drip into a sink is annoying, but it is not usually an emergency. You can normally book a standard plumbing appointment and avoid out-of-hours charges.
It becomes more urgent if water is escaping into a cupboard, running behind a bath panel, damaging flooring or cannot be turned off. In that situation, turn off the local isolation valve if there is one. If not, use the main stopcock and arrange a plumber as soon as possible.
For rental properties, ask tenants to report where the water is coming from and whether they can safely turn it off. Do not ask tenants to dismantle taps or attempt repairs unless they are competent and it is agreed in the tenancy arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber charge to fix a leaking tap? For a straightforward repair, many UK homeowners pay around £70 to £150 during normal working hours. The price can be higher if the tap needs a special cartridge, is difficult to access or needs replacing.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a leaking tap? Repair is usually cheaper if the tap is in good condition and needs a washer, O-ring or common cartridge. Replacement may be better value if the tap is corroded, cracked, very old or has hard-to-find parts.
How long does it take to fix a leaking tap? A simple washer replacement can often be completed in under an hour. Mixer taps, awkward access or parts that need sourcing can make the job take longer or require a second visit.
Can a dripping tap increase my water bill? Yes, it can if your property has a water meter. Even a small drip can waste a surprising amount of water over time, so it is usually worth fixing sooner rather than later.
Who pays for a leaking tap in a rental property? Normal wear and tear repairs are usually handled by the landlord, but tenancy agreements can vary. Tenants should report leaks promptly, and landlords or property managers should arrange a suitable repair.
Get a clear local quote before you book
The best way to know the real cost of fixing your leaking tap is to compare local plumbers before agreeing to the work. HaMuch helps homeowners, landlords and property managers see transparent, comparable pricing, check genuine reviews and request free, no-obligation quotes from vetted tradespeople.
If the tap is dripping, leaking under the sink or getting worse, do not wait for it to cause damage. Compare local plumber prices on HaMuch, request quotes and choose the right tradesperson for the job with confidence.