Dripping tap repair in Dawlish
Looking for professional dripping tap repair help in Dawlish? Hembury Contracting provides reliable plumbing services across Dawlish and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
0.5-1.5 hrs
Location
Dawlish
Dripping taps fixed properly to stop the leak. I replace worn washers or cartridges, check the valve seat, and leave your tap operating smoothly with no drip.
### That Constant Drip Drip Drip
A dripping tap is **annoying and wasteful**. Doesn't seem like much, but a tap dripping once per second wastes about 3,000 liters per year. Plus the noise drives you mad, and it stains your sink.
> 💡 **Pro tip:** If your tap's dripping from the spout, it's usually the washer or cartridge. If it's leaking from the handle when you turn it on, that's the gland packing that needs replacing. Different fix, but both straightforward.
---
### Proper Repair vs Bodge
Tap repairs look simple but shortcuts cause repeat failures:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Quick Bodge | |--------------|----------------| | Right washer for your tap type | Whatever fits, sort of | | Valve seat checked and re-seated if needed | Slap new washer in, hope for best | | Tap reassembled correctly | Stripped thread, cross-threaded, wobbles | | Tested under pressure before leaving | "Should be fine, pay me now" |
---
### What You Get
**🔧 The Service**
| Stage | What Happens | |-------|--------------| | **Isolate** | Turn off water supply to tap | | **Dismantle** | Take tap apart to access washer/cartridge | | **Inspect** | Check valve seat condition | | **Replace** | Fit new washer/cartridge | | **Test** | Water back on, check drip's stopped |
**📦 You're Left With** - Drip completely stopped - Tap operating smoothly - No leaks from handle - Water pressure normal
---
### Pricing Guide
| Job Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay | |----------|----------------|------------| | Simple washer replacement | 30 mins-1 hr | **£60** (minimum) | | Mixer tap cartridge replacement | 1-1.5 hrs | **£60-£85** | | Valve re-seating + washer | 1.5 hrs | **£85** |
*Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Includes washers/basic cartridges.*
---
### Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ **Constant drip** - driving you mad or staining sink
✅ **Wasting water** - want to stop the waste
✅ **Stiff tap** - hard to turn on/off
✅ **Handle leaks** - water coming from around the handle
Why Choose Us for Dripping tap repair in Dawlish?
Drip stopped permanently
New washers or cartridges fitted
Tap operating smoothly again
No mess or water spillage
What to Expect
### Step 1: Turn Off Water I shut off the supply to the tap - either isolation valve below, or stopcock for the house. No more water flowing while I work. ### Step 2: Dismantle Tap Remove the handle (usually a screw hidden under the cap), then undo the headgear to access the washer or cartridge inside. Some taps are easier than others. ### Step 3: Check Valve Seat Look at the valve seat (the bit the washer seals against). If it's pitted or damaged, I can re-seat it (grind it flat) so the new washer seals properly. ### Step 4: Fit New Washer/Cartridge Traditional taps get a new washer - usually 1/2" or 3/4". Modern mixer taps get a new ceramic cartridge. Right part for your tap type. ### Step 5: Reassemble & Test Put it all back together, turn water back on slowly, check the drip's stopped and the tap operates smoothly. Job done.
Our Dawlish Service Coverage
We cover Dawlish and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Dawlish or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> 🚰 **Hot tap dripping more?** Hot water expands the tap components slightly, so worn washers show up worse on hot taps. Same fix though - new washer sorts it. **Mixer taps** - usually have ceramic disc cartridges rather than traditional washers. Longer-lasting but more expensive to replace when they do fail. Right cartridge for your brand is essential. **Valve seats wear too** - if you've replaced washers before and they keep failing quickly, the valve seat's probably pitted. I can re-seat it (grind it flat) so washers last longer. **When to replace instead of repair** - if the tap body's corroded, the thread's stripped, or it's so old you can't get parts, replacement makes more sense than repair. I'll advise honestly. **Older Exeter houses** - often have unusual tap types or obsolete parts. Sometimes I need to visit a specialist merchant or adapt modern parts to fit. Takes longer but usually doable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dripping tap repair in Dawlish
Why is my tap dripping?
Usually the washer or ceramic cartridge inside has worn out. When you turn the tap off, the washer should seal tight against the valve seat to stop water flow. Worn washer = poor seal = drip drip drip. Simple fix in most cases.
Can you fix dripping taps without replacing the whole tap?
Almost always, yes. I replace the washer (traditional taps) or cartridge (modern mixer taps), and the drip stops. Only need to replace the tap itself if the body's corroded or the valve seat's damaged beyond repair.
How long does fixing a dripping tap take?
Straightforward washer replacement is usually 30-60 minutes. Some taps need longer - mixer tap cartridges can be fiddly, and sometimes I need to visit a merchant for the right part. I'll know once I've got the tap apart.
Will the tap work better after repair?
Should do. New washer means proper seal and smooth operation. If the tap's still stiff or hard to turn, might be corrosion inside the tap body - I'll let you know if that's the case and whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
My tap's been repaired before and it's dripping again - why?
Either wrong washer fitted last time, or the valve seat's damaged and cutting through washers. I can re-seat the valve (grind it flat again) if that's the problem. If the tap body's worn out, might be time for replacement.
Get a Free Quote in Dawlish
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your dripping tap repair job in Dawlish.
01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Dawlish
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Trusted in Dawlish
Ready to Book in Dawlish?
Get a free quote for your dripping tap repair job in Dawlish today.