After dinner the kitchen tap still ticks into the sink every few seconds, someone has already tightened the handle harder, and the stainless bowl has a chalky ring that was not there last week.
Turn off the isolation valve, open the tap to drain pressure, replace a worn washer or cartridge, and reseat the spindle carefully. A cracked body, seized spindle, or drip from the base needs a plumber.
Quick diagnosis map
Start with the symptom, not the most dramatic fix. A small check now can save a cabinet, appliance, or Sunday afternoon.
| What you notice | Likely reason | First move |
|---|---|---|
| Steady drip from a closed tap | Worn washer, damaged seat, failing cartridge, or a loose spindle packing | Close the under-sink or wall isolation valve, open the tap to release pressure, and put a plug in the sink so small parts cannot fall down the drain. |
| Problem worsens after use | An underlying fault or hidden damage | Stop adding load; inspect safely. |
| Heat, burning smell, leak, or sudden pain | Safety issue, not a DIY puzzle | Switch off / isolate / get help. |
Do not force a seized spindle with pliers on chrome, leave the main supply open while the tap is apart, or ignore a drip from the base that may be wetting the cabinet floor.
What usually causes this
The visible symptom is useful, but the small detail around it usually tells the real story.
- Rubber washer flattened or cracked so the spindle never seals fully.
- Mineral scale on the valve seat keeping a tiny gap open.
- Cartridge or ceramic disc worn inside a modern mixer tap.
Try these in order
Begin with the reversible checks. The goal is a clean fix, not winning an argument with a stubborn household thing.
Isolate and drain the tap
Best for: any drip you plan to open
Close the under-sink or wall isolation valve, open the tap to release pressure, and put a plug in the sink so small parts cannot fall down the drain.
Open the handle and check the washer
Best for: a classic two-handle tap
Remove the handle and headgear, lift out the old washer, and note size before fitting a matching replacement.
Clean the seat and refit snugly
Best for: scale under the washer
Wipe grit from the valve seat, fit the new washer flat, and tighten the headgear firmly without crushing the spindle.
Treat a mixer cartridge differently
Best for: a single-lever mixer that drips
Many mixers need a cartridge swap, not a washer — match the brand shape or photograph the old part before buying.
Book a plumber
Best for: still dripping or parts seized
A pro can re-seat a scored valve, free a stuck spindle, or replace a cracked body without flooding the cabinet.
Take one clear photo before taking anything apart. It helps a professional see the pattern and saves guesswork.
Kashmir home note
Hard water in many Kashmir homes ages washers and seats faster. A quiet overnight drip also empties rooftop storage and leaves chalky rings that look worse than the leak feels.
What not to do
These shortcuts usually cost more than they save.
Tighten the handle harder
Scores the seat
Over-tightening flattens the washer and can cut a groove in the valve seat, making the drip worse.
Open the tap with supply still on
Cabinet flood risk
Always close the isolation valve and drain pressure before removing headgear or a cartridge.
Force a stuck spindle with pliers on chrome
Ruins the finish and spindle
A seized spindle needs the right puller or a plumber — pliers on polished chrome often slip and gouge.
Keep it from returning
Fix the small trigger, keep the area clean and dry where relevant, and deal with repeat symptoms before they become a replacement job.
When to book a professional
Book a plumber for a drip that continues after a washer or cartridge change, a seized or stripped spindle, water at the tap base, or a cracked body.
FAQs
What is the first check for tap keeps dripping?
Close the under-sink or wall isolation valve, open the tap to release pressure, and put a plug in the sink so small parts cannot fall down the drain.
Can I keep using it?
Only if there is no safety risk or spreading damage. Stop when the symptom worsens.
Why did this start suddenly?
A change in load, moisture, wear, cleaning product, or season often exposes a weak point.
Will a temporary fix last?
It can buy time, but repeat symptoms need the cause corrected.
When should I book help?
Book a plumber for a drip that continues after a washer or cartridge change, a seized or stripped spindle, water at the tap base, or a cracked body.