Need Advice - Leaking Kitchen Tap All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[pete1412009]

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone can point me in the right direction. My kitchen tap has started leaking. It’s not gushing water, but it’s dripping steadily and I know it’s something that probably should be an easy fix.

I am a complete novice when it comes to plumbing. I don’t have much more than the basic tools and I’ve never repaired a tap before. I’ve read online that it could be a washer issue, but I’m not sure how to tell which one it is or what parts I’d need.

I have included a couple of pictures that might help.

Could anyone please give me a step-by-step guide on diagnosing the cause and fixing it? Also, any beginner tips or “don’t do this” advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance. I’d love to tackle this myself without making it worse!

[stoneyboy]

Hi pete1412009,
If your valve heads turn 1/4 turn on to off you have a tap fitted with ceramic cartridges.
Replacing these is: turn off water; remove head by undoing central screw; unscrew complete ceramic cartridge and fit new one. The main issue you will have is matching the cartridge so best to remove one and take this when you go shopping as a pattern.
Regards SB