Calling a plumber for a leaky faucet costs between £80 and £200 in the UK, and often more for same-day callouts. The reality is that 90% of residential faucet leaks can be fixed in under an hour with basic tools and a replacement part that costs less than a coffee.
This guide covers all four faucet types. Identify yours before you begin.
What You Will Need
- Adjustable spanner or wrench
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Allen key set (hex keys)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Replacement washer, O-ring, or cartridge (type depends on faucet)
- Plumber’s grease
- White vinegar (for mineral deposits)
- A towel and bucket
Step 1 — Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shutoff valves under your sink and turn them clockwise until they stop. If there are no individual shutoff valves, turn off the main supply to the house. Open the faucet to drain any remaining water and relieve pressure. Place a towel in the basin to catch small parts.
Step 2 — Identify Your Faucet Type
Compression faucet: Two separate handles, one hot, one cold. Older style, very common in pre-1990s homes.
Ball faucet: Single handle that rotates over a rounded ball-shaped cap. Common in kitchens.
Cartridge faucet: Single or double handle, moves up and down to control flow. Very common in modern bathrooms.
Ceramic disc faucet: Single lever that moves side-to-side and up-down. Usually on a wide cylindrical body. Premium and long-lasting.
Fixing a Compression Faucet
Remove the decorative cap on the handle, unscrew the handle screw, and pull the handle off. Use a spanner to unscrew the packing nut, then pull out the stem. At the base of the stem you will find the rubber washer held by a brass screw. Replace the washer, reassemble in reverse order, and restore water supply. Test.
Fixing a Ball Faucet
Ball faucets have more internal parts than other types. Purchase a ball faucet repair kit for your brand — it is worth it. Remove the handle (usually an Allen screw under a decorative cap), then the collar and cap. Use pliers to remove the cam, packing, and ball. Replace the seats, springs, O-rings, and ball using the kit. Reassemble carefully, following the kit diagram.
Fixing a Cartridge Faucet
Remove the handle (prise off the cap, unscrew the screw beneath). You will see the cartridge held by a retaining clip or nut. Pull the clip with pliers, then pull the cartridge straight up. Take it to a plumbing supplier to match the exact replacement. Insert the new cartridge in the same orientation, replace the retaining clip, and reassemble. If hot and cold are reversed, the cartridge is 180° rotated — remove and flip it.
Fixing a Ceramic Disc Faucet
Move the lever to its highest position. Remove the handle screw, lift off the handle, and unscrew the disc cylinder. Lift out the cylinder and remove the ceramic discs. Soak them in white vinegar for 30 minutes to remove mineral buildup. Inspect for cracks. Reinstall clean discs (or replace cracked ones), reassemble, and slowly restore water supply. Turn on gradually to avoid hydraulic shock cracking the new ceramic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to turn off the water first — obvious, but the most common emergency
- Forcing parts — faucet components should come apart without excessive force
- Reassembling without plumber’s grease on rubber parts
- Installing a cartridge in the wrong orientation
- Turning on water at full pressure immediately after reassembly
Once you have fixed a faucet once, the second time takes half as long. It is one of the most satisfying home maintenance tasks — immediate, tangible, and genuinely money-saving.
