A tap drips after it has been turned off. Tightening the handle harder may feel like the quickest response, but it can damage parts without addressing the cause. Start by finding out where the water is coming from and what type of tap you have.
The EPA’s WaterSense home-maintenance guidance recommends checking taps and under-sink connections for leaks and using appropriate repair resources or a plumber. Reducing wasted water begins with identifying the actual leak rather than replacing unrelated parts.
Observe before reaching for tools
Is water dripping from the spout, appearing around the handle or collecting below the sink? Dry the area where safe and observe again. Water travelling along a surface can make the visible wet spot different from the source.
Find the manufacturer’s name, model information and maintenance instructions if available. Different taps use different cartridges, washers and fittings. A replacement that looks close is not necessarily compatible.
Know how the water will be isolated
Before any repair, identify the appropriate shut-off arrangement and confirm that you can use it safely. Do not begin dismantling a tap while merely assuming a stiff or unfamiliar valve will work when needed. If isolation is unclear, obtain professional help.
Renters should report the issue through the property’s agreed maintenance process and check who is authorised to repair it. A photograph and a short description of when the leak occurs can make that report more useful.
For an owner considering a permitted simple repair, follow the exact manufacturer’s procedure and use the specified parts. Stop if corrosion, seized fittings or unexpected water makes the task different from the instructions. The cost of assistance can be smaller than damage from forcing a fitting.
After a repair, inspect both the spout and the surrounding connections during use and after shut-off. A stopped drip is encouraging, but the work should not have introduced a new leak elsewhere.
Keep the part reference and repair date with the household records. The sustainable choice is a repair that actually lasts and can be maintained again, not a rushed adjustment that hides the symptom for an afternoon.