Why Your Tap Won’t Stop Dripping (and When to Call a Plumber)

That constant drip... drip... drip of a leaky tap isn’t just annoying, it’s literally money down the drain.
Here in Scarborough, many homes (especially older properties or those with hard water) experience leaking taps more often than you’d think.

If your tap won’t stop dripping, here’s what might be causing it, how to fix it, and when to call Supreme Plumbing & Heating, your trusted local plumber on the Yorkshire Coast.

1️⃣ Worn or Damaged Washers

This is the most common cause of a dripping tap and something we see in homes all over Scarborough.
Every time you turn your tap off, a small rubber washer presses against the valve seat to stop the flow of water. Over the years, that washer wears out, and water starts to seep through.

Fix:

• Replace the worn washer with the correct size.

• If you’re not sure what to use, our engineers can replace it quickly, we carry all common sizes used in UK taps.

2️⃣ Faulty Tap Cartridge (Common in Mixer Taps)

Modern mixer taps are convenient but prone to cartridge wear. A faulty cartridge can cause water to keep running or dripping even when the handle’s fully closed.

Fix:

• You’ll need to remove the old cartridge and fit a new one (they’re not universal, so getting the right model is key).

• If your home in Scarborough has hard water, consider fitting a water filter — limescale build-up shortens the life of your tap components.

3️⃣ Limescale and Corrosion: A Yorkshire Coast Problem

Scarborough’s water supply is moderately hard, which means limescale can quickly build up inside taps and pipework.
Over time, that leads to corrosion and tiny gaps where water escapes.

Fix:

• Clean visible limescale with white vinegar or a mild descaler.

• If corrosion has damaged the inside of the tap, replacement is often the most cost-effective fix.
  Supreme Plumbing can recommend modern, efficient taps that suit your home and budget.

4️⃣ High Water Pressure or Sudden Pressure Changes

If your tap drips occasionally, especially overnight, it might not be the tap at all, but high water pressure in your plumbing system.
We see this often in Scarborough homes connected to older water mains.

Fix:

• A plumber can test your system and fit a pressure-reducing valve if needed.

• This not only stops drips but protects your whole plumbing system from strain.

5️⃣ Worn or Pitted Valve Seats

The valve seat is the small metal connection between your tap and its spout. If it becomes pitted or uneven, even new washers won’t seal properly.

Fix:

• A professional plumber can regrind or reseat it using specialist tools.

• This is a quick, affordable job and much cheaper than replacing the entire tap.

Why Fixing a Dripping Tap Matters

It might seem minor, but a dripping tap can waste over 5,000 litres of water per year, not great for your bills or the environment.
Here in Scarborough, where water costs continue to rise, that’s an expense you can avoid with a quick fix.

Ignoring it can also lead to:

• Limescale staining on sinks and baths

• Moisture build-up and mould around fittings

• Higher water bills

• Progressive tap damage that becomes more expensive to repair

When to Call a Local Plumber in Scarborough

If you’ve replaced washers and cartridges but the drip persists, it’s time to bring in a professional.

At Supreme Plumbing & Heating, we:

• Repair leaking taps, toilets, and showers quickly and cleanly

• Carry common replacement parts to avoid delays

• Serve Scarborough, Filey, Bridlington, Whitby, and the Yorkshire Coast

• Offer transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden extras

We’ve fixed hundreds of dripping taps across Scarborough and we can help you too.

Stop the Drip Today

Don’t waste water or money. If your tap won’t stop dripping, get it fixed fast by your local experts at Supreme Plumbing & Heating.

Call us today on 01723 643009 or book online at supremeplumbingandheating.co.uk

Proudly serving Scarborough and the Yorkshire Coast for all your plumbing and heating needs.