Change tap seal

If the tap is dripping, the aerator – also known as the mixing nozzle – may be calcified. To find out whether this is the case, remove the aerator and inspect it. Slight limescale build-up can easily be removed with a special descaler or using household remedies such as citric acid and vinegar. For heavy limescale deposits, often the only thing that works is replacing the aerator.

On taps that have one valve for hot water and another for cold water (twin-lever taps), the upper part of the valve may be calcified, preventing it from closing properly. The result? The tap drips constantly. Careful cleaning using a descaler or vinegar solution will help.

A worn or dirty cartridge – the core of a single-lever tap – can also explain a dripping tap. If the mixing cartridge is no longer properly sealed, your tap may leak. However, it is usually not worth cleaning the tap cartridge as this is a technically complex component. In this case, you are better off repairing your tap by inserting a new cartridge.

A defective rubber seal in the tap can also be to blame. Older tap seals can become porous over time due to hard water and temperature fluctuations. It makes sense to replace the tap seal.