How to Stop a Kitchen Tap From Dripping All Night

April 21, 2025

Say Goodbye to That Late-Night Drip: Fixing Your Leaky Kitchen Tap Fast

We've all been there. It's the middle of the night, and you're tucked up in bed, dozing off… when drip… drip… drip—that kitchen tap decides it's the star of a water feature no one asked for. It sounds like a small problem, but when every drop echoes through the quiet, it can feel like water torture. Let's stop letting a leaky tap drive you up the wall (and rob you of sleep).

Why Is My Kitchen Tap Dripping Constantly?

The simple answer? Something inside the tap has worn out. Usually, it's one of these culprits:

Washer is worn – This is the most common reason. Over time, the rubber washer inside old-school taps gets tired and can't form a tight seal.
Ceramic disc damage – Many modern taps use ceramic discs instead of washers. If the disc is cracked, water will sneak through the cracks.
O-rings shrivel – These rubber rings seal the joint between moving parts. If they dry out or get damaged, it's drippy town day and night.
Tight tap handles – Believe it or not, turning the tap off too tightly can actually wear parts out faster.

Now, before you go full DIY warrior or call in a plumber, let's walk through what you can safely do at home to stop the drip—without waking up the whole house or flooding the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stop That Drip

You don’t need a plumbing licence to get started, you just need a bit of patience, a few tools, and maybe your favourite playlist to keep things fun.

1. Turn off the water supply

This is non-negotiable. Look under your kitchen sink for two small valves—turn them both clockwise until they won’t budge. These are your shut-off valves, and they keep your kitchen from becoming an indoor pool.

2. Plug the sink drain

Drop a screw or washer down that drain and you'll never see it again. Trust me. Use a sink plug or an old cloth to block off the drain hole securely.

3. Take the tap apart

Gently remove the decorative cap (if there is one), then use a spanner to unscrew the tap bonnet. Beneath it lies your suspect part—washer or ceramic disc.

4. Inspect and replace the faulty part

If you’ve got a traditional tap, the washer is likely the issue. It should come off easily—pop on a new one that matches the size. If the tap uses a ceramic disc, check it for hairline cracks or chips. Replace if damaged. If you're scratching your head trying to figure out which part you need, bring the whole thing into Strathalbyn H Hardware. We’ll help match it on the spot.

5. Reassemble and test

Put it all back together nice and firm, then turn your water valves back on slowly. Turn your tap on and off a few times to check your repair handiwork. No drip? You legend 👏

When to Call for Backup

If the tap’s still dripping or you've got a fancy modern mixer tap that looks more like a spaceship control panel, it may be time to call in a plumber. Or swing past our shop for some expert advice. Sometimes the whole tap needs replacing—don't worry, there are sleek, water-saving tapware options we can recommend.

One More Thing – Regular Maintenance Helps

To keep your taps running smoothly:

Don’t overtighten them—just snug will do.
Wipe away grime and build-up regularly.
If your water is hard, consider a water softener or regular descaling.

If you’re into routine fixes (or weekend DIY adventures), stop by Strathalbyn H Hardware. We’ve got all the washers, O-rings, tools, and how-to advice you’ll need, all with a local smile.

"Honestly, I once timed my kitchen leak to drip every 4.6 seconds. I counted 189 drips before I caved and tackled it at 2am. Learned quickly: nothing beats the satisfaction of fixing a problem yourself—and finally getting some peace and quiet!"

Ready to Sleep Soundly Again?

A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal during the day, but at night? It becomes a main character. Fixing it doesn’t take long, saves water, and helps your sanity. And hey, while you're at it, maybe grab yourself a decent set of pliers or a tap reseating kit—you never know when they'll come in handy again.

Losing sleep over a little drip just isn't worth it. We've got all the gear you need, right here in town. Any questions, pop in or give us a ring. We’re always happy to help.

Catch you at the hardware store—

Cheers,
Candeece