How-toPublished 2 March 2026· 4 min read· By Hi-Partner Editorial
How to fix a leaking tap before calling a plumber
Most drips are a ₹20 washer. Here is the fifteen-minute fix, the tools you need, and the two signs that mean you should stop and book a plumber instead.
A tap that drips once a second wastes around 30 litres a day. In most Indian homes the cause is a worn rubber washer or a cracked spindle seal — both cheap, both replaceable without a plumber. Set aside fifteen minutes and a bucket.
You will need
- An adjustable spanner or a 17 mm spanner
- A flat screwdriver
- A new washer (take the old one to the hardware shop to match the size)
- A little plumber's tape (PTFE) and a cloth
The fix
- Close the stop valve under the basin or the main inlet; open the tap to drain it.
- Prise off the decorative cap, undo the screw and lift the handle.
- Unscrew the headgear with the spanner, wrapping the chrome in cloth so it does not scratch.
- Replace the washer at the bottom of the spindle; wrap the threads with two turns of tape.
- Reassemble, open the valve slowly, and check for drips at the spout and the base.
When to stop and call a plumber
If the headgear will not turn without force, or if water is seeping from the wall behind the tap, stop — a snapped spindle or a hidden pipe leak needs tools you do not have. Post the job with a photo on Hi-Partner and a nearby plumber can usually come the same day.
#plumber#diy#how to
