Fix a leaking garden tap
Save £60–100 in 30 mins — no plumber needed
Most people call a plumber for this. You probably don't need to.
Last updated: March 2025
Only basic tools needed — most homes already have them.
Before you start
Garden taps leak for one of three reasons: a worn washer (most common), worn gland packing around the spindle, or a loose back-plate connection. Identifying the exact leak point before starting saves time and money on parts.
A dripping garden tap wastes up to 5,000 litres of water per year. With water meter charges this adds £15–30 to your annual water bill — worth fixing quickly.
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Tools & materials
- ✓Adjustable spanner— to remove the packing nut
- ✓Cross-head screwdriver— to remove the tap handle
- !Replacement tap washer— buy — take the old one to the hardware shop to match the size
- !PTFE tape— buy — for sealing threaded connections
Want everything in one go?
Prices shown on retailer sites. Always check current pricing before purchasing.
Identify where the leak is coming from
Turn the tap on and off and observe carefully. Leaking from the spout when closed = worn washer. Leaking from around the spindle (the stem the handle sits on) = worn gland packing. Leaking from the back-plate (where the tap meets the wall) = a connector joint issue.
Most people get this done in under 5 minutes.
Where beginners go wrong
Not turning off the water supply before disassembling — water will spray everywhere.
Buying the wrong washer size — take the old washer with you to the hardware shop. Garden tap washers are larger than indoor tap washers.
Overtightening when reassembling — too tight cracks older plastic body taps and damages thread seals.
Stop and call a plumber if...
The tap body itself is cracked or corroded — it needs replacing
The back-plate is leaking inside the wall — this requires access to the pipe within
The isolation valve inside has seized and cannot be turned off
Cost breakdown
Recommended starter kit
Five tools that cover most home repairs.
- →Adjustable spannerAmazon·Screwfix
- →Screwdriver setAmazon·Screwfix
- →PTFE tapeAmazon·Screwfix
- →Spirit levelAmazon·Screwfix
- →Tape measureAmazon·Screwfix
Want everything in one go? Get it on Amazon
What you just learned
You now know how to diagnose tap leaks and replace a washer or gland packing. These exact skills transfer to fixing indoor taps — the mechanism is identical.
Most people would pay a tradesperson for this.
⚠️ Watch out if you rent
Landlords are responsible for maintaining garden taps. Report a leaking garden tap in writing. Replacing a washer is minor maintenance — but let your landlord know you've done it.