QUESTIONS
My monobloc mixer tap is leaking: do I need to replace or repair?
Updated 07/26
By: Adam Harris
Reviewed: Content Team
Most of the time, repair rather than full replacement. Where the leak's actually coming from, and whether a replacement cartridge is still available for your specific tap, are what actually decide it, not the fact that it's a monobloc mixer.
Where to check first when a monobloc tap leaks
Why ceramic cartridges are usually replaceable, not a reason to give up
When full tap replacement genuinely makes more sense
How to judge cost of repair vs replacement
Step-by-step for the easiest fixes
When to call a plumber instead of DIY
Find a plumber near me
Where is the leak actually coming from?
A monobloc tap (a single-body mixer combining hot and cold into one spout) can leak from a few different points, and the location tells you most of what you need to know:
From the spout, when the tap's off: usually the ceramic disc cartridge inside has worn, scratched, or scaled up. Almost always repairable.
From the base of the spout, especially if it swivels: usually a worn O-ring where the spout rotates against the tap body. Straightforward to repair.
From around the handle or lever: could be the cartridge again, or a worn seal at that specific joint, depending on the tap's design.
From underneath, at the supply connections: often just a loose connection nut rather than a fault with the tap itself, worth checking before assuming anything's actually broken.
Don't keep tightening a dripping handle to try to stop it. This forces worn ceramic discs together harder, deepening the scratches causing the leak and making the eventual repair worse, not better.
Are ceramic cartridges actually hard to replace?
Not inherently, no; replacing the cartridge is the standard, intended fix for a leaking ceramic disc tap, and it's specifically designed to be a swappable part rather than something you're expected to live without. Where it does get genuinely difficult is:
The cartridge has seized in place, often due to limescale or corrosion in older or hard-water-area taps, and won't unscrew without damaging the tap body.
A replacement cartridge is no longer available, which is more common on cheaper or older taps where the exact part has been discontinued.
The cost of a quality replacement cartridge starts to approach the cost of a new budget tap, at which point replacing the whole thing is simply better value.
None of these are really about ceramic vs rubber washers; they're about the specific tap's age, quality, and parts availability.
If you want a deeper diagnostic based on exactly where your tap is dripping from, our guides on ceramic tap leaks, leaks from the base, and leaks from the stem each cover a specific fault in more detail.
When does full replacement make more sense?
Replacing the whole tap is usually the better call when:
The cartridge is seized and won't come out cleanly
No replacement cartridge exists for that specific model any more
The tap body itself shows visible corrosion, cracking, or damage beyond the cartridge
You're already unhappy with the tap's style or flow, and the repair cost is a meaningful chunk of a new tap's price anyway
If none of those apply, repair is usually the quicker, cheaper route.
How to fix a leak from the neck or spout base
If the leak is coming from the neck or base of the spout rather than the cartridge, this is usually one of the easier fixes:
Turn off the water supply.
Unscrew the retaining screw behind the tap.
Remove the neck or spout.
Replace the worn O-rings.
Reassemble and turn the water back on to test.
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Hire a professional plumber
If you're not confident identifying the leak's source, the cartridge won't budge, or you'd rather not risk damaging the tap body trying, a plumber can diagnose it properly and advise honestly on repair versus replacement.
How much does tap installation cost in 2026?
Whether you're looking to get an outdoor tap installed, want new taps for your bathroom as part of a renovation, or are planning to replace your old taps to make a quick difference to your kitchen, we've set out the average prices for tap installation to give you an overview.
Before you decide: repair or replace?
Frequently asked questions
They can almost always be repaired by replacing the cartridge, which is the standard intended fix. Full tap replacement is usually only necessary if the cartridge is seized, discontinued, or the tap body itself is damaged.
Double-check the new cartridge is correctly seated and the retaining nut is fully tightened. If it still drips, the leak may actually be coming from a different point, like the spout base O-ring, rather than the cartridge itself.
Repair is usually cheaper if a cartridge is available and not seized. Once you're pricing a hard-to-find part or extensive corrosion, a new budget tap can work out similar in cost with the benefit of being brand new throughout.
Yes, for most standard monobloc taps this is a manageable DIY job with basic tools, provided the cartridge isn't seized. If it won't budge, avoid forcing it, since that risks damaging the tap body.
Check the tap manufacturer and model if you can find it, or take the old cartridge to a plumbers' merchant for a match. Getting the wrong size or thread won't seal properly.
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