Why is my kitchen tap leaking from the base?

Why does my kitchen tap leak at the base?

Common causes of this problem include:

Poor installation

Taps are made up of several small pieces. Poorly installed taps can have loose components and are more prone to leaks.

For instance, a tap will not be watertight if the rubber washers and O rings are incorrectly positioned. Leaks are also more likely if the components inside of the tap are the wrong size.

Worn O rings

O rings are pieces of circular rubber installed at the base of the tap. This component fits between the end of the tap’s body—the spout—and the sink.

The O ring keeps a tap watertight and prevents leaking at the base. These small rubber rings can degrade over time.

Worn down O rings are one of the most common causes of a leak at the base of a kitchen tap.

Cracked spout

Taps need to be watertight to avoid leaks. Any damage to the tap’s spout can lead to water dripping out around the base.

Corrosion inside the spout can also create cracks and lead to a leak.

The best way to identify why your tap is leaking from the base is to hire a plumber near you.

Signs that a kitchen faucet is leaking from the base

Finding the source of a kitchen tap leak can be tricky. Taps are made up of multiple parts and water can leak out anywhere the watertight seal has been broken.

A tap’s base often gets splashed when the kitchen sink is being used. So, how can you tell if this area is just wet or if there is a leak?

The signs of a leak at the base of a kitchen tap include:

• Dripping sound – You will hear the sound of dripping water after using the tap. If the leak is at the base, dripping can be heard but there will be no water coming from the top of the spout
• Higher water bills – Leaking water can lead to higher utility bills. A leak can increase your water usage and you will notice a difference in costs if you use a water metre
• Water pooling at the base – The base of a kitchen tap can get wet easily due to regular use of the sink. However, water frequently pooling in this area can be the sign of a leak that needs to be fixed

How to fix a leaking tap

Fixing a leaking tap is often fairly straightforward. That being said, you will need to know how to take the tap apart and put the small pieces back together correctly.

A poor DIY fix can lead to more problems. Leaks can get worse if the O rings, washers and other components are not secured in the right position.

We recommend hiring a professional tradesperson to identify the source of your leaking kitchen tap and to fix the problem. 

It is possible to stop a kitchen tap from leaking yourself if have the skills, tools and knowledge needed. If you want to give it a try, here is a brief step-by-step guide:

Locate the leak

First things first, you need to find out if the base of the tap is definitely leaking. To do this, dry all around the bottom of the tap and the area where it connects to the sink. Next, place a paper towel around the base of the tap.

Don’t use your kitchen tap and wait. The base of your tap is leaking if the paper towel becomes wet.

Inspect the tap

You will need to inspect the tap to find out where the leak is coming from. Look for small cracks or holes on the tap body. If the length of the spout looks in good condition, closely check the area where the tap and sink meet.

Any holes in the tap body will need to be sealed. Applying drain tape or putty can temporarily fix this type of damage. However, in most cases it makes more sense to replace the tap.

Can’t see any damage to the spout? It’s time to get your tools and take the tap apart.

Dismantle the tap

Turn off the water supply before you begin any plumbing work. Once that is done, you will need to locate the tap’s grub screw.

A tap’s grub screw is used to hold the tap together and is not always located in the same place. For example, the screw may be under the tap handles or behind the base of the tap.

Once you have found it, unscrew the grub screw and carefully dismantle the tap using a spanner. Make sure you keep all of the valves, washers and other small components safe. Failing to reinstall any of these parts can lead to worse leaks or a malfunctioning tap.

Check the tap parts

Look for signs of wear and tear on the tap’s washers. These small rings keep the tap watertight and need to be periodically replaced.

You will need to order the right size and style washers for your tap. Traditional taps use rubber washers but lever taps are often sealed with a ceramic cartridge disc.

If the washers are in good condition, the O ring may be the culprit. This rubber ring is positioned at the base of the tap and will need to be cut away.

Replace the parts

Secure the new washers or O ring into place and put the tap back together. Make sure all components are installed back in the right position.

Turn the water supply back on and test out the tap. There should be no water leaking from the base if your DIY repair has been successful.

Does this all sound like too much work? Let us help! Hire a Checkatrade approved tradesperson to do all of the hard work for you. An experienced professional can fix a leaking kitchen tap in no time.

What to do when a kitchen faucet is leaking at the base and under the sink?

The help of a professional plumber will be needed if a kitchen faucet is leaking at the base and under the sink.

It can be difficult to find the exact source of this type of leak. There are multiple reasons why water can leak from both the base of the tap and the pipes under the sink.

Common causes of this type of leak include:

• Worn valves
• Blocked drain
• Corroded O rings
• Worn washers and gaskets
• Loose parts
• Old drain putty

As we said earlier, attempting DIY tap repair can sometimes make the problem worse. We recommend hiring an experienced tradesperson to fix this type of leak.

Cost of leaking tap repair

Fixing a leaking kitchen tap is best left to the professionals.

We recommend contacting a local plumber and asking for a quote.

On average, plumbers charge £50 per hour and £350  per day.

Read our plumber cost guide for more information.

Key takeaways

• Worn washers, corroded O rings and poor installation can cause a kitchen tap to leak from the base
• Pooling water, dripping noises and high water bills are signs of a leaking tap
• Leaks at the base of a tap can typically be stopped by replacing the washers and O ring
• Damage to the tap body can also lead to leaks
• A plumber or skilled handyperson can fix a leaking kitchen tap
• Plumbers charge an average rate of £50  per hour

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