Southsea, Portsmouth Office 023 9200 7719

AquaFix plumbing services

Bath and basin tap repairs

A bath tap can drip at the outlet, leak below the rim or fail to switch water to the shower handset. On a basin tap, the handle, base or pipe underneath may be the first place you notice water.

Chrome single-lever basin mixer with a drop hanging from the spout
Example of a basin mixer. The cartridge sits inside the body beneath the handle.

Where is the tap dripping or losing flow?

A photo of the first wet spot helps us choose where to look. The cartridge under the handle, seals in the body and connections under the basin each do a different job.

Example of a blue single-lever tap cartridge with its stem and seal face visible

The spout drips with the tap shut

A basin mixer cartridge opens and closes the water supply as you move the handle. A steady drip after closing can mean the cartridge no longer seals.

We check what is fitted under the handle. A compatible standard cartridge may be available locally. A model-specific part may need ordering. If the cartridge is built in or the correct spare is unavailable, we discuss replacing the tap.

See the Bristan Orta mixer parts diagram (PDF)
Example of an isolation valve and braided tap tail beneath a bathroom basin

Water appears under the basin

Water can escape from a tap tail, isolation valve or joint while the tap is off. It can also travel from the handle or base down through the tap hole. We look for where it starts.

A weak hot or cold side can point to that supply valve, the cartridge or debris. When both sides are weak, we also ask how other taps run. Mention any hum or knock and when it starts.

Example of a bath shower mixer with a spout, diverter control and hose connection

The bath mixer will not switch to the shower

The diverter directs water to the bath spout or handset. If both run together or the control drops back while the tap is running, the diverter or its seal may need attention.

Tell us whether the fault is at the spout, handset or both. We check the model and whether the bath panel can be opened if access below is needed.

Read about bath-to-shower diverter faults

What you might notice

Water drips from the spout with the tap shut
On a basin mixer, we check the cartridge beneath the handle. Separate taps can use a washer or a valve. We identify the fitting before choosing a part.
Water appears around the handle or tap base
A failed seal inside the tap can let water out here. If the model has a serviceable seal, we check the replacement. If the seal is built into a body that cannot be serviced, we discuss changing the tap.
The handle is stiff, loose or turns without opening the tap
The handle fixing and the valve inside can cause similar symptoms. Tell us which handle is affected and whether water can still be turned off.
The flow is weak, or the tap hums or knocks
If only hot or cold is weak, we check that side for a restricted isolation valve, debris or a faulty cartridge. If both are weak, we check the local fittings and ask how other taps run to help assess the wider supply. A hum or knock at this tap can also come from the cartridge or a valve under the basin.
The bath mixer will not switch fully to the shower
The diverter sends water either to the bath spout or to the handset. If both run at once or the control will not stay engaged, we check the diverter and the fitting.
Water shows under the basin or behind the bath panel
A tap connector can leak even when the tap is off. A leak that appears as the bath empties may be at the waste or trap instead. Avoid using the fitting if water is escaping into the room below.

Bath and basin fittings we assess

Separate hot and cold taps
Older pillar taps and newer quarter-turn taps can use different parts. We check how the valve shuts off and whether the fitting can be repaired.
Access under a bath or basin
Tap fixings and supply connections can be behind a bath panel or inside a vanity. We check whether the water can be isolated and whether there is enough room to reach the parts. A model-specific cartridge can take several days to arrive.
Bath shower mixer with handset
The mixer, diverter, hose and handset each have different seals or replacement parts. Tell us whether the fault is at the bath outlet, shower outlet or both.

What we can do

We can assess dripping taps, leaking connections and accessible bath shower mixers. We discuss compatible parts or a replacement, any access needed and how the work will be checked afterwards.

Parts we may check or replace

These are examples. We check what is fitted before choosing a replacement.

Bath shower mixer diverter

A diverter sends water to the bath spout or the shower handset. We match the make and model before choosing a diverter, valve or seals. A new handset or hose will not fix every diverter fault.

Manufacturer details

Basin mixer ceramic valve and spout seals

A drip from the outlet and a leak at the base of the spout can call for different parts. Bristan lists both ceramic valves and a spout seal kit for its Cruzar basin mixer. We check the model, which control is affected and where water first appears.

Manufacturer details

Before you get in touch

Send a photo of the tap, any visible brand and the first place water appears. Tell us whether it leaks with the tap shut and whether hot, cold or both are affected. For a bath, say if the panel comes off.

Planning your visit

What happens next

  1. Describe the job

    Send your postcode, what is happening and a photo if it helps. Tell us if water is still escaping.

  2. Agree the visit

    We confirm availability and explain the basis of any attendance or investigation charge before booking.

  3. Agree and check the work

    We explain what we find, agree any further work and check the affected plumbing afterwards.

Common questions

Can you change the bath taps without removing the bath?

It depends on where the taps sit and what can be reached through the panel. We explain any extra access before work is agreed.

Does water under the bath always mean a tap is leaking?

The water may come from a supply connection, the waste, overflow or a nearby seal. When it appears helps narrow down where to look.

Can you give me an estimate?

We discuss the work and the basis of any attendance or investigation charge before booking. Where the fault or access is uncertain, we may need to assess it first. We discuss any change to the agreed scope before additional work.

Tell us what needs attention

Have your postcode and a short description ready. If water is still escaping, call us.