emergency
Tap won't turn off — Same-Day Plumber Across the North West
We'll quickly resolve your continuously running tap, restoring control and preventing water waste.
In short
A tap that won't turn off is usually due to a worn internal component. Your first step should be to isolate the water supply at your stopcock to prevent flooding or continuous waste. Once safe, contact KJ Plumbers; we'll dispatch a local engineer to diagnose and quote for the necessary repair.
Tell KJ what's wrong
Free and no obligation — we'll get a qualified local plumber on it.
KJ Plumbing Expert · Online now
KJ
onlineHonest UK plumbing advice — free, and a local plumber when you need one.
Hi, I'm KJ — honest UK plumbing advice, free, and a local plumber when you need one. Tell me what's happening — leak, blockage, boiler, emergency, anything — and I'll help you sort it.
You can send a photo, short video, voice note or share your location — whatever's easiest. Please avoid sending faces, documents, house numbers or payment cards in photos.
For genuine emergencies call 01706 318200, or the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
Start with one tap
Do this right now
Immediate steps to keep you safe
Locate Your Stopcock
Find your main internal stopcock (often under the sink, near the water meter, or in the garage). You'll need to turn this clockwise to shut off the water supply to your entire home.
Turn Off the Water
Turn the stopcock fully clockwise to completely shut off the water supply. This will stop the tap from running and prevent potential flooding.
Drain Residual Water
After turning off the stopcock, open the problematic tap and any other lower taps in your home to allow residual water in the pipes to drain away. This reduces pressure and helps prepare for a repair.
Contain Any Leaks
If water is actively leaking from the tap body, place a bucket or towels underneath to catch any drips until the repair is made. Even a small leak can cause significant damage over time.
Common causes
What's usually behind tap won't turn off
Worn Washer or Gasket
In traditional compression taps, a rubber washer or gasket forms the seal. Over time, these can degrade, harden, or become dislodged, preventing the tap from closing fully and stopping the water flow.
Damaged Ceramic Disc Cartridge
Modern mixer taps and some single-control taps use ceramic disc cartridges. If these ceramic discs chip, crack, or become misaligned, they can no longer form a watertight seal, leading to continuous running.
Corrosion or Limescale Buildup
Mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate around the tap mechanism, hindering the full movement of internal components and preventing the tap from closing properly.
Faulty O-Rings
O-rings provide seals around the tap's spindle or body. If these wear out or perish, water can bypass them, leading to leaks, and in some cases, preventing the tap from fully shutting off.
Loose or Stripped Components
Internal components, such as the tap's spindle or handle assembly, can become loose or have stripped threads, meaning the handle no longer effectively controls the flow of water.
How KJ handles this
What happens when we're on-site
- 1
Assess the Situation
Our engineer will first confirm that the water supply to the property has been safely isolated and assess the visible condition of the tap and surrounding area.
- 2
Diagnose the Fault
Using their expertise, the engineer will carefully examine the tap's internal mechanism to pinpoint the exact cause of the continuous running, whether it's a worn washer, faulty cartridge, or another issue.
- 3
Provide a Transparent Quote
Following the diagnosis, you will receive a clear, written quote for the repair, outlining the necessary parts and labour, before any work commences.
- 4
Carry Out the Repair
Once the quote is accepted, the engineer will proceed with replacing the faulty components, such as washers, cartridges, or O-rings, and reassemble the tap.
- 5
Test and Verify
After the repair, the water supply will be restored, and the tap will be thoroughly tested to ensure it now turns completely off and operates correctly, with no leaks.
- 6
Clean Up
Our engineer will leave the work area tidy, removing any debris or old parts, ensuring your home is left as it was found.
Where we cover
North West England — same-day where possible
FAQ
Frequent questions
What does the £50 diagnostic fee cover?
The £50 diagnostic fee covers the engineer's visit to your property, their time to professionally assess the problem with your tap, and the provision of a written quote for the required repair. This fee is fixed regardless of the time taken for diagnosis.
Can I try to fix a running tap myself?
While some basic tap issues can be addressed by a confident DIYer, internal tap mechanisms can be complex. Incorrect repairs can lead to further leaks or damage. We generally recommend professional help to ensure a lasting and correct repair.
How quickly can you attend to a tap that won't turn off?
As this is an emergency, we aim to dispatch an engineer as swiftly as possible. Please call us directly for our current availability and estimated response times in your area.
Do I need to turn off my main water supply?
Yes, absolutely. Before our engineer arrives, you should turn off your main internal stopcock. This prevents continuous water waste, potential flooding, and allows for a safer, quicker diagnosis and repair.
What if my tap still leaks after your repair?
Our repairs are carried out to a high standard, but if you experience any issues following our service, please contact us immediately. We'll arrange for an engineer to revisit and address the problem.
Will you need to replace my entire tap?
Not necessarily. Often, only a specific internal component like a washer or cartridge needs replacing. We will always aim for the most cost-effective and appropriate repair. Full tap replacement is only suggested if the tap is beyond economical repair or you request it.
Ready to get it sorted?
Tell KJ what's happening and get a plan in seconds.
Photos, video and voice notes welcome. Vetted local engineers · no call-out fee · written quote before any repair.