Water leaking from the base or handle of a tap is often caused by a worn seal, such as an O-ring, inside the tap body, or by a fitting that has worked loose. It can also come from the connections underneath the sink, where water may run up or along the tap before appearing at the base.
This type of leak is different from a drip from the spout, and it can be easy to miss until water collects on the worktop or in the cupboard below.
Leaks Around the Handle
If water appears around the handle when the tap is running, a seal around the spindle or cartridge may be worn. These seals stop water escaping past the moving parts. As they wear, water can seep out each time the tap is used.
A loose handle or a cartridge that is not seated properly can also allow water to escape. In some taps, the leak may only show when the handle is in a certain position.
Leaks at the Base or Spout
Mixer taps with a swivel spout often have O-rings where the spout joins the body. If these wear, water can leak out around the base of the spout, especially when it is moved.
A tap that is loose on the sink or basin can also let water get underneath it. The seal between the tap and the sink may be worn or missing, so water from the worktop or splashes can run through the tap hole into the cupboard below.
Leaks That Start Below the Sink
Sometimes the water is not coming from the tap itself. The flexible hoses or pipes that feed the tap, or the isolating valves on them, can leak at their connections. Water may then drip onto the cupboard floor or run along the pipes.
If the cupboard under the sink is wet, it is worth checking whether the water is coming from the tap connections, the waste pipe or somewhere else. Our sink repair page covers leaks from other parts of the sink and its plumbing.
What to Do Next
Dry the tap and the area around it, then run the tap and watch where water first appears. Placing a dry paper towel around the base or under the connections can help show where the leak starts.
If the leak is steady and there is an isolating valve under the sink that turns easily, closing it can stop the leak while you get help. Avoid taking the tap apart, as some parts are under mains pressure.
Our page on repairing a leaking tap explains how leaks from taps are traced and repaired.
If water keeps appearing around a tap in your Poole home, a plumber can trace the source and explain the options.