A dripping tap wastes tens of litres a week and the sound keeps everyone awake. Most cases can be fixed at home.
Shut the water off first
Look for the isolating valve under the basin. If there is none, close the main valve, usually next to the meter. Open the tap to release the pressure before you take anything apart.
Two-handle taps
The drip almost always comes from the rubber washer at the base of the handle. They are sold in pairs, cost pennies, and change with a screwdriver.
Single-lever taps
Here the culprit is the ceramic cartridge. Take the old one to the shop to buy the same, because diameters vary between brands.
When it leaks from the base
If water appears underneath rather than from the spout, the problem is in the connection seals or in the tap itself. At that point replacing beats persevering.
Call a professional when
There is water inside the cabinet, the thread is seized with limescale, or the pipe flexes when you tighten. A broken pipe does far more damage than the drip.
In the OSCAR app you book a verified professional with a fixed price before you confirm.