WATCH NOW: How to fix a dripping tap

Dripping taps are a form of madness-making music and can waste heaps of water and energy if it is the hot water tap.

Tap into your inner plumber and fix it in a flash.

This GIY video shows how to fix a vandal-proof tap. There are many differend types of tap but most are the same underneath. The process of changing the valve/washer is all the same once the 'headgear' (tap) is off.

It doesn't show you how to fix a mixer (ceramic disc) tap.

TRICKINESS RATING: Moderately easy

Top tricks and tips.

Turn off the water before unscrewing the tap.

Before removing tap, turn the tap ON to release pressure in tap.

Put the plug in the sink to avoid dropping loose parts down. Take plug out before turning the water back on.

Check both hot and cold taps - good idea to replace both washers while you are at it.

The mechanism may be quite tricky to unscrew. It may need a fair force to undo it.

This job should take 30 mins - 1 hour.

Most indoor taps use 12mm valves/washers.

Avoid over-tightening the tap. This keeps your new valve in top shape for longer.

If you are concerned you will need to call a plumber, do this job early on a weekday morning - easier to get a plumber if you need to (not that you will need to).

If your tap and spindle are all corroded and very hard to move try: A longer handled spanner/wrench to get some mechanical advantage, using heat (a hairdryer), some CLR around the spindle to remove the corrosion.

If you are having trouble getting the tap undone ask someone to help. It may be easier to hold the tap underneath the sink while unscrewing the spindle. If it is really too hard, call a plumber wots got the tools.