Not only do leaky taps waste water, the sound of drip, drip, drip can certainly keep you awake at night. Fixing this yourself can save you anywhere from £25 to £40

Although this is not a difficult job, it does take a little bit of time. Follow these instructions for repairing a double-handled compression tap.

1. Turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve under the sink. For double handled taps, it's only necessary to turn off the water supply line to the one that's leaking.
Tip: If you're not sure if it's the hot or cold water that's leaking you can turn both off. Or first turn the water supply off to the cold water. If the dripping stops, then you'll know that's where the repair needs to be made. If not, turn off the hot and repair as follows:

2. Remove the handle by loosening the screw on top of the handle. Sometimes there will be a button covering the screw (it may have 'H' or 'C' on it). Flip it off with your fingernail, a screwdriver or a blunt knife. Just be careful not to scratch the handle's finish.
Tip: You can cover the screwdriver or knife with a piece of cloth to prevent scratching on the handle's finish.

3. Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the packing nut and remove the stem. Tip: Remember, righty tighty, lefty loosey.

4. At the bottom of the stem there's a rubber washer held in place by a screw. Remove the screw. Take the washer to the hardware shop with you to make sure you get the same kind to replace it.

5. Before you make the trip to the shop, put your finger down inside the tap to see if the 'seat' of the tap is rough. The seat of the tap is where the rubber washer 'sits' when the tap is in the off position. When the seat gets rough, it ruins the washer. If the seat is rough, it should be replaced, if removable, or 'dressed' if not removable.

Use a seat wrench to remove and replace the seat and take the old seat with you to the hardware store. This will save time and aggravation. Use a seat-dressing tool to smooth the surface if the seat is not removable.

6. After the seat is taken care of, put the new washer in place and tighten the screw.

7. Insert the stem in the tap and tighten the packing nut.

8. Replace the handle, tighten the screw and replace the button (if there is one).