The tap is dripping. How do I fix it?
ru-bi-NET-to — stress the third syllable; double 't' makes a crisp hold.
Use this when you have a dripping or leaking tap and want to fix it yourself rather than calling a plumber. Italian ferramenta owners often enjoy giving repair advice — this question will typically start a useful conversation.
Rubinetto (tap/faucet) problems are common in Italian apartments, especially in older buildings. The most common issue is a worn guarnizione (washer or O-ring). Replacing a guarnizione requires knowing whether you have a rubinetto tradizionale (traditional tap with separate hot and cold) or a miscelatore (mixer tap), and whether it has a ceramic cartridge (cartuccia ceramica).
Ho bisogno di una guarnizione per il rubinetto.
I need a washer for the tap.
Guarnizione is a washer, gasket, or O-ring — the most common cause of tap leaks.
Dove si trova il rubinetto di intercettazione?
Where is the shutoff valve?
Intercettazione (shutoff) valve must be closed before any tap repair.
Il sifone sotto il lavandino perde.
The U-bend under the sink is leaking.
Sifone (U-bend/trap) leaks are often just a matter of tightening or replacing the plastic nuts.
Italian building regulations require a rubinetto di intercettazione (shutoff valve) under every sink and at every toilet. However, in older Italian apartments these valves are sometimes missing, seized shut with age, or located in hard-to-find places (inside walls, inside a shared building shaft). Knowing where your shutoff valves are is important domestic knowledge in Italy.