Dripping Tap Repairs

A dripping tap may seem like a minor plumbing issue at first, but over time, it can waste significant amounts of water, increase household water bills.

Fix It Right Plumbing provides professional tap repair and replacement services. Our experienced plumbers diagnose the underlying cause of leaking taps and provide long-term repair solutions designed to restore proper operation and prevent ongoing water wastage.

Richie Foster

Owner - Fix-It Right Plumbing
Since 2007
Richie of Fix-it Right Plumbing

Professional Dripping Tap Repairs

Leaking taps can occur in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, outdoor areas, and throughout the home.

At Fix It Right Plumbing, we repair and replace a wide range of tapware and plumbing fixtures, including:

  • Leaking mixer taps
  • Kitchen tap repairs
  • Bathroom tap repairs
  • Laundry tap repairs
  • Dripping spindle taps
  • Worn washer replacements
  • Cartridge and valve repairs
  • Tap reseating and servicing


Our experienced plumbers assess the overall condition of the tap and plumbing system before recommending the most suitable repair or replacement option.

Common Causes of Dripping Taps

Dripping taps are often caused by gradual wear and tear inside the tap assembly over time.

Some of the most common causes include:

  • Worn Washers & Internal Components

Washers, cartridges, and valves naturally wear down with regular use and can eventually allow water to pass through even when the tap is turned off.

  • Excessive Force When Turning Taps Off

Turning taps off too tightly can place excessive pressure on internal components and tap seats, causing them to wear out more quickly.

  • Poor Quality Tapware

Lower-quality taps and internal components may deteriorate faster and become more prone to leaks and mechanical failure.

  • Tap Seat Damage

In many cases, the underlying problem is a damaged valve seat inside the tap body.

Repairing a damaged valve seat often requires careful reseating to ensure the surface is properly restored.

While DIY reseating kits are available, incorrect installation or poor cleaning of the seat area before fitting the reseat kit can prevent the repair from sealing correctly.

  • High Water Pressure

Excessive water pressure can place additional strain on taps, washers, and plumbing fixtures, accelerating wear over time.

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Why Choose Us

Fix-It Right Plumbing - "The Right Choice"

We go above and beyond to deliver exceptional plumbing services to create an experience you simply cannot get anywhere else

No Risk Upfront Pricing

Upfront quotes with no hidden fees. Feel in control and know the cost before work begins.

Family Owned Business

A local, family-run team that treats you and your home with care and respect, every time.

Plumbing Professionals

Fully licensed and highly trained plumbers delivering reliable, long-lasting plumbing repairs tailored to you.

Complete Plumbing Check

We go over your whole system to ensure there are no nasty surprises down the track

Fast and Friendly Service

Our customer service team is committed to ensuring you feel heard and understood the whole way through

Flexible Arrival Times

We work around you and your schedule keeping you informed the whole way

Why DIY Tap Repairs Often Continue Leaking

Many homeowners attempt to repair dripping taps themselves by replacing washers or cartridges, only to find the leak returns shortly afterwards.

This often occurs because the visible component is not the only issue.

Common reasons DIY tap repairs fail include:

  • Damaged valve seats
  • Incorrectly installed reseating kits
  • Incomplete cleaning before repairs
  • Worn cartridges or valves not identified
  • Excessive water pressure issues
  • Older plumbing fixtures with multiple worn components


Professional inspection can help identify the full cause of the leak and reduce the likelihood of recurring problems.

Plumber Richie next to a sink

Water Wastage & Higher Water Bills

Even a slow dripping tap can waste a surprising amount of water over time.

Ongoing leaks not only increase water bills but can also contribute to unnecessary wear on plumbing fixtures and surrounding surfaces.

Addressing dripping taps early can help minimise water wastage while preventing further damage to the tap assembly.

When Taps Should Be Repaired vs Replaced


Not every leaking tap requires complete replacement.

In many cases, professional repairs can restore proper operation and extend the life of the tap.

However, replacement may be the better option when:

  • The tap feels tight or difficult to operate
  • The tap no longer looks presentable
  • There is green staining or corrosion around the spindle areas
  • Internal components are heavily worn
  • The tapware is outdated or damaged beyond economical repair


Our
plumbers can assess the condition of your tapware and recommend the most practical long-term solution for your home.

Preventative Maintenance Advice For Taps

Regular plumbing maintenance and correct tap usage can help reduce wear and extend the lifespan of your tapware.

Fix It Right Plumbing recommends:

  • Installing a pressure regulating valve at the water meter if pressure issues are present
  • Avoiding excessive force when turning taps off
  • Addressing leaks as soon as they appear
  • Having persistent dripping taps professionally inspected early


The longer a tap continues leaking, the greater the likelihood of additional wear and damage occurring to internal components and valve seats.

We Repair Kitchen, Bathroom & Laundry Taps

Fix It Right Plumbing provides tap repairs and replacement services for homes.

Our plumbers can assist with:

  • Kitchen sink taps
  • Bathroom basin taps
  • Shower taps
  • Laundry taps
  • Mixer taps
  • Traditional spindle taps
  • Indoor and outdoor leaking taps


We provide practical repair solutions tailored to the condition of your plumbing fixtures.

Why Choose Fix It Right Plumbing?

Fix It Right Plumbing focuses on identifying the underlying cause of plumbing issues rather than applying temporary fixes.

Our experienced plumbers provide honest advice, detailed inspections, and reliable workmanship designed to deliver long-term plumbing solutions.

Homeowners choose us because we provide:

  • Experienced and licensed plumbers
  • Reliable tap repair solutions
  • Honest and transparent recommendations
  • Long-term plumbing repairs
  • Fast response times
  • Repairs for all common tap types
  • Quality workmanship across all plumbing services


Whether you are dealing with a minor dripping tap or ongoing plumbing fixture issues, our team is ready to help restore proper operation throughout your home.

Contact Fix It Right Plumbing

If you need a reliable plumber for dripping tap repairs, contact Fix It Right Plumbing today.

Our team can assist with leaking taps, mixer tap repairs, washer replacements, tap servicing, and plumbing maintenance.

Call today to arrange an inspection or request a quote.

Booking A Fix It Right Plumber...

What To Expect

Your Journey With Us

From your first call to job completion, we make the process simple and stress-free.

When you get in touch, our friendly team will find a time that suits you and keep you in the loop, so you’re never left wondering when your plumber will arrive.

You will get a call when your plumber is on they’re way so you’re fully informed. Here is what happens when your plumber arrives at your home…

1

We Say G'day

We arrive on time, introduce ourselves properly, and make sure you feel comfortable from the moment we walk in.

2

We Listen

We listen carefully, ask the right questions, and fully understand the problem before touching anything. We explore your needs and wants to make sure we "Get You".

3

We Explain Your Options

You get three clear options, with transparent pricing for each clearly laid out, so you can choose what’s right for you, your family and your budget.

4

We Get To Work

We carry out the work professionally, safely, and to a high standard, with minimal interruptions to you and your home, keeping you informed along the way.

5

We Show You Your New Plumbing

We test everything, clean up thoroughly, explain what we’ve done, and make sure you’re completely happy and over the moon before we leave.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers. Find quick information about our services below.

Why is my tap still dripping after replacing the washer?

If your tap is still dripping after you’ve replaced the washer, the washer may not have been the only problem. Taps contain several components that can wear out over time, and in some cases the valve seat, cartridge or internal seals may also need attention.

Common reasons a tap continues to drip include:

  • The valve seat is worn, damaged or corroded.
  • The wrong size or type of washer was installed.
  • The tap washer wasn’t fitted correctly.
  • The tap cartridge is worn or faulty (common in mixer taps).
  • O-rings or internal seals have deteriorated.
  • Mineral build-up is preventing the tap from sealing properly.
  • The tap body is worn due to age and regular use.


While replacing a washer can solve many leaks, persistent dripping usually indicates another underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

The best way to fix a dripping tap depends on what’s causing the leak. While replacing a worn washer or cartridge may solve the problem, a dripping tap can also be caused by damaged seals, a worn valve seat or other internal components. Identifying the cause first is the key to a lasting repair.

Depending on the type of tap, fixing a dripping tap may involve:

  • Replacing a worn washer (common in traditional taps).
  • Replacing a faulty cartridge in a mixer tap.
  • Replacing worn O-rings or internal seals.
  • Repairing or reseating a damaged valve seat.
  • Cleaning away mineral build-up that prevents the tap from sealing properly.
  • Replacing the tap if it’s badly worn or beyond economical repair.


If you’re confident with basic plumbing, you may be able to replace a washer or cartridge yourself. However, using the wrong parts or over-tightening components can cause further damage or fail to fix the leak.

A dripping tap is usually caused by normal wear and tear on the internal components that control the flow of water. Over time, washers, cartridges, seals and other parts can wear out, preventing the tap from closing properly. Even a slow drip can waste thousands of litres of water each year if left unrepaired.

Common causes of a dripping tap include:

  • A worn or damaged washer.
    High water pressure
    Water equality issues
    Galvanised piping or other worn out piping
  • A faulty tap cartridge (common in mixer taps).
  • Worn O-rings or internal seals.
  • A damaged or corroded valve seat.
  • Mineral build-up affecting the tap’s internal components.
  • Loose or worn internal fittings.
  • General wear and tear from years of regular use.


The cause often depends on the type of tap you have. Traditional taps typically leak because of worn washers, while mixer taps are more likely to have a faulty cartridge.

Whether you should repair or replace a dripping tap depends on its age, condition and what’s causing the leak. In many cases, a simple repair is all that’s needed. However, if the tap is old, badly worn or has recurring problems, replacing it may be the more reliable and cost-effective long-term solution.

A tap can often be repaired if:

  • The leak is caused by a worn washer, cartridge or O-ring.
  • The tap is otherwise in good condition.
  • Replacement parts are readily available.
  • It’s the first time the tap has developed a problem.


Replacing the tap may be the better option if:

  • The tap is old or heavily corroded.
  • It continues to leak despite previous repairs.
  • The tap body or valve seat is badly worn.
  • Replacement parts are no longer available.
  • You want to upgrade to a more modern, water-efficient tap.


A licensed plumber can inspect the tap and advise whether a repair or replacement will provide the best long-term value.

Yes. High water pressure can cause taps to leak by putting extra strain on their internal components. Over time, excessive pressure can wear out washers, cartridges, O-rings and seals more quickly, allowing water to seep through even when the tap is fully turned off.

Signs that high water pressure may be contributing to a leaking tap include:

  • Multiple taps around your home are leaking.
  • The leak returns soon after a repair.
  • Taps bang or make loud noises when turned off (water hammer).
  • Water comes out of taps with unusually high force.
  • Other plumbing fixtures, such as toilets or flexible hoses, are also developing leaks.


If high water pressure is the underlying cause, simply replacing a washer or cartridge may only provide a temporary fix. The pressure itself may also need to be reduced to help prevent ongoing damage to your plumbing system.

Yes. Different types of taps use different internal mechanisms, so the repair will depend on the type of tap you have. While a traditional tap may only need a new washer, a mixer tap often requires a replacement cartridge or other specialised components.

Common tap types and their typical repairs include:

  • Traditional washer taps – Often repaired by replacing a worn washer or reseating the valve seat.
  • Mixer taps – Usually require a new ceramic disc cartridge if they’re dripping or difficult to operate.
  • Quarter-turn taps – May need a replacement ceramic disc cartridge or internal seals.
  • Lever taps – Often repaired by replacing the cartridge or worn O-rings.
  • Wall-mounted taps – Can require repairs to internal components inside the wall, depending on the source of the leak.


Because each tap is designed differently, using the wrong replacement parts or repair method may not fix the problem and could even cause further damage
.

Yes. Even a slow-dripping tap can waste a surprising amount of water over time. What may seem like a minor annoyance can add up to thousands of litres of wasted water each year, increasing your water bill and placing unnecessary strain on your plumbing system.

A dripping tap can lead to:

  • Higher water bills.
  • Thousands of litres of wasted water each year.
  • Increased wear on your tap’s internal components.
  • A leak that gradually becomes worse over time.
  • Unnecessary environmental impact through water wastage.


In many cases, a dripping tap is an early sign of a worn washer, faulty cartridge or damaged seal. Repairing it promptly can prevent further damage and often avoids a more expensive repair later.

The cost to fix a dripping tap depends on what’s causing the leak, the type of tap, and whether it can be repaired or needs replacing. A simple repair, such as replacing a washer or cartridge, is often less expensive than replacing the entire tap, but the only way to know for sure is to have it inspected by a licensed plumber.

Factors that can affect the cost include:

  • The type of tap (washer, mixer, quarter-turn or lever tap).
  • Whether the tap needs a new washer, cartridge, O-ring or valve seat repair.
  • The age and condition of the tap.
  • Whether replacement parts are available.
  • If the tap needs to be replaced instead of repaired.
  • Whether high water pressure or another plumbing issue has contributed to the leak.


Delaying repairs can lead to higher water bills and further wear on the tap, potentially turning a simple repair into a more expensive replacement.