Leaking Taps.Done Right.

What we do

We isolate the supply, take the tap apart and replace the worn part. If the tap body is damaged or the style is old and parts are hard to find, we suggest a replacement.

Other tap faults

Taps that are stiff, loose, spray sideways or leak at the base are also common. These can often be repaired on the same visit.

Washer taps and mixers

Older tap types use washers that press onto a seat. Mixers use a cartridge that controls flow and temperature. We repair both and replace the tap if parts are not available or the tap is badly worn.

Leaks at the handle or base

Water leaking from the handle or the base of the spout usually means a worn O-ring or seal. This can often be fixed quickly.

Repair or replace

A dripping tap usually needs a washer, cartridge or O ring. If the tap is old, corroded or the parts are no longer made, replacing it can cost about the same as repairing it. Check whether the leak is from the spout, the handle or the base, as each points to a different part. Mixers and wall taps need different parts again.

Washer, cartridge or disc

Each tap type fails differently. A tap with a rubber washer needs a new washer and sometimes a new seat. A cartridge tap needs a new cartridge. A ceramic disc tap needs new discs or a new cartridge. A mixer needs its own cartridge.

If the tap is old and parts are hard to find, replacing it can be better value.

Hard water and tap wear

In areas with harder water, scale builds up inside taps and on aerators, and can wear washers and cartridges faster. If a tap feels gritty or the flow is uneven, the parts may need cleaning or replacing.

Kitchen, bathroom and laundry taps

Kitchen mixers get a lot of use and the cartridge can wear in a few years. Bathroom basin taps often leak from the base. Laundry taps are often old washer taps that drip from the spindle. Ask your plumber to check the isolation valves at the same time.

Outdoor taps and hoses

Outdoor taps can leak from the spindle or from the pipe behind. A hose left attached can keep the pipe under pressure and wear it faster. Fit a vacuum breaker if one is missing, and disconnect hoses when not in use.

Why a tap drips

A dripping spout usually means a worn washer, seat or cartridge. A leak at the base or handle can come from a worn O-ring or a loose gland nut. Hard water scale can also stop a washer sealing. Identify where the water appears, as it tells the plumber what part to bring.

What a small drip costs

A tap that drips once a second can waste a surprising amount of water over a month. Hot taps cost more, since you pay to heat the water as well. Fixing a drip is one of the cheapest ways to cut waste.

Shutting off water while you wait

Look under the sink for small taps on the pipes and turn them clockwise to shut off. If there are none, you may need to shut off the water to the house at the main tap. Learn where the main tap is, and check that it turns.

Why taps drip

Most drips come from a worn washer, a damaged seat, a tired cartridge or a worn O-ring. Scale can stop a washer sealing. Drips from the spout point to the valve parts. Leaks around the handle or base point to the spindle seal or a loose gland nut. Knowing where the water appears tells the plumber what part to bring.

Washer taps, cartridges and ceramic discs

Older taps use a rubber washer that presses on a seat. Newer mixers use a cartridge, and many modern taps use ceramic discs. Washers are cheap to replace. Cartridges and discs are sealed units, replaced whole. If the seat is pitted, a washer will not hold and the seat needs attention or the tap replaced.

Check the tap before you call

Turn the tap off gently, not hard, since over-tightening damages washers. Look at whether the drip is hot or cold. Check whether other taps drip too. If you can see which part is wet, take a photo. A plumber can then say whether it is a quick repair or a replacement.

Replacing old taps

If the tap is corroded, discoloured, hard to turn or parts are no longer made, replacement is often better than another repair. A new tap with a good cartridge can last many years. Choose a model with a WELS rating and a warranty, and keep the model number for spare parts.

Which tap type do you have

Compression taps use washers, ceramic disc taps use discs and mixers use cartridges. Each fails in its own way. A plumber identifies the type before repair.

Photos of the tap help.

Why a repaired tap may drip again

Worn seats, mineral build-up or a poor-quality washer can cause repeat drips. Replacing the seat or the whole tap may be better than repeated repairs.

Ask for a replacement option if the tap is old.

What a drip costs over time

A tap that drips steadily wastes water and may raise your bill. A steady drip can waste a noticeable amount over weeks, and a hot tap drip also wastes the energy used to heat the water. Fixing it is usually quick and inexpensive.

Check all taps in the house when you find one drip. If several are dripping, it may be a sign of high pressure, which a plumber can check.

Guides worth reading

• What Causes a Leaking Tap and How to Fix It

Related plumbing services

• Tap and Mixer Installation: New kitchen, bathroom and laundry taps and mixers fitted properly.
• Toilet Repairs and Installation: Running, leaking and faulty toilets repaired, plus new toilet installation.
• Shower Repairs: Leaking, dripping and low-flow showers repaired.
• Sink and Basin Plumbing: Leaking and slow-draining sinks, basins and traps repaired or replaced.
• Emergency plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Talk to GSA Plumbing Services

Call 0401 041 103 or send an enquiry on the contact page. We work across Geelong, Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.