How to Fix a Leaking Tap: A Simple Guide from Your Local Sydney Plumbers
If you’ve been listening to that steady drip from the tap, you’re not alone. A leaking tap is one of the most common plumbing issues in Aussie homes. It might seem harmless, but that slow drip can waste up to 20,000 litres of water a year and push up your water bill.
At South East Plumbing Engadine, we repair leaks for Sydney residents daily. If you’d prefer to have a bash yourself or prefer someone else to do it, here’s a quick how-to guide on fixing a leaky tap and when to call in the professionals.
Why You Should Fix a Leaking Tap Immediately
It’s easy to ignore a small drip, but leaving it can cause bigger problems. A leaking tap can:
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- Waste water and increase your bills
- Lead to mould and water damage around sinks
- Wear out tap fittings faster
- Indicate other plumbing issues in the system
If you’ve tried tightening the tap and it still leaks, it’s time to check what’s causing the problem.
Need help now? Call our on-site team at South East Plumbing Engadine on 0414 651 351 for prompt leaking-tap repairs across Sutherland Shire.
Common Reasons for a Tap to Leak
Before you reach for the spanner, it is nice to know the reasons why the tap leaks. The most common reasons are:
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- A faulty jumper valve or washer
- A loose or damaged O-ring
- A rusty valve seat inside the tap body
- Incorrectly fitted or poor-quality parts
- Hard water deposits that damage seals
For more information on our professional repair options, visit our Leaking Taps and Toilets page.
How to Tell What Kind of Tap You Have
Different taps need different parts, so check first.
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- If your tap turns several times before the water shuts off, it’s probably a rubber washer tap.
- If it turns only a quarter or half-turn, it’s a ceramic disc tap.
Ceramic taps are a bit trickier to repair, so if you have one of these, it is often easier to get a plumber in.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Leaking Tap
You can repair a leaking tap yourself by changing the O-ring and washer. This is how to do it safely.
You will need:
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- A tap repair kit or new O-ring and washer
- An adjustable spanner
- A screwdriver
- Tweezers or pliers
A rag and some plumber’s grease
Step 1 – Turn off your water supply
Find the main valve for the water (usually near your water meter or in the laundry) and turn it off. Then, turn on the dripping tap to drain out any excess water.
Step 2 – Plug the sink
Insert the plug or block the drain so that you do not lose any small parts.
Step 3 – Remove the handle and cover
Unscrew the top button or cap (you might have hot or cold), then take off the cover plate and handle.
Step 4 – Take off the tap body
Loosen the tap body with your spanner and take off the jumper valve and washer. Set them aside so you can reassemble them later.
Step 5 – Install the washer and O-ring
Inspect the washer and O-ring for the wear. Take off the old O-ring from the spindle and roll on a new O-ring. Install a new washer on the jumper valve.
Step 6 – Reassemble everything
Reassemble the tap, tighten with care and put back the handle and cover.
Step 7 – Turn the water back on and test
Slowly turn the mains back on and test the tap. Should it still drip, you suspect that the valve seat is corroded. That is work best left to a qualified plumber.
When You Need to Call a Plumber
There are some drips that can be fixed with a washer, but others need proper skill and equipment. Ring a professional plumber if:
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- The tap still leaks after you have replaced the washer
- Water is dripping from the handle or base
- The fittings are rusted, old or stuck
- You have mixer taps or concealed plumbing connections
Our 24-hour Sutherland Shire emergency plumbers can fix any leaking-tap issue, large or small. Contact us at 0414 651 351 anytime for speedy service.
Stopping Leaks in the Taps in the Future
Little changes can go a long way:
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- Don’t over-tighten the tap when turning it off
- Replace washers before they wear out completely
- Have your plumbing checked every one to two years
- Replace old taps with ceramic-disc taps
- Fix small drips before they turn into big issues
You can also learn about our Leak Detection and Prevention services if you suspect other leaks in your home.
The Cost and Environmental Benefits
Fixing one dripping faucet can save you hundreds of dollars a year and conserve thousands of litres of water. It’s a simple way to do your part for the environment and keep your home operating smoothly.
South East Plumbing cares about the planet and uses high quality, durable parts to ensure your plumbing is always in top shape.
Why Locals Choose South East Plumbing Engadine
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- Over 20 years of Sydney plumbing experience
- Fully qualified and insured plumbers
- 24/7 emergency service in St George and Sutherland Shire
- Straight-up, honest prices with no nasty surprises
- Family business that boasts the highest level of customer service
We’re locals, we know the area, and we take pride in doing the job right the first time.
Don’t Waste Your Day on a Leaking Tap
And if your DIY fix doesn’t cut off the drip, it’s time to bring in the professional.
Our friendly and professional team can visit to view the problem, repair the leak and have your plumbing running smoothly.
Call South East Plumbing Engadine on 0414 651 351 or book a plumber online.
We operate 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often than not, you can simply repair it by replacing the O-ring or washer. If it will not quit dripping, get a plumber in to take a proper look.
The majority of Australian residential taps use a 12 mm washer, but it is recommended that you take the old one with you to the hardware store and have it matched.
If the tap is rusty, old or still leaking even after repair, it might be more affordable to replace it.
Yes. Our plumbers repair or replace ceramic cartridges and seal the tap properly without altering the fittings.
If it’s just a simple washer or O-ring replacement, you can usually do it yourself.
However, Sydney Water regulations require a licensed plumber to carry out any plumbing work that involves your main water supply or internal piping.
If you’re unsure, it’s always safer (and legally compliant) to call a licensed plumber like South East Plumbing Engadine.
Sydney’s water supply can have high mineral content, which causes scale build-up that wears down washers and O-rings faster.
Many older homes in the area also have ageing plumbing systems that naturally corrode over time.
Regular maintenance from a local plumber helps prevent these common leaks before they start.
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Often than not, you can simply repair it by replacing the O-ring or washer. If it will not quit dripping, get a plumber in to take a proper look.
The majority of Australian residential taps use a 12 mm washer, but it is recommended that you take the old one with you to the hardware store and have it matched.
If the tap is rusty, old or still leaking even after repair, it might be more affordable to replace it.
Yes. Our plumbers repair or replace ceramic cartridges and seal the tap properly without altering the fittings.
If it’s just a simple washer or O-ring replacement, you can usually do it yourself.
However, Sydney Water regulations require a licensed plumber to carry out any plumbing work that involves your main water supply or internal piping.
If you’re unsure, it’s always safer (and legally compliant) to call a licensed plumber like South East Plumbing Engadine.
Sydney’s water supply can have high mineral content, which causes scale build-up that wears down washers and O-rings faster.
Many older homes in the area also have ageing plumbing systems that naturally corrode over time.
Regular maintenance from a local plumber helps prevent these common leaks before they start.
