Experts in Fixing
Leaking Taps in Sydney

Common Causes of Leaking Taps

A leaking tap almost always comes down to one of a small number of causes, most related to a component wearing out after years of daily use. Traditional taps typically fail because of a worn rubber washer, while modern mixer taps usually fail because of a worn ceramic cartridge. Mineral deposits from Sydney’s water supply, a loose or misaligned spindle, and general wear on O-rings inside the tap body are the other common culprits.

Wear and Tear Over Time

Every time a tap is turned on and off, the internal sealing component takes a small amount of wear. Multiply that across years of daily use in a busy household, and it becomes clear why almost every tap eventually starts to drip, regardless of how well it was installed originally. Taps used more frequently, such as a kitchen mixer or a family bathroom tap, tend to wear out faster than an occasionally used outdoor or laundry tap.

Washer vs Cartridge Issues

Older style taps use a compression mechanism with a rubber or fibre washer that seals against a valve seat when the tap is closed. Modern mixer taps instead use a ceramic disc cartridge, which controls water flow and temperature through two textured discs sliding against each other. Knowing which type you have helps explain both the likely cause of a leak and roughly what the repair will involve.

How to Tell Which Type You Have

If your tap has a separate hot and cold handle that you turn multiple times to fully open or close, it is almost certainly a traditional washer tap. If a single lever controls both temperature and flow with a quarter turn or smooth motion, it is a cartridge-style mixer tap. This distinction matters because the parts, and often the specific fault, are different between the two.

When a Drip Becomes a Repair Job

A slow, occasional drip might seem like something to put up with, but left unaddressed, it tends to get worse rather than better, since the worn component continues to wear with every use. What starts as an occasional drip after the tap is turned off often progresses to a constant trickle, then eventually to a tap that will not fully shut off at all.

Cost of Waiting

Beyond the wasted water reflected on your bill, a constantly running tap can stain a sink or shower base, encourage mould in a damp bathroom, and in rare cases put ongoing pressure on the tap’s internal fittings until something fails more seriously. Repairing a leaking tap early is almost always the cheaper and simpler option compared to waiting until it fails completely. For simple ways to reduce water waste around the home in the meantime, Sydney Water’s guide to saving water at home has some useful tips.

DIY Checks Before Calling

Before booking a plumber, there are a few simple things worth checking yourself. Make sure the tap is fully closed, and the handle has not become loose on its spindle. Check whether the drip is coming from the spout itself or leaking around the base of the handle, since this points to different faults. If you are comfortable doing so, turning off the water supply and removing the tap handle to inspect the washer or cartridge can help confirm what needs replacing.

What Not to Try Yourself

Avoid over-tightening a dripping tap, since this puts unnecessary strain on the internal spindle and can make the eventual repair more difficult. Do not attempt to disassemble a mixer tap cartridge without turning off the water supply first, and if you are not confident identifying the parts inside, it is safer to book a licensed plumber than risk damaging the tap body itself.

When to Book a Plumber

If a DIY check does not resolve the drip, or you are not confident opening up the tap yourself, it is time to book a licensed plumber. This is also the right time to book if the leak is affecting your water bill, if you have tried a washer replacement without success, or if you notice water pooling anywhere near the tap’s connection point rather than just the spout. If you are also dealing with blocked drains or a hot water issue on the same property, our team can look at everything in one visit.

What to Expect From a Professional Repair

A professional repair starts with identifying the tap type and the specific fault, followed by a fixed price before any work begins. Most repairs, including washer and cartridge replacements, are completed within the same visit. For the full detail on how we approach tap repairs, you can request a fixed price quote directly if you are ready to book.

FAQs

Why does my tap keep dripping even after I tighten it?

Over-tightening does not fix a worn washer or cartridge, and can actually make the underlying problem worse by straining the spindle.

Is a leaking tap considered a plumbing emergency?

Not usually, though if it has progressed into a broader leak affecting your walls or ceiling, our leak repair Sydney team can help.

Can hard water cause a tap to leak?

Yes, mineral build-up from hard water can affect both washers and cartridges over time, causing a tap to wear out faster than it otherwise would.

How much water does a leaking tap actually waste?

According to Sydney Water, even small household leaks like a dripping tap can waste a meaningful amount of water over a year if left unrepaired.

Should I fix the leak myself or call a plumber?

Simple washer replacements on traditional taps can sometimes be a manageable DIY job, but modern mixer taps and any leak involving water pooling near a wall or floor are best left to a licensed plumber. Under NSW plumbing rules, most plumbing repairs legally need to be carried out by a licensed tradesperson.

Book Your Leaking Tap Repair

If your tap is still dripping after trying the basics, it is time to get it looked at properly. Contact FXD Plumbing to book a fixed-price leaking tap repair, backed by our lifetime labour guarantee.