A dripping tap is easy to ignore, but it rarely fixes itself. Left alone, a slow drip usually gets faster, wastes water around the clock and can stain basins and benchtops. Here are the five causes our plumbers find most often in Brisbane homes, and what we do about each one.

1. A worn tap washer

Older-style taps (the ones you turn several times to open) seal with a rubber washer. Every time the tap is closed, the washer is squashed against the seat. Over the years it hardens, cracks or wears thin and water slips past. Replacing the washer is usually a quick fix.

2. A damaged tap seat

If a new washer doesn’t stop the drip, the brass seat it presses against may be pitted or worn. We can re-face the seat or fit a replacement stainless steel seat and valve so the tap closes properly again.

3. A failed mixer cartridge

Single-lever mixer taps use a ceramic cartridge instead of a washer. Grit, hard water deposits and general wear can stop the cartridge sealing. You might notice a drip from the spout, a lever that feels stiff, or water that won’t run fully hot or cold. In most cases we replace the cartridge, or the whole mixer if it’s old or parts aren’t available.

4. Worn O-rings

If water leaks from around the handle or the base of the spout rather than the outlet, a worn O-ring is a likely cause. It’s a small part, but it needs the tap dismantled correctly to replace.

5. High water pressure

Very high mains pressure puts extra strain on tap washers, cartridges and flexible hoses, so they wear out faster. If several taps in your home are dripping or banging, we can test the pressure and, where needed, fit a pressure limiting valve to protect your fixtures.

Can I fix a dripping tap myself?

Changing a washer can be manageable if you’re confident and you turn the water off first. Anything involving cartridges, seats, pipework or the water supply is best left to a licensed plumber. A tap that’s been forced or put back together incorrectly can leak inside the wall or under the sink, where you won’t see it until there’s damage.

When to call a plumber

  • The drip continues after you’ve replaced the washer
  • Water is leaking from the handle, base or under the sink
  • The tap is stiff, noisy or won’t turn off fully
  • Several taps are dripping at once
  • Your water bill has jumped without explanation

Our licensed plumbers carry common washers, cartridges and mixers in our vans, so most tap repairs are finished in one visit. You’ll get a clear, fixed quote before any work starts.

Got a tap that won’t stop dripping? Call The Plumbing Gang on 1300 671 525 or see our general plumbing services.