The Ultimate Guide to Fixing Your Leaking Taps

There’s nothing more irritating than the constant drip… drip… drip of a leaking tap. It’s one of those small issues that feels easy to ignore, until you realise how much water (and money) it’s wasting. The good news? In many cases, fixing a leaking tap is totally doable on your own.

This guide covers how to fix a leaking tap, when to DIY, and when it’s best to call in a leaking tap plumber.

What Causes a Leaking Tap?

 
Most tap leaks boil down to one of a few common issues:

• Worn-out washers – These rubber rings can break down over time and lose their seal.
• Loose or damaged O-rings – These sit in the tap handle and can cause leaks around the base.
• Mineral build-up or corrosion – Hard water can leave mineral deposits that wear down parts or block proper sealing.
• Faulty cartridges or discs – Found in mixer taps, these parts can crack or stop sealing properly.

It might seem minor, but these issues can add up. In fact, we cover more on this in our post about the water leaks impacts on your home and the environment.

How to Fix a Leaking Tap: Step-by-Step

 
Ready to give it a go yourself? Here’s a simple leaking tap repair breakdown:

1. Turn off your water supply – usually located under the sink.
2. Drain the tap – turn it on to release any leftover water.
3. Unscrew the tap handle – you may need to remove a cap first.
4. Check inside – depending on your tap type, look for worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges.
5. Replace the faulty parts – most hardware stores have tap repair kits that fit standard models.
6. Clean any gunk – mineral build-up can cause leaks, so give parts a quick clean.
7. Reassemble and test – put it all back together, turn the water back on, and check for any drips.

Still leaking? It may be time to bring in a pro.

When to Call a Leaking Tap Plumber

 
Sometimes, despite your best DIY effort, that tap just won’t stop dripping. If you’ve tried replacing the basics and it’s still leaking (or you’re just not sure what to look for) it’s okay to call a licensed plumber. We get it done fast and right the first time.

Our team at Locality Plumbing is always here if you need help. We also offer advice on broader maintenance issues in our seasonal plumbing care tips article, especially for homes dealing with older systems or hard water.

Keep It from Coming Back

 
Once you’ve dealt with a leaky tap, a few quick habits can help avoid it happening again:

• Don’t over-tighten taps; it wears down the seals
• Clean around the tap regularly to avoid grime build-up
• Replace worn parts early to stay ahead of bigger problems

Call Locality Plumbing For Leaking Tap Repairs Today

 
If your tap’s still leaking or you’d rather skip the tools altogether, our friendly Melbourne plumbers can help. We’ll repair the leak, check your system, and help keep your home running smoothly. No more drip, drip, drip.