Leaking Taps

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Licensed leaking tap plumbers across Adelaide, Perth & Brisbane

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A dripping tap wastes thousands of litres a year and only gets worse over time. Our licensed plumbers fix leaking taps of every type quickly, usually by replacing a worn washer, O-ring or cartridge.

We carry common parts to finish in one visit across Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, with upfront fixed pricing.

Why choose Same Day Trades for leaking taps?

We are local, licensed and insured plumbers who do this work every day, so we get it right the first time, with no mess and no surprises on the invoice.

  • Fully licensed and insured plumbers
  • Upfront fixed pricing before we start
  • Same-day service where we can, with 24/7 phones
  • Workmanship guaranteed and the job left clean
  • Servicing Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide

Whatever the job, you get honest advice and a tidy, professional result.

Leaking Taps

Why a leaking tap matters

A dripping tap is easy to ignore, but it is wasting more than you think and often signals a problem that only gets worse. A single tap dripping steadily can waste thousands of litres of water a year, adding to your water bill for no benefit at all. Beyond the waste, a leak can stain the sink or basin, encourage mould and mildew, and the underlying cause, usually a worn part, will not fix itself and can lead to further damage. The good news is that most leaking taps are a quick, affordable fix for a plumber, so there is no reason to put up with the drip or the waste.

Common causes of a leaking tap

Taps leak for a handful of common reasons, almost all down to worn internal parts:

  • A worn washer or O-ring, the classic cause of a dripping spout
  • A worn or damaged ceramic disc or cartridge in modern mixer taps
  • A corroded or worn valve seat where the washer seals
  • High water pressure stressing the tap and its components
  • Mineral and scale build-up from hard water
  • A loose or worn part causing leaks at the base or handle

Identifying exactly which part has failed is the key to a proper repair, and a plumber will do this quickly.

Dripping spout vs leaking base vs handle

Where a tap leaks tells us what is wrong. A drip from the spout when the tap is off is usually a worn washer (in traditional taps) or a worn ceramic disc or cartridge (in mixer taps). A leak from the base of the spout often points to a worn O-ring. A leak around the handle can be a worn O-ring or gland, or a loose part. A leak under the sink is a connection or supply line issue rather than the tap body. Pinpointing where the water is coming from lets us replace exactly the right part, which is why a plumber fixes a leaking tap quickly and correctly.

How much water does a leaking tap waste?

It is easy to underestimate a slow drip, but the numbers add up fast. A tap dripping once per second can waste thousands of litres over a year, and a faster leak or a running toilet wastes far more, all of it adding to your water bill for nothing. Over months, that is water, and money, literally going down the drain. Hot water leaks are worse again, because you are also paying to heat the water you are wasting. Fixing a leaking tap is usually a small, affordable job that pays for itself through lower water bills, as well as removing the annoyance of the constant drip.

Repairing vs replacing a tap

Whether to repair or replace depends on the tap. If the tap body is sound and only an internal part has worn, a repair, replacing the washer, O-ring, cartridge or ceramic disc, is usually the best value and restores it to good working order. If the tap is old, corroded, constantly needing repairs, or you simply want to update the look or switch to a modern mixer, replacement makes more sense. We will give you an honest assessment: if a simple repair will fix it well, we will do that rather than push a new tap; if replacement is the better long-term value, we will explain why and quote it.

Washer and cartridge replacement

The most common tap repair is replacing a worn washer in a traditional tap, or a worn ceramic disc or cartridge in a modern mixer tap. In a traditional tap, the rubber washer that seals the water flow wears over time, causing the tell-tale drip, and swapping it, along with the O-ring and sometimes re-seating the valve, fixes it. Mixer taps use a ceramic disc cartridge instead of a washer, and when it wears the tap drips or becomes stiff; replacing the cartridge restores smooth, leak-free operation. We carry common washers, O-rings and cartridges, so most tap repairs can be done on the spot in a single visit.

Repairing all types of taps

We repair and replace every type of tap around the home: kitchen taps and mixers, bathroom basin taps, bath and shower taps, laundry taps, and outdoor garden taps and hose bibs. We also fix leaking shower heads and the mixers behind them. Whether it is a traditional dual-tap setup, a single-lever mixer, a wall-mounted tap or an outdoor tap that drips or will not shut off, we have the parts and know-how to repair it, or replace it if that is the better option. No leaking tap is too small, and getting them all sorted stops the waste and the annoyance in one visit.

Leaking mixer taps

Modern mixer taps, the single-lever type that controls hot, cold and flow in one, are now the most common tap in kitchens and bathrooms, and they leak differently from traditional taps. Instead of a rubber washer, they use a ceramic disc cartridge, and when that cartridge wears or gets grit in it, the tap drips, becomes stiff or hard to turn, or leaks around the base. The fix is usually to replace the cartridge, which restores smooth, leak-free operation. Mixer taps come in many designs and cartridge types, so we identify the right replacement part for your specific tap and fit it, bringing it back to good as new.

Outdoor and garden tap leaks

Outdoor taps, garden taps and hose bibs are exposed to the weather and get heavy use, so they commonly develop leaks, dripping from the spout, leaking around the handle, or weeping where they connect to the wall or pipe. A leaking outdoor tap wastes water just like an indoor one, and a leak at the wall connection can let water into the building over time. These are usually a straightforward repair, replacing the washer or spindle, or resealing the connection, and sometimes a replacement if the tap is corroded. We fix leaking garden and outdoor taps so you are not wasting water or risking damage to the wall behind them.

High water pressure and tap leaks

Excessively high water pressure is a hidden cause of leaking taps and other plumbing problems. Too much pressure stresses washers, cartridges, O-rings and joints, wearing them out faster and causing taps to drip, pipes to bang (water hammer), and in the worst cases, joints to fail. If your taps keep leaking soon after repair, or you have water hammer and other fixtures leaking too, high pressure may be the underlying cause. We can test your water pressure and, if it is too high, fit a pressure-limiting valve to bring it to a safe level, which protects your taps and your whole plumbing system and makes repairs last.

How much does leaking tap repair cost?

Repairing a leaking tap is usually one of the more affordable plumbing jobs, especially when it is a straightforward washer, O-ring or cartridge replacement that we can do on the spot. The cost depends on the type of tap, the part needed, and whether it is a simple repair or a full tap replacement. Fixing several leaking taps in one visit is more economical than separate call-outs. We give you an upfront fixed price before we start, so you know the cost, and because the saving on your water bill from stopping the leaks often offsets the repair, it is money well spent.

Preventing tap leaks

A few simple habits help your taps last longer between repairs. Avoid over-tightening taps when you turn them off, which wears the washer and seat faster, just turn them until the water stops. Deal with a drip early, before the worn part damages the valve seat and turns a cheap washer swap into a bigger job. If you have hard water, periodic descaling helps. And if your water pressure is high, fitting a pressure-limiting valve protects all your taps and fixtures. These small steps reduce how often your taps leak and extend the life of their internal parts, saving you water and repair costs over time.

Same-day plumbing service

A leaking tap might seem minor, but the waste adds up every day it drips, so there is no need to wait. We offer fast service and same-day appointments where we can across Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, and we carry common washers, O-rings and cartridges so most tap repairs are done in a single visit. Our phones are answered around the clock. Whether it is one annoying drip or several leaking taps around the house, we will fix them quickly and affordably, with an upfront price, so you stop wasting water and money on a problem that is quick to solve.

Licensed, guaranteed plumbers

Even a simple tap repair is best done by a licensed plumber who will fix the real cause, replace the right part, and make sure there are no further leaks, rather than a temporary bodge that drips again soon after. Our team is fully licensed and insured, we repair and replace all types of taps, carry common parts for on-the-spot fixes, and back our work. You get upfront fixed pricing, tidy work, and an end to the drip and the wasted water. For a plumber near you to fix a leaking tap, we cover Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Leaking tap FAQs

Why is my tap dripping?

Usually a worn washer, O-ring or cartridge, sometimes a damaged valve seat or high water pressure. It is normally a quick, affordable fix.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking tap?

A washer or cartridge replacement is an affordable job. Replacing the whole tap costs more but may be better value for old or corroded taps. We quote upfront.

Should I repair or replace my tap?

Repair is cheapest if the tap is in good condition. If it is old, corroded or a worn mixer, replacing it is often better value. We advise on both.

How much water does a dripping tap waste?

A tap dripping once a second can waste thousands of litres a year, which adds up on your water bill, so it is worth fixing early.

Can I fix a leaking tap myself?

Some confident DIYers can change a washer, but mixer cartridges and valve-seat damage are fiddly. A plumber gets it right quickly and checks for other issues.

Do you fix mixer taps?

Yes. Mixer taps usually leak from a worn ceramic cartridge, which we replace. We carry common cartridges to finish in one visit.

Can you fix outdoor and garden taps?

Yes. We repair and replace outdoor taps, garden taps and hose fittings as well as all indoor taps.

How quickly can you come out?

We can usually attend the same day across Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Call 1300 632 094 to book.

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What our customers say?

Had Jordan Smith out he was very helpful
Dominic was quick, efficient & pleasant to deal with. No problems at all.
Really happy with the work Diego did replacing our induction cooktop, I would highly recommend his services.
We received excellent service and advice
Diego did a fantastic job, very quick and everything works - thanks!
Jordan Smith came out to quote on several jobs for me: replacing the pipes in my shower, fixing a leaking toilet, and installing an air conditioner. He was patient, thorough and took real time to explain everything, and I never felt rushed. The quote was clear and fair, and I felt genuinely looked after. You can tell he takes pride in his work and cares about his customers. I can't recommend Jordan and the team highly enough! Coda rewired my electrics and Kosta installed my air conditioning units, and both were fantastic. They were professional and efficient, explained what they were doing as they went, and gave me some great tips and insight along the way. Highly recommend them both!
Champion! Very professional and friendly.
Excellent service today from Jack. He was punctual, communicated well and very professional. Friendly and great personality Made the process stress free. Explained what the issue was and took time to detail what is required. Payment options were very accommodating. Highly recommend this business and Jack
Excellent service and knowledge
Great guys did an awesome job, very professional and double checked all work to make sure everything was in good working order. Highly recommended 👌😊

Why choose us?

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Trusted Tradesmen

With hundreds of 5 star reviews, we’re the local tradesmen you can trust.

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Transparent Pricing

We make sure you know exactly what you are paying for ahead of time.

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Licensed And Insured

You’re in safe hands as our tradesmen are fully licensed and insured to do your job.

Why Choose Same Day Trades
Workmanship Guarantee

Workmanship Guarantee

Our work will be free of defects in workmanship and workmanship will be warranted for life.

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Convenient Bookings

We offer convenient booking times that can be worked around your schedule.

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Available All Hours

We take calls 24 hours a day and 365 days a year so that we’re always available to be of service.

plumbing-inspection icon

Trusted Tradesmen

With hundreds of 5 star reviews, we’re the local tradesmen you can trust.

Pricing icon

Transparent Pricing

We make sure you know exactly what you are paying for ahead of time.

meeting icon

Licensed And Insured

You’re in safe hands as our tradesmen are fully licensed and insured to do your job.

Workmanship Guarantee

Workmanship Guarantee

Our work will be free of defects in workmanship and workmanship will be warranted for life.

Convenient Bookings icon

Convenient Bookings

We offer convenient booking times that can be worked around your schedule.

Available icon

Available All Hours

We take calls 24 hours a day and 365 days a year so that we’re always available to be of service.

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