Why does my tap keep dripping after I replaced the washer?

If a tap still drips after washer replacement, the tap seat is likely scored or damaged. Water flows past the new washer because it can't seal properly against the damaged seat. A plumber can regrind the seat (an additional $50-$100) to restore the sealing surface.

How much water does a dripping tap waste in Melbourne?

At 10 drips per minute, a dripping tap wastes approximately 3,000 litres per year. At Melbourne Water's residential rates, this costs around $10-$15 per year in water charges - but the cost of damage from a tap left to worsen (supply line stress, vanity damage) is much higher.

Leaking Tap Melbourne — What It Costs, What You Can Fix, When to Call

A dripping tap is one of the most common plumbing issues Melbourne homeowners report — and one of the most underestimated. At 10 drips per minute, a leaking tap wastes approximately 3,000 litres per year. At Melbourne Water’s rates, that’s real money before a plumber walks in the door.

Why Taps Leak in Melbourne

Older compression taps (turn-style)

These use rubber washers that degrade over time. When the washer no longer seals against the seat, the tap drips. The fix is replacing the washer — or regrinding the seat if it’s scored.

Ceramic disc taps (most modern taps)

Ceramic disc cartridges last longer but can crack or accumulate mineral deposits. When they fail, the cartridge is replaced.

Ball taps (common in kitchen mixers)

Springs, O-rings, and seats wear over time. These typically require a full cartridge or ball assembly replacement.

Can You Fix a Leaking Tap Yourself in Victoria?

In Victoria, replacing tap washers and cartridges in existing tap bodies is legal for homeowners. It’s specifically excluded from the licensed plumbing work requirements, provided you’re replacing like-for-like in an existing fitting.

What you cannot do without a licence: replace or relocate the entire tap body, work on supply pipes, install a new tap where one didn’t previously exist, or work on hot water system fittings.

Leaking Tap Repair Costs in Melbourne

Washer replacement (single tap): $100–$180
Ceramic cartridge replacement: $150–$250
Full tap replacement: $250–$500 (labour + supply)
Seat regrind: Add $50–$100 to any washer job

When to Call a Plumber

You’ve replaced the washer and it’s still dripping (seat is likely scored)
The leak is from the base of the tap, not the spout (O-ring or body seal issue)
The drip has become a flow
It’s a rental property — tenants should notify the property manager, not attempt repairs

Sedcon Plumbing fixes leaking taps across Melbourne — same-day where possible. Call 0468 013 012 | VBA Lic. 120392 | Book online →

Learn more about our Leaking Tap Repairs Melbourne service, or see all suburbs we cover across greater Melbourne.