A dripping tap is the easiest plumbing fault to ignore and one of the more expensive ones to leave. A single tap dripping once a second wastes thousands of litres a year, and in a rental it is the sort of thing that turns into a maintenance complaint long before anyone calls it an emergency. Sedcon Plumbing repairs leaking taps across Melbourne metro, usually in a single visit.
Why taps leak
Almost every leaking tap comes down to one of a handful of worn parts. Which one it is decides whether you need a five-minute repair or a new tap.
- Worn washer — the usual cause on older compression taps. Cheap part, quick fix.
- Perished O-ring — causes a leak from the base or spindle rather than the spout.
- Failed ceramic disc cartridge — the common failure on quarter-turn and mixer taps.
- Corroded valve seat — where the washer sits. If it is pitted, a new washer will fail again within weeks unless the seat is re-ground.
- Loose or worn packing nut — causes weeping around the handle when the tap is on.
- Water pressure too high — accelerates wear on every tap in the property. If you are replacing washers repeatedly, the pressure is worth checking.
What a leaking tap actually costs you
A tap dripping once per second wastes roughly 20 litres a day — around 7,000 litres a year from one tap. On a hot tap you are also paying to heat the water going down the drain. Across a portfolio of managed properties, unreported drips are a meaningful line on the water bill and a common source of tenant complaints about noise.
The repair is nearly always cheaper than a quarter of the water it wastes in a year.
Taps we repair
- Kitchen sink and mixer taps
- Bathroom basin taps and wall mixers
- Shower taps and mixers
- Laundry trough and washing machine taps
- Outdoor garden taps and hose cocks
- Isolation and stop valves
Repair or replace?
We repair where the tap body is sound, because it is faster and cheaper. Replacement makes more sense when the tap is badly corroded, when parts are no longer available for an older fitting, or when the same tap has been repaired repeatedly. We will tell you which applies before we start, and we will not replace a tap that only needs a washer.
Leaking taps in rentals and strata buildings
Dripping taps are one of the highest-volume, lowest-drama maintenance items a property manager deals with — which is exactly why they get left. We attend same day wherever possible, coordinate access directly with the tenant, and notify you when it is done so it can be closed off without a follow-up call.
If we attend a property and find several taps in the same condition, we will tell you rather than fixing one and coming back next month for the next.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a leaking tap in Melbourne?
Most leaking tap repairs fall in the range of $150 to $350, covering the call-out and a standard washer or cartridge replacement. Complications like a corroded valve seat or a tap that needs replacing cost more. We quote before starting — see our Melbourne plumber cost guide for indicative ranges.
Can I fix a leaking tap myself?
Replacing a washer on a simple compression tap is within reach of a competent DIYer. Mixer taps, wall-mounted taps, flexi hose connections and anything involving pipework are licensed plumbing work in Victoria. The common outcome of a DIY attempt on the wrong type of tap is a damaged valve seat, which turns a cheap repair into a tap replacement.
Why does my tap still drip after a new washer?
Usually because the valve seat is corroded or pitted, so the new washer cannot seal against it. The seat needs re-grinding, or the tap needs replacing. This is the most common reason a repair does not hold.
How urgent is a leaking tap?
A slow drip is not an emergency, but it should be fixed promptly to avoid wasted water and damage to the fitting. A flexi hose leak or a burst fitting is urgent — turn off the water at the stop tap under the sink and call us immediately.
How quickly can you attend?
Same day wherever possible for standard tap repairs across Melbourne metro. Call or text 0413 647 557.
Leaking tap in Melbourne? Call or text Sedcon Plumbing on 0413 647 557. VBA Licence 120392, fully insured, servicing Melbourne metro seven days.