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What’s Causing Your Tap to Leak?
A leaking tap is almost always caused by a worn or damaged internal part — most commonly a washer, cartridge or O-ring — rather than a fault with the tap body itself. The right fix depends on the tap type and where the water is escaping, which is why a quick assessment matters more than guessing at a repair.
Common Causes of a Leaking Tap
Worn or Damaged Washers
Traditional taps rely on a washer to seal water off when turned closed. Over time the washer hardens or wears down, letting water continue dripping through even with the tap fully shut.
Worn Mixer Tap Cartridges
Mixer taps use an internal cartridge instead of a washer. A worn or damaged cartridge is the most common cause of a mixer tap dripping from the spout or leaking around the handle.
Damaged O-Rings
O-rings seal joints inside the tap. When one deteriorates, water can escape around the handle, spout or connection points.
Worn Valves or Corroded Valve Seats
Older taps can develop problems with the valve or valve seat, particularly where Sydney’s water has left mineral deposits over time. Replacing a washer alone won’t fix a leak caused by a worn valve.
High Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure puts ongoing strain on washers and fittings, wearing them out faster than normal. If a newly repaired tap starts leaking again quickly, pressure is worth checking.
Loose or Damaged Connections
Water can also escape from the connections under the sink rather than the tap itself — these leaks are often mistaken for a tap problem.


Where Is Your Tap Leaking From?
Where the water appears is a useful clue to what needs inspecting:
- Dripping from the spout — usually a washer or cartridge not sealing correctly
- Leaking around the handle — often a worn O-ring or internal seal
- Leaking at the base — can indicate worn seals or a loose connection to the sink or bench
- Water under the sink — may come from the tap’s connections or isolation valve rather than the tap itself
If the source isn’t obvious, a plumber can trace it before any parts are replaced.
What Types of Taps Do We Repair?
Plumbing Services Sydney We repair kitchen mixer taps, bathroom basin taps, laundry taps, outdoor garden taps, traditional hot and cold taps, and modern mixer taps — across residential and commercial properties Sydney-wide. The repair approach depends on the tap’s design, age and the source of the leak, not a one-size-fits-all fix.
Should You Repair or Replace a Leaking Tap?
Repair is usually the right call when the tap body is in good condition and the problem is a single worn part — a washer, O-ring or cartridge. Replacement makes more sense when the tap is badly corroded, has required repeated repairs, or replacement parts are no longer available for an older model. A plumber can tell you honestly which applies rather than defaulting to the more expensive option.
How Much Does Leaking Tap Repair Cost in Sydney?
Cost depends on the tap type, the part required, accessibility, and whether the tap can be repaired or needs replacing. We confirm the price with you before work starts, so there are no surprise additions once the job is underway.
Can You Fix a Leaking Tap Yourself?
Some simple repairs, like replacing an accessible washer, are manageable for a confident DIYer with basic tools. But mixer taps often need a specific cartridge, and a leak under the sink may involve connections rather than the tap itself — misdiagnosing it can make the problem worse. If a basic fix doesn’t stop the leak, it’s worth getting it assessed properly.


When Should You Call a Plumber?
Call a plumber if the tap keeps dripping after being turned off, the leak is getting worse, water is pooling under the sink, the tap is badly corroded, or you can’t isolate the water supply yourself. A persistent leak left too long can damage cabinetry, flooring or walls.
How We Repair a Leaking Tap
- Inspect the tap — check the handle, spout, connections and surrounding area
- Identify the fault — assess the washer, cartridge, O-ring or valve
- Explain the repair — confirm the cause and the fix before starting
- Repair or replace the part — using the correct component for the tap
- Test it — confirm the leak has stopped and the tap operates correctly
Why Choose Plumbing Services Sydney?
- Over 20 years repairing taps across Sydney
- Genuine replacement parts, with workmanship guaranteed
- Pricing confirmed before work begins — no surprise call-out charges
- NSW-licensed plumbers, with licence details available on request
- Same-day service availability where possible
- Residential and commercial work, Sydney-wide
OUR TAP LEAK REPAIR SERVICES
- Tap Leak Detection
- Faucet Drip Repair
- Valve Replacement
- Washer Replacement
- Cartridge Replacement
- O-ring Replacement
- Fix Leaking Kitchen Tap
- Spout Repair
- Plumbing Fixture Leak Repair
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Different parts of the tap would normally deteriorate because of use. It’s normal wear and tear. But if you are replacing your washer earlier than expected, it is possible that there are other hidden issues in your tap that only an expert plumber can detect.
We assure you we only use genuine spare parts in replacing worn-out parts. Moreover, we guarantee our workmanship.
Yes. The moment you called us and we settled in an agreement we will be on our way to your home to fix your leaking tap.
Yes. And we do service, Sydney-wide!
We confirm pricing details when you contact us, so you know what to expect before a plumber attends. We aim to be upfront about costs rather than adding charges once the job is underway.
No. Our plumbers assess the actual cause of the leak and recommend repairs based on what the tap needs. Anything additional, like a full tap replacement, is only suggested if it is genuinely the right fix.



