A leaking tap is annoying, but not harmless. Leaking taps are one of the most common plumbing problems faced by homeowners. A constant drip from a leaking tap can lead to significant water loss over time, increasing your water bill and wasting valuable resources. Every drop that escapes adds to the water bill and puts pressure on Perth’s water system, especially with the city’s changing climate and rapid population growth. Let’s tackle common tap headaches with practical advice, facts, and tips to help you save water at home.
Tap Leaking from Handle
Here’s a step-by-step guide to leaking tap repair, designed to help you fix a leaking tap or a leaking handle issue. Water trickling from under the tap handle is a classic sign of a tap leak caused by worn-out O-rings or old washers. Over time, these rubber parts—such as the rubber ring (O-ring) and washer—can become worn out or harden, especially with Perth’s hard water, which can speed up the process. Cracked or worn-out washers and worn-out o-rings let water seep through, resulting in drips every time you use the tap.
What to do if the tap is leaking from the handle:
- Turn off the water at the main before you start.
- Open the tap fully to release pressure and any remaining water.
- You may need to use an Allen key or flathead screwdriver to remove the tap cover.
- Carefully remove the tap cover and valve cover, then unscrew the handle and cover plate. Check for a grub screw securing the handle, and remove it if present.
- Inspect the rubber ring (O-ring) and the old washer. Worn-out o-rings are a common cause of leaks, as are old washers.
- Replace the O-ring with a replacement O-ring if it’s dry or cracked.
- Fit a new washer, making sure it’s the right size for your tap. Replace any old or worn-out washers you find.
- To remove the tap valve, you may need to hold the valve steady with a spanner and loosen a hexagonal nut or nut underneath the tap assembly.
- Reassemble the tap assembly, ensuring all parts are secure, and use a replacement o-ring if needed. Tighten everything carefully and turn on the water.
Swapping a damaged O-ring or washer is usually a simple tap repair. If leaks persist after following these steps, or if you encounter issues with the tap valve or valve seat, seek help from VTPG.
How to Fix a Dripping Tap
Tap drips and tap leaks can lead to excess water usage and higher bills — a single slow drip can waste up to 20,000 litres a year, enough to fill a small pool. A leaky faucet not only wastes water but can also reduce water flow and cause further issues if left unaddressed. That’s money down the drain, and with Perth’s current water conservation efforts, fixing leaks makes a real difference. Always remember to turn off the water supply before repairs to prevent flooding.
Common Tap Types
| Type | Typical Problem | Repair Difficulty | Notes |
| Compression valve taps (jumper valve) | Washer or jumper valve failure | Easy | Common in older homes; check and clean the tap seat for wear or debris |
| Ceramic disc taps (ceramic disc valve) | Ceramic disc valve wear | Moderate | Durable design; inspect and replace the ceramic disc valve if leaking; check the tap seat for buildup |
| Kitchen/Toilet tap | O-ring/Washer | Easy | Often overlooked source; inspect tap seat for debris or wear |
Tools & Materials Needed
- Adjustable spanner or shifting wrench
- Replacement washers (for your tap)
- New O-rings
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Soft cloth or towel
All of these tools and replacement parts can be found at your local hardware store. Visiting a hardware store ensures you get the right components for your repair.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Locate and turn off the isolation valve under the sink before starting the leaking tap repair.
- Plug the sink to prevent excess water and small parts from being lost down the drain.
- Remove the tap handle and cover, exposing the spindle.
- Use the spanner to loosen and remove the tap valve.
- Check and replace the rubber washer; if the tap has ceramic discs, check for chips or cracks.
- Refit the tap by following the reverse order of disassembly, turn on the isolation valve, and check for water flowing properly to ensure the leak is fixed. Still leaking? Check the valve seat for damage or residue — a valve seat dressing tool can smooth out minor imperfections. With severe wear, professional reseating may be required.
Toilet Tap Leaking
The tap next to the toilet (sometimes called an isolation or cistern tap) can leak for different reasons. Corroded connections, failing washers, or a loose nut are usual culprits.
Quick fixes:
- Tighten any loose connections with a small spanner, making sure to check the nut underneath the tap.
- Replace worn washers or seals — turn off the water first and carefully reassemble the tap assembly.
- If the leak is only present when flushing, look for faulty cistern washers or pipe joints.
Toilet tap leaks add up. With Perth’s average water use per home one of the highest in Australia, a leaking cistern tap means wasted water and a risk of low pressure or water hammer noises.
If unsure or if repairs don’t hold, ring VTPG or seek a professional service — especially for older or hard-to-access fittings.
How to Stop a Dripping Tap
Dripping taps don’t have to be a recurring annoyance. Preventing leaks comes down to regular maintenance and timely action.
- Don’t overtighten taps — this can damage washers.
- Clean taps and aerators to remove mineral build-up.
- Check under sink fittings for small leaks and signs of a tap leak every few months.
- Replace washers and O-rings, including the replacement O-ring, once a year or when they show signs of wear to restore proper function and prevent plumbing problems.
Maintaining taps keeps bills in check and avoids water damage. A broken tap can waste 2-3 buckets of water a day, 13,000 litres a year per household. Regular maintenance helps prevent plumbing problems before they become serious.
| Preventative Task | How Often |
| Replace washers | Yearly |
| Clean aerators | 6 months |
| Check O-rings and replace the O-ring | Yearly |
| Tighten fittings | 6 months |
A regular maintenance schedule extends the life of tapware and gives you peace of mind.
Tap Still Leaking After Reseating
No luck after reseating or replacing washers? Further troubleshooting is required:
- Inspect the tap seat closely for pitting or deep grooves — even small defects can prevent a proper seal and may cause leaks.
- Check for a stripped spindle or threads.
- Make sure any replacement washers or ceramic discs fit snugly.
If the leak persists after repeated fixes, the issue may be corrosion inside the tap body or a manufacturing defect. At this stage, seek professional assistance from a qualified plumber. Taps in newer homes can be more complex and sometimes require specific parts not available at hardware shops.
Water Conservation
Fixing a leaking tap is one of the simplest and most effective ways to conserve water at home. Even a slow dripping tap can waste up to 20,000 litres of water each year, which not only increases your water bill but also puts unnecessary strain on Perth’s precious water resources. By replacing a worn tap washer or a faulty O-ring as soon as you notice a leak, you can make a significant difference in your household’s water usage.
Regularly checking your taps for leaks or drips is a smart habit. If you spot a leaking tap, prompt action—like swapping out a washer or O-ring—can prevent thousands of litres of water from being wasted. Most local hardware stores stock the washers, O-rings, and other parts you’ll need, making it easy to tackle minor repairs yourself. Staying on top of these small fixes not only helps conserve water but also keeps your plumbing system in good shape and your bills under control.
Environmental Impact
Leaking taps have a bigger environmental impact than many people realise. Every litre of water lost through a leaky tap increases demand on Perth’s water supply and puts extra pressure on water treatment plants. This leads to higher energy use and more greenhouse gas emissions, as water must be pumped, treated, and delivered to homes across the city.
Modern taps often use ceramic disc valves and O-rings to improve water efficiency, but even these can develop leaks if not maintained. By regularly inspecting your taps and fixing leaks as soon as they appear, you help reduce your household’s environmental footprint. Local hardware stores can provide the right tools and replacement parts, such as O-rings and ceramic discs, to make environmentally responsible tap repairs straightforward. Taking these small steps at home supports Perth’s broader efforts to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable water future.
Local Regulations
In Perth, local councils and water authorities encourage homeowners to fix leaking taps quickly to support water conservation efforts. There are often specific guidelines around tap installation, maintenance, and repair to ensure plumbing systems are efficient and safe. Following these regulations not only helps save water but also ensures your tap repairs are up to standard.
Before starting a tap repair, it’s a good idea to check with your local council or consult a professional plumber to understand any requirements that may apply. Using the right tools, such as a tap reseating tool, and quality replacement parts like O-rings, helps ensure your repairs are effective and compliant. By staying informed and following local best practices, you can be confident your tap repairs are helping both your household and the wider community conserve water.
DIY vs Professional Repair
Many leaking tap repairs can be handled at home with a few basic tools, such as an adjustable wrench and needle-nose pliers. DIY repairs are a cost-effective way to fix minor leaks, replace washers, or swap out O-rings, and they give homeowners more control over their plumbing maintenance. Using a tap lubricant during reassembly can also help ensure a watertight seal and smooth operation.
However, some tap problems—like persistent leaks, issues with ceramic disc valves, or leaks involving multiple taps—may require professional assistance. If you’re unsure about the repair process or if leaks persist after your DIY efforts, it’s wise to call a professional plumber from VTPG. Our team has the expertise and equipment to diagnose complex issues, prevent further leaks, and save you from costly repairs down the track. Knowing when to handle a repair yourself and when to rely on VTPG is key to keeping your plumbing system in top shape.
Perth-Specific Considerations
With Perth’s dry climate and ongoing water scarcity, fixing leaking taps is more important than ever. The city’s water-saving initiatives encourage residents to be proactive about reducing water waste, and repairing leaky taps is a simple but powerful way to contribute. Perth homeowners can access resources from the Water Corporation and other local organisations to learn about water-efficient plumbing and best practices for tap repair.
Using the right tools—such as a leak-detecting kit or a tap reseating tool—can make repairs easier and more effective. Regular inspections and prompt attention to leaks help prevent further leaks and reduce the risk of costly repairs in the future. By staying vigilant and addressing leaking taps quickly, Perth residents can support the city’s water conservation goals and help secure a sustainable water supply for everyone.
Helpful Facts & Statistics
Perth is one of the driest cities in the world, so we all have a responsibility to conserve water. Local dams now supply a tiny fraction of the city’s water; one-third comes from desalination, and water recycling is growing. Tap leaks are a major source of excess water usage, leading to higher water bills if not fixed promptly.
| Statistic | Value |
| Water wasted per dripping tap per year (excess water) | 13,000–20,000 litres |
| Perth’s water supply from desalination | 33% |
| Perth’s population growth, 2022–2023 | +80,000 (fastest in Australia) |
| Flow into Perth dams since the 1970s | Down 80–91% |
| Cost of unattended leak (on bill, yearly) due to excess water | Up to $150 extra |
Key Takeaways
- Fix a leaking tap promptly to prevent water waste and further damage.
- Replace worn washers and O-rings as soon as a leak starts.
- Turn off the water before you start.
- Clean and check taps every 6-12 months.
- One dripping tap can waste up to 20,000 litres a year in Perth.
- If leaks persist after repairs, contact VTPG.
