Fixing a Dripping Tap: DIY Steps and When to Call a Handyman

Why taps drip

A dripping tap almost always comes down to a worn part inside. On older-style taps that's usually the rubber washer; on modern mixer taps it's the cartridge. Either way, a small worn component stops sealing and water sneaks past. It's one of the most common repairs in Melbourne homes and, on a standard tap, one of the most satisfying to fix yourself.

A single drip might seem harmless, but a steady drip can waste a surprising amount of water over a year and leave stains in the basin. Worth sorting early.

What you'll need

• An adjustable spanner or the right-sized shifter
• A flat-head and Phillips screwdriver
• A replacement washer or cartridge to suit your tap
• A cloth or rag
• Some plumber's grease
• A tap reseating tool (only if the seat is worn)

Step-by-step: standard washer tap

1. Turn off the water

Turn off the isolation valve under the sink, or the main tap at the meter if there isn't one. Then open the tap to release any pressure and confirm the water is off.

2. Plug the drain

Pop the plug in or lay a cloth over the drain so you don't lose small parts down the plughole.

3. Remove the tap handle

Pry off the coloured hot/cold button, undo the screw underneath, and lift the handle off. Take note of the order things come apart.

4. Undo the bonnet and spindle

Use the spanner to loosen the bonnet nut, then lift out the spindle. Try not to scratch the chrome; wrap the jaws in a cloth if you're worried.

5. Replace the washer

The washer sits at the base of the spindle, held by a small screw. Swap it for a matching one. While it's apart, add a little plumber's grease to the thread so it turns smoothly.

6. Reassemble and test

Put it back together in reverse order, turn the water back on slowly, and check for drips. Don't over-tighten; hand-firm plus a light nip is enough.

Modern mixer taps

Mixer taps use a cartridge instead of a washer. The process is similar: isolate the water, remove the handle and retaining nut, lift out the old cartridge, and drop in an identical replacement. The trick is matching the exact cartridge, so take the old one to the hardware store or photograph the tap brand and model.

When to call a handyman

DIY makes sense when it's a straightforward washer or cartridge swap. Call for help if:

• The drip continues after you've replaced the washer (often a worn valve seat)
• The tap or spindle is corroded and won't budge
• You can't isolate the water safely
• The tap is leaking from the base or body, not the spout
• It's a specialty or imported tap with hard-to-source parts

None of these are disasters, but they're the point where fiddling can turn a five-minute job into a flooded vanity.

The Melbourne factor

A lot of Melbourne homes still have older-style taps with washers, particularly in period homes across the inner suburbs. Hard water and years of use wear the seats over time, so if a washer swap doesn't hold, a light reseat usually does the trick.

If the tap fights back, or you'd simply rather have it sorted properly the first time, MB Handymen & Carpentry can replace washers and cartridges and check the rest of your tapware while we're there. Line up a few small jobs and we'll knock them over in the one visit.