Older taps usually drip because the washer or jumper valve has worn. Mixer taps drip when the internal cartridge fails. In Queensland, QBCC lets homeowners replace a tap washer or jumper valve themselves, but replacing a cartridge, the tap or any pipework is licensed plumbing work.
Why taps drip
How a tap fails depends on how it’s built:
- Washer and jumper valve. Traditional taps with separate hot and cold handles (compression taps) close by pressing a rubber washer onto a seat. Over time the washer hardens, splits or wears, and water gets past.
- Worn seat. The metal seat the washer presses against can become pitted or worn, so even a new washer won’t seal.
- Ceramic disc or cartridge. Mixer taps and quarter-turn taps use a cartridge with ceramic discs. Grit or wear can chip the discs, or the seals inside the cartridge can fail.
- O-rings. A leak around the handle or spout, rather than from the outlet, is often a worn O-ring.
- High water pressure. Excess pressure wears washers and cartridges faster and can cause taps to drip or bang.
Which tap do you have?
| Tap type | How to tell | What usually wears | Can you fix it yourself in QLD? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression tap (separate hot and cold) | Handle turns several times from off to full | Washer, jumper valve, seat | Washer and jumper valve: yes. Seat or tap: plumber |
| Quarter-turn tap | Handle turns about a quarter or half turn | Ceramic disc cartridge | Plumber |
| Mixer tap | One lever controls flow and temperature | Cartridge, O-rings | Plumber |
| Outdoor garden tap | Compression tap on an outside wall | Washer, jumper valve | Washer and jumper valve: yes |
What QBCC lets you fix
The QBCC’s unregulated plumbing guide lists a small amount of plumbing work homeowners can do themselves. For taps, that’s:
- replacing a tap washer
- replacing a jumper valve
Replacing the tap itself, a mixer cartridge, the tap seat or any of the pipework behind the tap is regulated work that must be done by a licensed plumber.
Changing a tap washer
If you have a compression tap and want to try it yourself:
- Turn off the water at the isolation valve under the sink, or at the water meter.
- Open the tap fully to drain the water left in the pipe.
- Put the plug in so small parts can’t fall down the drain.
- Remove the handle and cover to reach the tap body (the headgear).
- Unscrew the headgear with a spanner, protecting the chrome with a cloth.
- Replace the washer and jumper valve with ones the same size. Take the old ones to the hardware store to match them.
- Reassemble, turn the water back on slowly and check for drips.
If it still drips afterwards, the seat is probably worn, and that’s a job for a plumber.
Need a local plumber?
Morrisons Maintenance Plumbing has served Caloundra to Maroochydore for 14+ years. Book a plumber or call 1300 149 288.
When you need a plumber
- mixer taps, which need a new cartridge or a new tap
- leaks at the base of the tap or from underneath the sink
- water coming from the wall behind the tap
- a tap that still drips after a new washer
- taps that bang or shudder when turned off, which points to water hammer
- replacing a tap with a new one
A plumber can reface a worn seat, replace a cartridge, or fit a new tap and check the water pressure while they’re there.
Dripping taps in rentals
For landlords, a dripping tap is a repair the owner is responsible for. In a rental where the tenant pays for water, a leaking tap also adds to their bill, which leads to disputes. And under Queensland’s water charging rules, cold taps over basins, kitchen sinks and laundry tubs must meet the water efficiency standard of no more than 9 litres a minute if you pass on water charges (RTA). A tap replacement is a good time to fit a WELS-rated water-efficient model.
Our guide to water efficiency certificates explains the rental rules, and our guide to a leaking or running toilet covers the other common source of wasted water.
For mixer repairs and replacements, see our tap repairs service or book a tap repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my tap still dripping after I changed the washer?
The tap seat may be worn or pitted, so the new washer can’t seal. The jumper valve or O-ring may also be the problem. A plumber can reface the seat or replace the tap.
Can I replace a tap washer myself in Queensland?
Yes. QBCC lists replacing a tap washer or jumper valve as work a homeowner can do. Turn off the water first. Replacing the tap, a mixer cartridge or any pipework must be done by a licensed plumber.
How do you fix a leaking mixer tap?
Mixer taps use a cartridge rather than a washer. When the cartridge wears out it needs replacing, which in Queensland is work for a licensed plumber. Sometimes replacing the whole mixer is better value.
How much water does a dripping tap waste?
It depends on the drip rate, but a steady drip adds up to thousands of litres over a year. That shows on your water bill, so it’s worth fixing early.
Is it worth repairing an old tap or replacing it?
Repairing makes sense if the tap is in good condition and parts are available. Replace it if it keeps leaking, the body is damaged, or you want a more water-efficient WELS-rated tap.
Honest, upfront pricing from a local, family-owned plumber.
Call 1300 149 288 or request a quote. QBCC licence 1296541.