That slow, constant drip… drip… drip isn’t just annoying—it’s draining your wallet. In Bayside’s older homes, most taps have seen years of wear, corrosion, and water pressure issues. Whether it’s a bathroom basin in Brighton or a kitchen mixer in Sandringham, a leaking tap always has a cause worth fixing properly.
The Real Reasons Taps Start Dripping
1. Worn Tap Washers or Cartridges
Traditional compression taps rely on rubber or ceramic washers to seal water flow. Over time, these wear down or crack, leaving gaps that let water leak even when turned off. Mixer taps often use cartridges that can also fail—especially in hard water areas.
2. Damaged Valve Seats
Inside every tap is a small brass “seat” that presses against the washer. When it corrodes or pits, even a new washer won’t seal properly. The fix? Resurface or replace the seat during repair.
3. High Water Pressure
In Cheltenham and Hampton, water pressure can spike above recommended limits. That strain wears out washers, seals, and mixer cartridges faster. Fitting a pressure-reducing valve can extend the life of your plumbing system.
4. Corrosion or Mineral Buildup
Sediment and calcium deposits eat away at seals, causing slow leaks that worsen over time. If your taps feel stiff or gritty when turning, the internals likely need replacement.
Why Fix It Fast
A single dripping tap can waste up to 20,000 litres per year—that’s hundreds of dollars in water bills gone. Worse, leaks in concealed pipework can cause mould, swelling cabinetry, or even wall damage in bathrooms and laundries.
Learn more about water ratings here.
DIY Fix or Professional Job?
Changing a washer might look simple—but one wrong move can strip threads or crack fittings. A licensed plumber has the right tools, seating kits, and torque levels to prevent future leaks. They’ll also check your water pressure and valve condition, ensuring you don’t just fix the symptom.
The Ezy-Plumb Advantage
We handle all leaking tap repairs, mixer cartridge replacements, and pressure testing across Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton, Cheltenham, Beaumaris, St Kilda, Caulfield, and Mentone.
We don’t just swap washers—we fix the root cause. Every repair includes:
Full inspection of valves and pipework
Water pressure test
New high-grade washers or cartridges
Leak-free guarantee
👉 Call Ezy-Plumb for fast, reliable service across Bayside Melbourne
FAQs About Leaking Taps
Why does my new tap still drip?
The valve seat or water pressure may be the real culprit—not the washer.
Can I just tighten the tap harder?
No. Overtightening crushes the washer and worsens the leak.
Are mixer taps repairable?
Yes. In most cases, replacing the cartridge fixes leaks instantly.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking tap?
Typical repairs range from a few hundred dollars depending on parts and access.
