How to Fix a Leaking Tap
Because no one needs a tap that keeps time better than a clock
That drip. You know the one. It starts as background noise and slowly becomes the loudest thing in the house at 2am. If you’re Googling how to fix a leaking tap, we get it – it’s annoying, wasteful (all that water going down the drain) and one of the most common plumbing issues we see in Wellington homes.
The good news? Some leaking tap repairs are genuinely simple. Others look simple… until they’re not (hello mixer catridges). This guide will help you figure out what’s going on, what you can safely tackle yourself and when it’s worth calling in a plumber to sort it properly.
Why taps leak (and why it’s not your fault)
Taps work hard. In busy homes and rentals, they’re turned on and off dozens of times a day. Eventually, the parts inside wear out – it’s normal, not neglect.
The usual culprits are:
Worn washers in older hot and cold taps
Failing cartridges in mixer taps
Loose spindles or fittings
Water pressure issues, which we see a lot in Wellington, especially in older homes
Left alone, a small drip can turn into water damage under sinks or inside cabinets. Not ideal.
DIY: How to fix a leaking tap yourself
If you’re handy and feeling confident, some fix leaking tap jobs can be done at home.
Before you start:
Turn the water off at the toby
Take pics as you go so reassembly isn’t a guessing game
Older taps (with washers):
Remove the tap handle
Unscrew the spindle
Replace the washer with the correct size
Reassemble and test
Mixer taps:
Mixer taps use cartridges, not washers. These are brand-specific and need to be an exact match. This is where a lot of DIY leaking tap repairs stall – or end with a half-fixed tap that still drips when no one’s looking. These are harder for a homeowner to DIY. Give us a call on 04 890 5707 if you’ve got a mixer tap and we can make sure this is serviced and replaced professionally.
When to stop DIY and call a plumber
Here’s the honest part: if it’s not working, don’t force it. We admire all homeowners who are giving DIY a go but sometimes it’s better to call in a professional.
Call a plumber if:
The tap still leaks after you’ve “fixed” it
The tap is really old, seized, or very stiff
You can’t identify the cartridge or parts (we recommend a plumber installs a new cartridge)
Water is leaking under the sink or into cabinetry (before this turns into a big problem)
You’re a landlord and need it sorted properly, not patched (a reliable service to make sure your tenants have a healthy home)
A careful and professional leaking tap repair avoids turning a small issue into a bigger one.
What a Ka Pai leaking tap repair looks like
When we fix a leaking tap, we don’t rush in, swap a part, and hope for the best.
We:
Find the actual cause of the leak
Use the right parts (not “close enough”)
Check surrounding pipework and pressure
Test everything properly before we leave
Clean up so you’re not left with a mess
It’s the little details that stop repeat leaks – and repeat callouts.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking tap?
We provide a tap service starting from $175+GST:
As a general Wellington guide -
Washer replacements are usually quick and affordable.
Mixer tap cartridge repairs vary depending on the brand.
Tap replacements depend on style, access, and condition
We’ll always talk you through your options so you can choose what makes sense for your home or rental.
Got a tap that needs attention?
Fill out our website form or call us on 04 890 5707
You’ll get straight advice, quality workmanship, and a fix that actually lasts.