Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30–60 minutes | Cost: $5–$40
Quick Answer
A dripping tap is almost always caused by a worn washer or a failed ceramic cartridge — and you can fix either in under an hour for $5–$40 in parts. The most common taps in Melbourne homes are quarter-turn ceramic disc taps (no rubber washer) and older two-handle washer taps. Knowing which type you have determines which part you buy. A dripping tap wastes up to 20,000 litres of water per year — fixing it immediately saves money on both your water bill and your sewerage charge.
What You’ll Need
| Tool / Material | Cost | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable spanner (200mm) | $15–$30 | Any hardware store or Total Tools |
| Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers | Already owned | — |
| Tap reseating tool (if seat damaged) | $35–$55 | Reece Plumbing, Bunnings |
| Replacement ceramic cartridge (quarter-turn taps) | $15–$35 | Reece Plumbing; match brand and size |
| Tap washers (various sizes) + O-rings | $3–$8 (pack) | Bunnings, Reece, Mitre 10 |
| Plumber’s grease (silicone-based) | $8–$12 | Bunnings, Reece Plumbing |
| Cloth or rubber mat | Already owned | Protects basin/sink surface |
Understanding Your Tap Type
Before buying any parts, identify your tap type — this determines which repair method and parts apply to your situation.
Quarter-turn ceramic disc taps are the most common in Melbourne homes built or renovated after 1990. They turn 90 degrees from fully off to fully on and have no rubber washer — instead they use a ceramic cartridge. Common brands include Caroma, Methven, Dorf, and Felton. When these drip, the ceramic cartridge needs replacement.
Older washer-and-jumper taps have a multi-turn action (requires several turns to open fully). These use a rubber washer on a brass jumper that compresses against a seat. Common in homes built before 1990 in suburbs like Dandenong, Noble Park, and older parts of Frankston. When these drip, you replace the washer — or reseat the brass seat if it’s damaged.
Step-by-Step: Fixing a Quarter-Turn Ceramic Tap
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the isolation valve under the sink or basin — it’s a small inline valve on the supply pipe. Turn it clockwise until it stops (usually a quarter turn). If there’s no isolation valve, turn off the mains water at the meter (typically at the front of the property, near the footpath). Open the tap to release any residual pressure and confirm no water flows.
Step 2: Remove the Tap Handle
Most quarter-turn tap handles are secured by a grub screw hidden under a decorative cap. Prise off the cap with a flat-head screwdriver — gently, to avoid scratching the chrome. The grub screw is usually a 2.5mm or 3mm Allen key (hex) fitting. Remove the screw, then pull the handle straight up off the spindle. If it’s stuck, wiggle gently — never force it.
Step 3: Remove the Packing Nut and Cartridge
Under the handle you’ll find a hexagonal packing nut (typically 20mm or 25mm across flats). Use your 200mm adjustable spanner to loosen this anticlockwise. Once loose, lift out the entire ceramic cartridge assembly. Note the orientation — most cartridges have a flat side or locating tab that must align correctly on reassembly.
Step 4: Fit the New Cartridge
Apply a small amount of silicone-based plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge before inserting. Align the locating tab or flat with the corresponding slot in the tap body, then push the cartridge firmly in. It should seat fully without forcing. Refit the packing nut and tighten by hand, then 1/4 turn with the spanner — do not over-tighten.
Step 5: Refit Handle and Test
Slide the handle back onto the spindle, align it in the off position, and tighten the grub screw. Replace the decorative cap. Slowly open the isolation valve and check for leaks around the packing nut and under the tap. Open and close the tap several times — the ceramic action should feel smooth and positive. If the tap still drips after a minute, the cartridge may not be seated correctly — turn off the water and re-check the alignment.
Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tap still drips after new cartridge | Cartridge misaligned or wrong part number | Remove and re-check orientation; confirm part number matches old cartridge |
| Leak around packing nut | O-rings on cartridge worn or incorrectly seated | Apply plumber’s grease to O-rings; re-tighten packing nut — 1/4 turn past hand-tight |
| Tap drips only when hot | Hot-side cartridge failed (they wear faster) | Replace hot cartridge specifically — hot and cold cartridges differ |
| Tap handle loose or spins | Grub screw not tightened; damaged spindle | Tighten grub screw with Allen key; if spindle is stripped, replace full cartridge |
| No water after reassembly | Isolation valve not fully reopened | Check and fully open isolation valve; check mains is on |
When to Call a Licensed Plumber
Fixing a dripping tap is well within the scope of a competent DIYer, but call a licensed plumber if you encounter any of the following:
- The isolation valve under the basin is seized, corroded, or dripping itself
- The tap body (the brass fitting in the wall or bench) is cracked or corroded
- The tap seat is damaged and needs regrinding with a seat dresser tool
- The tap is a mixer integrated into a heated towel rail or shower mixing valve
- There is any evidence of water damage in the cabinet below the basin
In Victoria, homeowners can carry out minor plumbing maintenance such as replacing washers and cartridges. However, any work involving connecting or disconnecting pipes, or working on concealed plumbing, requires a licensed plumber.
Top 10 Tips and Gotchas
- Always match the cartridge exactly. Caroma, Methven, and Dorf all use proprietary cartridge designs — take the old one to the plumbing shop, not just a photo.
- Hot and cold cartridges are different. On some brands (especially Caroma), hot and cold side cartridges have different internal disc orientation. Fitting the wrong one causes a tap that opens in the wrong direction.
- Don’t overtighten the packing nut. Ceramic cartridges crack if over-tightened. Hand-tight plus a quarter turn is all that’s needed.
- Silicone grease, not petroleum grease. Petroleum-based products (like WD-40) degrade rubber O-rings. Use only silicone-based plumber’s grease.
- A dripping tap wastes more than you think. A drip every 2 seconds wastes around 4,000–20,000 litres per year — at South East Water’s current rates, that’s $20–$100 on your water bill plus sewerage charges.
- Turn the water off before removing anything. This sounds obvious, but dozens of Whirlpool forum posts describe the consequences of skipping this step.
- Check both taps if you have a mixer. A mixer tap has a single handle but contains two cartridges (hot and cold). If your mixer drips, test which side is failing by turning each supply valve off in turn.
- Tap still drips? Check the seat. If the new cartridge doesn’t stop the drip in an older washer-type tap, the brass seat may be worn and need resurfacing with a tap reseating tool.
- Watermark certification matters. Only buy tap parts with the Australian Watermark certification — look for the watermark symbol on the packaging. Non-certified parts may fail or leak.
- If in doubt, call Reece. Reece Plumbing trade counters have technicians who can identify cartridges from photos or the old part — they’re genuinely helpful and this service is free.
Local Melbourne Resources
- Reece Plumbing — Find a Branch — Trade counter with cartridge matching service; branches across SE Melbourne including Dandenong, Frankston, and Cranbourne
- Bunnings — Tap Washers and Cartridges — Full range of tap washers, cartridges, and O-ring kits
- Victorian Building Authority — Licence Check — Verify a plumber’s licence before engaging them for more complex repairs
- Fix-A-Tap — Australian supplier of tap repair parts with a handy online part finder tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a homeowner legally fix a dripping tap in Victoria?
Yes — replacing tap washers and ceramic cartridges is specifically listed as a task homeowners can legally do themselves under Victorian plumbing regulations. You do not need a licensed plumber for this repair. However, any work involving disconnecting or replacing supply pipes, or opening walls, must be done by a licensed plumber.
How do I know if I have a ceramic tap or a washer tap?
Turn the tap handle. If it goes from fully off to fully on in a quarter turn (90 degrees), it’s a ceramic disc tap and needs a cartridge, not a washer. If it takes multiple full turns to open completely, it’s a washer-and-jumper tap. The repair method and parts are different for each type.
How much does it cost to get a plumber to fix a dripping tap?
A licensed plumber typically charges $120–$200 for a call-out, plus $50–$120 for parts and time to replace a cartridge. Total cost: $150–$300 for a straightforward repair. Doing it yourself costs $15–$40 in parts — the saving is significant if you’re comfortable with basic tools.
Why does my tap drip only when the hot water is on?
In a mixer tap, hot and cold water are controlled by separate cartridges. If the drip only happens when hot water is running, the hot-side cartridge has failed. Replace the hot cartridge only — they are typically marked with a red indicator or sold as “hot” cartridges. Check with your tap brand’s product range for the correct part number.
What is a tap seat and when does it need regrinding?
In older washer-type taps, the brass seat is the surface the washer presses against to stop the flow. Over time this seat can become grooved or corroded, meaning even a new washer won’t create a proper seal. A tap reseating tool (available for around $40–$55) grinds the seat smooth again. If you’ve replaced the washer and the tap still drips, a damaged seat is the likely cause.
Final Thoughts
Fixing a dripping tap is one of the most achievable DIY repairs for Melbourne homeowners — the parts are cheap, the tools are simple, and the result is immediate. The key is correctly identifying your tap type before buying parts. If you have ceramic disc taps (the vast majority in homes built after 1990), take the old cartridge to Reece Plumbing for an exact match, follow these steps, and you’ll have a silent tap in under an hour.