Quick Answer
Most leaky taps can be fixed in 30 to 60 minutes for under $20–$50 in parts. The most common cause is a worn cartridge or washer, which you can replace yourself.
What You’ll Need
Tools: Adjustable spanner (15mm), flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, bucket or towel, tap cartridge puller, Allen key set.
Materials: Replacement tap cartridge (Caroma 13mm, Dorf, or generic equivalent, $15–$35), tap washers ($2–$5), plumber’s grease, PTFE tape ($3–$5).
Background
Leaky taps are common in Melbourne homes, especially around Dandenong, Berwick, and Frankston where water hardness accelerates cartridge wear. A dripping tap wastes 2,000 to 20,000 litres per year. This is a beginner-friendly DIY fix requiring no plumbing licence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the isolation valve under the sink. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Open the affected tap to release remaining water.
2. Remove the Tap Handle
Find a small screw on the handle and loosen it. Pull the handle straight out. Remove any decorative cap using a flathead screwdriver wrapped in tape.
3. Unscrew the Valve Body Cap
Use your adjustable spanner to loosen the chrome cap (turn counter-clockwise). Unscrew by hand and set aside.
4. Pull Out the Old Cartridge
Grab the top of the cartridge and pull straight up. If stuck, use a tap cartridge puller. The cartridge will be wet.
5. Clean the Valve Body
Check for mineral deposits (white buildup common in Melbourne water). Clean gently with a cloth dampened in white vinegar. Don’t scrape.
6. Install the New Cartridge
Apply plumber’s grease to the rubber seals. Align the grooves with the valve body slots and push down until flush. You may feel slight resistance.
7. Reassemble the Tap
Screw the valve body cap back on (hand-tighten, then use spanner for final tightness). Replace the decorative cap and handle.
8. Test for Leaks
Open the isolation valve slowly. Let water run for 30 seconds. Check under the sink for leaks. If leaks appear, reseat the cartridge or tighten the cap.
Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Water still drips after replacement | Cartridge not fully seated or mineral debris on seals | Remove cartridge, clean valve body, reinstall with fresh grease |
| Tap handle won’t turn smoothly | Cartridge installed backwards or mineral buildup | Check orientation and clean with vinegar |
| Water leaks from under sink | Valve cap not tight or O-ring damaged | Tighten cap or replace O-ring |
| Tap won’t shut off completely | Cartridge damaged or installed upside down | Verify correct model and reinstall |
| Hot and cold reversed | Single-lever cartridge swapped | Remove and flip cartridge 180 degrees |
When to Call a Professional
If the tap continues to drip after replacing the cartridge and cleaning the valve, the problem may be deeper in the ceramic base. In Melbourne, a licensed plumber charges $150–$300 for tap repair or replacement. Don’t attempt to disassemble the mixing chamber yourself—it requires precision tools.
Tips & Gotchas
- Identify your tap type first (single-lever, dual-control, spray). Take a photo before starting.
- Keep the water dripping slightly—even with water off, a tiny amount may continue for several minutes.
- Don’t over-tighten the valve cap—hand-tight plus a quarter-turn with spanner is enough.
- Try soaking a mineral-clogged cartridge in vinegar for 30 minutes before replacing it.
- Safety warning: If your home was built before 1980, mains water may contain lead solder in the tap assembly. Have water tested ($30–$50) if concerned.
- Coastal locations (Frankston, Mornington, Portsea): Salt air accelerates corrosion. Replace cartridges every 3–4 years instead of 5–7 years inland.
- Keep the old cartridge—some Melbourne recycling facilities accept used tap cartridges.
- Test both hot and cold water independently after reassembly to ensure even flow.
- If unsure which cartridge to buy, take a photo of your tap to Bunnings staff for quick identification.
- Emergency shutdown: If a leak develops while working, turn the isolation valve fully clockwise. Melbourne Water emergency: 13 63 99.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a cartridge and a washer?
Old taps (pre-2000) used rubber washers on a seat inside the body. Modern taps use ceramic cartridges—sealed units with two ceramic discs controlling flow. Washers need replacing every 2–3 years; cartridges last 5–7 years. Check your tap’s age.
Can I just keep using the tap if it drips slowly?
No. A single drip per second wastes 2,700 litres per year—about $5–$6 at Melbourne Water rates. A $30 fix now prevents emergency failure later.
Do I need to turn off the whole house water?
No. The isolation valve under the sink shuts off only that tap. If no isolation valve exists, install one ($30, 30 minutes with a plumber) or ask a plumber to fit one during their next visit.
What if the replacement cartridge doesn’t fit?
Return it immediately with your receipt. Bunnings, Reece, and Mitre 10 accept returns within 14 days. Bring the old cartridge so staff confirm the replacement is correct.
Is a leaky tap a sign of bigger plumbing problems?
Usually not. If multiple taps leak within weeks of each other, you may have high water pressure (normal is 200–400 kPa). A pressure-limiting valve at the main entry ($150–$250 with a plumber) fixes this.
Can I repair the cartridge instead of replacing it?
Cartridges aren’t designed for repair. Ceramic discs inside are sealed and sealed units can’t be opened. Replacement is your only option.
Local Resources
- Bunnings Warehouse – Tap cartridges, spanners, tools across Melbourne
- Reece Plumbing – Caroma, Dorf cartridges, multiple Melbourne branches
- Mitre 10 – Hardware and plumbing supplies with local specialists
- Total Tools – Spanners, tap pullers, tool hire
- Melbourne Water – Water pressure advice and emergency service (13 63 99)
- Victorian Building Authority – Licensed plumber lookup and complaints
- Plumbers and Gas Fitters Union – Find licensed tradespeople in SE Melbourne
