
Sam & Natasha
Founders, Your Choice Plumbers
We don’t just fix leaking taps — we diagnose the cause properly and fix it so it doesn’t keep coming back.
Melbourne’s Trusted
Home Plumbing Experts
We don’t just fix leaking taps – we diagnose the cause properly and fix it so it doesn’t keep coming back.

Sam & Natasha
Founders, Your Choice Plumbers
Melbourne’s Trusted
Home Plumbing Experts
We don’t just fix leaking taps – we diagnose the cause properly and fix it so it doesn’t keep coming back.


Sam & Natasha
Founders, Your Choice Plumbers
If your tap is dripping, leaking around the handle, loose at the base, or not shutting off properly, the internal parts have usually worn out and the problem will often keep getting worse until it is repaired properly. We provide same day leaking tap repairs Melbourne homeowners can rely on, including washer repairs, cartridge replacements, full tap servicing, tap upgrades, and water pressure checks where required.
If water is leaking into cabinetry or won’t stop, it’s best to act early before damage spreads.
Turn the tap off gently, avoid overtightening it, and check whether water is leaking from the outlet, under the sink, or around the spindle. If it keeps dripping, the internal parts have likely failed and need professional repair.
Not always, but it can become urgent if water is leaking into cabinetry, walls, vanities, or under a sink onto flexible hoses and fittings.
In many cases, yes. We carry out same day leaking tap repairs Melbourne, including washers, spindle servicing, cartridge changes, and tap replacements where needed.
Yes. Even a slow drip can waste a surprising amount of water over time, especially if it has been leaking for weeks or months.
Yes. We repair both older separate hot and cold taps and modern single-lever mixer taps, depending on the condition of the tap body, the availability of parts, and whether repair still offers good long-term value.
The cost depends on the tap type, whether parts need replacing, and whether repair or replacement is the better option. Simple washer repairs are different from cartridge replacements or full tap upgrades.
Turn the tap off gently, avoid overtightening it, and check whether water is leaking from the outlet, under the sink, or around the spindle. If it keeps dripping, the internal parts have likely failed and need professional repair.
Not always, but it can become urgent if water is leaking into cabinetry, walls, vanities, or under a sink onto flexible hoses and fittings.
In many cases, yes. We carry out same day leaking tap repairs Melbourne, including washers, spindle servicing, cartridge changes, and tap replacements where needed.
Yes. Even a slow drip can waste a surprising amount of water over time, especially if it has been leaking for weeks or months.
Yes. We repair both older separate hot and cold taps and modern single-lever mixer taps, depending on the condition of the tap body, the availability of parts, and whether repair still offers good long-term value.
The cost depends on the tap type, whether parts need replacing, and whether repair or replacement is the better option. Simple washer repairs are different from cartridge replacements or full tap upgrades.
This is one of the most common dripping tap repair Melbourne callouts we see, and it is rarely just “a minor drip.” What seems like a simple tap issue is often worn internal components, damaged sealing surfaces, or excessive water pressure shortening the life of the tap.
You may notice a constant drip from the spout, water continuing to run after the tap is turned off, or a tap that never seems to fully shut off no matter how carefully you close it. In some homes, the drip is steady. In others, it comes and goes, worsens after use, or becomes more noticeable at night when the house is quiet.
This issue can affect older wall-mounted or hob-mounted taps with separate hot and cold handles, modern mixer taps, and quarter-turn taps commonly found in newer homes. In all cases, the symptom is the same — the tap does not seal properly and continues to leak. This is especially common on a bathroom tap dripping constantly Melbourne callout, a leaking shower tap repair Melbourne job, or a leaking basin tap repair Melbourne visit where the fixture has been slowly deteriorating for some time.
Likely causes
A dripping tap is almost always caused by internal components that are no longer sealing correctly. The exact cause depends on the tap type:
Across all tap types, excessive water pressure above the recommended 500 kPa under AS/NZS 3500 is a major contributing factor that shortens the life of washers, cartridges, and ceramic discs. In Melbourne homes with front-yard meter assemblies and older copper pipework, we regularly find pressure playing a much bigger role than the homeowner realised.
In many Melbourne homes, the issue is rarely just a quick washer replacement.
We also regularly find that previous repairs only addressed part of the problem. A homeowner may have changed a washer or tightened the tap harder, but the real cause is often a rough seat, a cracked seating surface, or pressure that keeps damaging the new components.
In the Huntingdale shower tap case study, for example, replacing the washers did not solve the problem because the internal brass seat had a crack and the spindle area had not been sealed properly. That job needed a full service, seat repair, fresh spindle seals, and proper finishing to stop the leak long-term.
👉 Learn more: Mentone leaking tap repair example
If the tap continues to drip after being turned off properly, or you find yourself tightening it more than usual, the internal sealing components have likely worn out. For mixer and quarter-turn taps, if the tap drips even when the handle is fully closed and operates smoothly, the internal cartridge or ceramic spindle is likely worn.
A dripping tap may seem minor, but even a slow drip can waste a surprising amount of water over time and contribute to a leaking tap causing high water bill problem. It also places continuous strain on internal components, leading to faster wear and more frequent failures.
The drip will almost always worsen over time.
From our experience, what starts as a small drip often becomes a more involved repair or replacement — especially in homes affected by high water pressure. We saw this clearly in the Ormond case study, where a simple tap upgrade uncovered 800 kPa pressure at the meter, high enough to keep damaging taps and internal components if left unresolved.
👉 Learn more: Mentone leaking tap repair example
Quarter-turn taps are commonly installed in newer homes and are often chosen as upgrades for their smooth operation and ease of use, particularly for homeowners wanting lower-effort control or improved accessibility. They have fewer moving parts than traditional taps, but still rely on internal ceramic discs and sealing surfaces. When these wear — especially under high pressure — leaks can still occur and require proper repair or replacement.
If your tap is dripping, won’t shut off properly, or continues to leak after use, it is best to have it repaired early before internal wear becomes more severe. If moisture has been getting into surrounding areas, you may also need a professional inspection for leaking shower repair to prevent hidden wall damage.
This is one of the most common tap problems we diagnose, and homeowners often assume the leak must be coming from the pipework below. What seems like a pipe leak is very often water tracking down from the tap body, the base seal, or the mounting point above.
You may notice water pooling around the base of the tap, moisture under the sink or vanity, or a cupboard that feels damp with no obvious source. In some cases, the tap feels loose at the top, while underneath you may see water marks, staining, or dampness around the flexible hoses.
This type of leak can affect modern mixer taps, but also older hob-mounted taps and even quarter-turn taps, particularly where water begins escaping from the base or connection points rather than the spout. This is a very common pattern on kitchen tap leak repair Melbourne, bathroom tap repair Melbourne, and laundry tap leaking at base repair callouts.
Likely causes
Leaks from the base or under the sink are usually caused by failed seals or loose connections. The most common causes include:
In many Melbourne homes, high water pressure above 500 kPa can accelerate seal failure and increase the likelihood of leaks developing underneath the tap rather than at the outlet.
This is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed tap problems. Many homeowners assume the leak is coming from the pipework, when in reality it is tracking down from the tap itself.
We regularly find:
In the Wheelers Hill case study, what appeared to be a simple leaking sink mixer had reached the point where the fixture was beyond practical repair and required replacement. The new installation also included fresh stop taps, which gave the homeowner a cleaner, more reliable, and more serviceable result moving forward.
👉 Learn more: Mentone leaking tap repair example
Look under the sink or vanity with a torch. If the tap feels loose at the top, or you notice moisture, rust, staining, or dampness around the flexible hoses or connections, the leak may already be affecting the area below.
Leaks under the sink are more serious than they first appear. Water can damage cabinetry, cause swelling in materials, and create hidden moisture that affects surrounding fittings. More importantly, moisture around flexible braided hoses increases the risk of hose failure — one of the most common causes of internal household flooding.
What starts as a small leak can escalate quickly.
From our experience:
In worst-case scenarios, a neglected under-sink leak can lead to sudden hose failure and significant internal water damage. If you want to better understand that risk, see our flexible hose replacement safety check page.
Mixer taps are the most common source of under-sink leaks due to their design and mounting method, but older and quarter-turn taps can also allow water to track below if seals fail. This is why proper diagnosis is critical — not just stopping the leak, but identifying whether pressure, movement, or component wear is contributing to the problem.
If your tap is leaking from the base, loose, or causing moisture under the sink, have it checked early before it leads to cabinet damage or flexi hose failure.
We see this problem often in both older and newer homes, especially where taps have gone years without servicing or the home is running higher pressure than it should. What seems like “just an old stiff tap” is often internal wear, dried seals, or pressure-related stress affecting both the tap and the pipework behind it.
You may notice the tap is becoming stiff, difficult to turn, squeaking, grinding, or making noise when opening or closing. In some cases, the handle feels tight and jerky. In others, you may hear a knocking or banging sound in the pipes when the tap is used.
This can affect older wall-mounted and hob-mounted taps, modern mixer taps, and even quarter-turn taps, although the symptoms may feel slightly different depending on the tap type. This is a common pattern on hard to turn tap repair Melbourne and noisy tap repair Melbourne jobs, where the tap may still work but no longer feels smooth or reliable.
Likely causes
Taps that are hard to turn or noisy are usually affected by internal wear, lack of lubrication, or pressure-related issues. Common causes include:
In Melbourne homes, excessive pressure above 500 kPa is a common contributor to both stiffness and noise. Older copper systems, loose pipe clips, and fast-closing quarter-turn fixtures can also make pressure shock more noticeable.
We often find taps that have not been serviced for many years, where internal components have dried out, worn down, or started to seize.
Common findings include:
In some homes, the noise is not just the tap itself — it is the plumbing system reacting to pressure changes. That is why a stiff or noisy tap sometimes leads us to recommend looking at the wider system, not just the fixture in isolation. If banging pipes are part of the complaint, it may also be worth reviewing our water hammer solutions page.
If the tap feels unusually tight, makes noise when turning, or does not operate smoothly compared to other taps in the home, internal wear or pressure issues are likely present.
A stiff or noisy tap is often an early warning sign of internal wear or system stress. While it may still function, the added strain can accelerate damage to internal components. Noise such as banging or hammering can also indicate pressure issues that may affect other fixtures in the home.
The tap may become harder to operate over time and can eventually seize completely.
What starts as a minor inconvenience can turn into a full tap failure or a wider plumbing issue affecting other outlets.
Quarter-turn taps are often chosen as upgrades because they are easier to operate and require less force, making them ideal for homeowners wanting smoother control or improved accessibility. However, even these taps can become stiff or noisy over time if internal components wear or if pressure issues are not addressed properly.
If your tap is hard to turn, making noise, or not operating smoothly, it is best to have it checked early before it seizes or starts causing wider problems through the plumbing system.
We get called to this all the time when a tap has already had one or two repairs and the homeowner is still not getting a reliable result. What seems like “one more repair” is often a tap that has simply reached the point where replacement is the better long-term decision.
Sometimes the issue is not just one leak or fault. Older taps may be leaking, hard to turn, noisy, or require frequent repairs. You may find yourself fixing the same tap repeatedly or dealing with multiple problems at once.
Homeowners often reach the point where they ask whether it is worth repairing the tap again or upgrading to a newer, more reliable option. This is common with outdated kitchen mixers, ageing basin tap sets, older laundry taps, and shower tapware that no longer gives good control.
Likely causes
Tap upgrades are usually considered when:
Older taps rely on washers and mechanical components, while even mixer taps and quarter-turn taps can reach a point where internal wear makes repair less practical. Imported tapware can also be more difficult when brand-specific cartridges or parts are harder to source.
We regularly attend homes where taps have been repaired multiple times but continue to fail due to overall age and condition.
In many cases:
At that point, replacement is often the more practical and cost-effective option. We also help homeowners upgrade to:
The Wheelers Hill case study is a good example. The old sink mixer had reached the end of the line, so instead of forcing another repair, we supplied and installed a new Mizu Drift pull-out mixer and new stop taps to give the homeowner a clean, reliable outcome.
If your tap has had multiple repairs, feels outdated, or continues to cause problems, it may be time to compare repair cost against replacement value.
Upgrading your tap can improve:
Quarter-turn taps, in particular, are popular upgrades due to their smooth operation and suitability for homeowners wanting easier control, including those with arthritis.
Continuing to repair an ageing tap can lead to ongoing costs without resolving the underlying issue.
In many cases, replacement becomes the more practical long-term solution — especially when paired with a proper pressure check to protect the new fixture.
Quarter-turn taps are widely used in newer homes and are often installed as upgrades for their simplicity and reduced effort to operate. They have fewer moving parts than traditional taps, but still rely on internal sealing surfaces that can wear over time. Choosing the right upgrade — and ensuring pressure is properly controlled — helps extend the life of the new tap and protect your plumbing system.
If your tap is no longer reliable, has multiple issues, or is not worth repairing, we can help you choose and install a replacement that suits your home, plumbing layout, and long-term needs.
Not every leaking tap needs the same fix. Whether your tap is dripping, leaking underneath, hard to turn, or no longer worth repairing, we assess the tap type, internal condition, part availability, and water pressure before recommending the right solution.
Our approach is not just to stop the immediate problem — it is to fix it properly and help prevent it from happening again.
For taps that are dripping, hard to turn, or not operating smoothly, a full service is often the best solution. This is most common with older wall-mounted and hob-mounted taps, where we:
For quarter-turn taps, servicing may involve replacing the internal spindle if the ceramic discs or sealing surfaces are worn.
For taps that are leaking from the spout, not shutting off properly, or operating inconsistently, the issue is often internal.
Replacing the correct internal component restores proper operation without unnecessary replacement of the whole tap.
Not all taps are worth repairing. We help you decide based on:
In many cases, a well-executed repair is the best option. In others, replacement provides better long-term value and reliability.
If your taps are outdated, worn, or no longer practical, upgrading can transform both function and appearance.
We install:
For homeowners looking to refresh their space, we also offer:
Modern tapware is available in a wide range of finishes, including:
We can also upgrade matching accessories such as:
This allows you to achieve a clean, consistent, and modern finish across your bathroom or entire home.
Where taps are installed inside the wall, such as in-wall breeches and mixer bodies, replacement can be more involved — but we provide a complete, stress-free solution.
If required, we can:
This ensures the repair or upgrade is done properly from start to finish, without the homeowner needing to organise multiple trades.
Where relevant, we also check your water pressure at the meter. If pressure is above the recommended 500 kPa, we may recommend a pressure limiting valve (PRV) installation to protect your taps, mixers, and internal components from premature wear.
Whether your tap needs a simple repair, a full upgrade, or an in-wall replacement, we provide clear advice and complete solutions so you can make the right decision for your home.
Leaking taps usually happen because an internal sealing part has worn out, but the real story is often a combination of age, wear, movement, and water pressure. In Melbourne homes, we often see ageing copper systems, older spindle-style fixtures, imported tapware with hard-to-source parts, and newer mixer installations all suffering from the same broader problem — the tap is only the symptom, not always the whole cause.
Common causes include:
One of the biggest hidden causes is water pressure. That is why we check the pressure at the meter whenever we install a new tap or carry out certain tap repairs. If the pressure is above the compliant limit, we may recommend a pressure limiting valve (PRV) installation to protect the whole home.
If the issue is broader than the tap itself, we may also look for related problems through our prevention services.
We assess whether the tap is worth repairing, whether parts are available, and whether there is any sign of moisture damage under sinks, vanities, or inside shower areas.
Where practical, we repair the tap properly using quality parts. If the tap is too worn or obsolete, we explain your replacement options clearly.
We test operation, make sure the leak has stopped, and where a new tap is installed or compliance risk is present, we carry out a pressure check at the meter.
We show you what was repaired, explain any future risk areas, and give honest advice on how to protect the rest of your plumbing.
What started as a kitchen tap upgrade on Wheatley Road became a bigger compliance issue when our plumber checked the static pressure at the meter and found it sitting at 800 kPa. Before installing the client’s new Nero mixer tap, we installed a compliant PRV to reduce pressure to 500 kPa, protecting the new fixture and the whole plumbing system.
Outcome: stylish new mixer tap installed properly, with the home protected from excessive pressure.
Learn More: High water pressure fix and mixer tap installation in Ormond
A homeowner on Chancellor Drive had an ageing sink mixer that was no longer reliable and had effectively reached the end of the line. Rather than forcing another short-term repair, we supplied and installed a new Mizu Drift pull-out mixer and fitted new hot and cold stop taps for a cleaner, more serviceable installation.
Outcome: reliable new kitchen tap, better future service access, and a modern upgrade that improved both appearance and function.
Learn More: Leaking kitchen mixer tap replacement in Wheelers Hill
A homeowner on Shafton Street had already tried replacing the washers, but the shower taps kept leaking. We found worn internal parts, a damaged brass seat, and no silicone protection around the spindles, which risked water getting behind the wall. We carried out a full tap service, dressed the seat, replaced seals and washers, and sealed the penetrations correctly.
Outcome: leak fixed properly, smoother tap operation, and better protection against hidden shower wall damage.
Learn More: Shower tap repair after failed DIY fix in Huntingdale
Leaking taps can seem minor, but good plumbing is about more than stopping a drip. It is about making sure the repair is safe, suitable, and not being undermined by another issue in the system.
At Your Choice Plumbers, we look beyond the obvious symptom. That includes checking whether a mixer tap has loosened and started exposing flexible hoses to moisture, whether older taps need proper seat dressing rather than a rushed washer swap, and whether high water pressure is shortening the life of your fixtures.
Where required, we carry out work in line with licensed plumbing requirements and provide honest advice on whether repair or replacement is the better long-term option.

Every completed plumbing job with Your Choice Plumbers includes our Complimentary Property Protection Audit to help protect your home from preventable water damage and compliance risks. As part of this process, we check for key issues that many homeowners never realise are putting their property at risk, including:

This is especially important on everyday home plumbing visits, because repeated fixture failures, hot water issues, leaks, and valve problems can sometimes point to broader pressure or plumbing system stress.


If your leaking tap is part of a bigger plumbing issue, we can help with that too. Homeowners with repeated fixture failures often benefit from a pressure limiting valve (PRV) installation to protect the whole system. If moisture has been getting behind tiled shower walls, our leaking shower repair service may be relevant. For hidden moisture, unexplained dampness, or a suspected pipe issue rather than a tap fault, our water leak detection service Melbourne can help locate the source.
Where tap leaks are part of a broader household problem, we also assist with leaking toilets, hot water system repairs, and water hammer solutions.
We provide professional leaking tap repairs across Melbourne, including:

If the tap keeps dripping after being turned off properly, feels stiff, leaks around the handle, or is leaking underneath the sink, it is time for a plumber to inspect it.
A licensed plumber experienced in tap repairs, cartridges, washers, and pressure-related issues should handle leaking taps properly.
Yes. A constant drip wastes water all day and night, and over time that can add up to a noticeable increase on your bill.
Some homeowners try, but many leaking taps need more than a washer change. Older taps may need seat dressing, seal replacement, or a full service, while mixer taps often need the correct cartridge.
It depends on the age of the tap, the condition of the body, and whether parts are available. Many taps can be repaired, but heavily worn or obsolete taps are often better replaced.
Changes in pressure and quieter surroundings often make leaks more noticeable at night, but the underlying cause is still worn internal components.
This is commonly caused by a worn or failed cartridge. If the tap is also loose, there may be water getting under the base as well.
For older separate hot and cold taps, the most common issues are worn fibre washers, spindle seals, seized internal parts, and rough or cracked tap seats.
Yes. Where relevant, we check the water pressure at the meter because excessive pressure can shorten the life of taps and other plumbing fixtures.
If the tap keeps dripping after being turned off properly, feels stiff, leaks around the handle, or is leaking underneath the sink, it is time for a plumber to inspect it.
A licensed plumber experienced in tap repairs, cartridges, washers, and pressure-related issues should handle leaking taps properly.
Yes. A constant drip wastes water all day and night, and over time that can add up to a noticeable increase on your bill.
Some homeowners try, but many leaking taps need more than a washer change. Older taps may need seat dressing, seal replacement, or a full service, while mixer taps often need the correct cartridge.
It depends on the age of the tap, the condition of the body, and whether parts are available. Many taps can be repaired, but heavily worn or obsolete taps are often better replaced.
Changes in pressure and quieter surroundings often make leaks more noticeable at night, but the underlying cause is still worn internal components.
This is commonly caused by a worn or failed cartridge. If the tap is also loose, there may be water getting under the base as well.
For older separate hot and cold taps, the most common issues are worn fibre washers, spindle seals, seized internal parts, and rough or cracked tap seats.
Yes. Where relevant, we check the water pressure at the meter because excessive pressure can shorten the life of taps and other plumbing fixtures.
A leaking tap rarely gets better on its own. Whether you have an old wall-mounted shower tap, a dripping basin tap, a loose kitchen mixer, or an outdoor tap that will not shut off properly, we can help you get it sorted properly.
Your Choice Plumbers – Home Plumbing Experts – provides trusted, homeowner-focused leaking tap repairs across Melbourne, with clear advice, quality workmanship, and practical long-term solutions.