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A dripping tap is loud. Annoying. And expensive over time. The good news? In many homes, you can fix it in under 20 minutes with basic tools. This guide walks you through how to change a tap washer safely, step by step. No jargon. No guesswork. Just a clear plan you can follow at the sink.
Key Takeaways
- A dripping tap wastes water every day, and replacing the washer is often the fastest fix.
- You can change most tap washers using a screwdriver, adjustable spanner, and a new washer of the same size.
- Turning off the water supply is the most important safety step. Skip this and you flood the sink.
- If the tap still leaks after replacement, the tap body or valve seat may be damaged. That needs a plumber.
Why Taps Leak and What A Washer Actually Does
Inside most traditional hot and cold taps sits a small rubber washer. Its job is simple: create a watertight seal when you turn the tap off.
Over time, that washer wears down. Water pressure, friction, and mineral build-up flatten it. Once the seal fails, water keeps slipping through. That’s your leaking tap.
A worn washer is the most common cause of leaking taps in Australian homes. The tap itself may be fine. You just need to replace the small sacrificial part designed to take the wear.
This matters because dripping taps are not harmless. According to the Australian Government’s YourHome water efficiency guide, a single dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water each year if left unfixed.
https://www.yourhome.gov.au/water/water-efficient-fixtures
That’s money down the drain. Literally.
Fixing it early protects:
- Your water bill
- Your tap components
- Your sink and cabinetry
- Overall water pressure balance
And it’s one of the easiest DIY plumbing jobs a homeowner can attempt.
If you’re unsure at any point, stop and call. We’re available 24/7 for urgent plumbing across Sydney, and we quote upfront after diagnosis so there are no surprises
Tools and parts you need before you start
You don’t need a full toolbox. Just the right tools.
Basic tools checklist
- Flat head screwdriver or flathead screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench or adjustable spanner
- Replacement washer (same size as the old washer)
- Cloth or towel (to protect the sink)
- Small container for screws
- Plumber’s grease (optional)
Important: Take the old washer to the hardware store if you’re unsure of the size. A mismatched washer won’t seal properly and the tap continues to leak.
| Step | Tool Needed | Why It Matters |
| Remove tap cover | Flat screwdriver | Access internal screw |
| Loosen tap handle | Adjustable spanner | Prevent stripping threads |
| Replace washer | New washer | Restore watertight seal |
| Reassemble tap | Same tools | Secure without overtightening |
This is a small job. Precision matters more than force.
Step-By-Step Instructions: How To Change A Tap Washer
Follow this order. Don’t skip steps.
1. Turn off the water supply
Find the isolation valve under the sink or shut off the main supply. Turn it fully off. Open the tap to release remaining water. Let the remaining water drain before you start. This protects you from pressure bursts.
2. Remove the tap cover
Pry off the decorative tap cover gently with a flat head screwdriver. Underneath is a screw holding the tap handle in place. Keep the screw safe.
3. Remove the tap handle
Unscrew and lift the tap handle straight up. If it sticks, wiggle gently. Don’t force it sideways. You’ll now see the tap body.
4. Loosen the tap assembly
Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the nut around the tap components. Turn slowly. Once loose, pull the spindle out.
The washer sits at the bottom.
5. Remove the old washer
Unscrew or slide off the worn washer. Check its condition. Most old washers look flattened or cracked. Install the new washer of the same size.
6. Reassemble in reverse order
Insert the spindle. Tighten gently. Reattach the tap handle. Replace the screw and cover. Turn the water back on. Test the tap slowly. Watch the water flow. If you’ve done it correctly, the dripping stops immediately. Congratulations. You successfully changed the washer.
The Real Cost Of Ignoring A Leaking Tap
Many homeowners delay this repair. It feels minor.
It’s not.
Water Services Association of Australia reports that household leaks can account for a significant portion of avoidable residential water waste. Even slow drips accumulate into measurable financial loss over time. And the longer a washer fails, the more damage occurs inside the tap body. That turns a $2 washer fix into a full tap replacement.
In severe cases, pressure imbalance contributes to pipe stress. While rare, persistent plumbing faults can escalate into larger issues that eventually involve blocked drains or damaged fittings.
We see this often during emergency callouts. A small leak ignored becomes a weekend plumbing crisis. We’re built for those emergencies. Sydney Blocked Drains specialises in fast diagnosis, clear communication, and permanent solutions, not patch jobs
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
DIY repairs fail for predictable reasons.
Avoid these:
- Not turning off the main supply
- Using the wrong washer size
- Overtightening during reassembly
- Forgetting remaining water pressure
- Stripping screws
- Mixing hot and cold tap components
If the tap leaks after replacement, don’t keep tightening. That damages the valve seat.
At that point, the issue is no longer a simple washer. A professional plumber is safer and cheaper than forcing the fix.
When You Should Skip Diy And Call A Plumber
Some taps are not beginner friendly.
Call a professional if:
- The tap is seized or corroded
- The spindle won’t come out
- The valve seat is damaged
- Water pressure surges after repair
- Multiple taps are leaking
- You hear banging pipes
- You suspect blocked drains
These signs point to system-wide issues, not just a washer.
We’re available 24/7 across Sydney. You call. We diagnose. We show you the evidence. Then we quote before work starts.
That’s how trust is built in emergency plumbing
Tap Still Leaking? We’ll Fix It Properly Today.
If the leak doesn’t stop — or you’d rather have it fixed properly the first time — we’re ready.
Sydney Blocked Drains is available 24/7 across Sydney for urgent plumbing and drainage issues. We diagnose first, show you exactly what’s happening, and give an upfront price before any work begins. No surprises. No pressure. Just a clear plan to fix the problem.
Call 1300 628 084 now or book online for fast help from drainage specialists. We’ll stop the leak, protect your plumbing, and make sure it doesn’t come back.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my tap still drip after replacing the washer?
The valve seat may be damaged. A washer alone can’t seal against a worn surface.
Can I change a tap washer without turning off water?
No. You risk flooding the sink and damaging the tap.
Are all washers the same size?
No. Size must match exactly for a watertight seal.
How long should a tap washer last?
Typically 1–5 years depending on water pressure and mineral content.
Is it cheaper to replace the whole tap?
Only if the tap body is damaged. A washer is always the first repair step.
