Leaking tap in Mildura: fix it yourself or call a plumber?

A dripping tap is easy to ignore. It is not causing visible damage, the water is still running, and fixing it keeps getting bumped down the list. But a leaking tap wastes more water than most people realise, and in some cases it is a sign of a bigger issue building underneath.

Here is what is actually happening when a tap leaks, why you cannot legally fix it yourself in NSW, how much it typically costs to have a plumber sort it, and when a dripping tap is worth treating as urgent.

How much water does a dripping tap waste?

A tap that drips once per second wastes approximately 30 litres per day. That is over 10,000 litres per year from a single tap. If you have two or three dripping taps in the house, the number climbs quickly.

In a region like Sunraysia where water security matters, that is not a trivial amount. It also adds up on your water bill, particularly on a metered connection.

Can you fix a leaking tap yourself in NSW?

No. Under NSW plumbing legislation, you are not permitted to carry out plumbing work yourself unless you hold a current plumbing licence. This includes replacing tap washers and ceramic cartridges, which are the most common fixes for a dripping tap.

Carrying out unlicensed plumbing work can void your home insurance policy if a subsequent water damage claim is made. It can also cause problems when you sell the property if unlicensed work is discovered during a building inspection.

Brad is a fully licensed plumber (NSW licence) and can fix leaking taps properly and legally across Mildura, Dareton, Wentworth, and the Greater Sunraysia region.

What causes a tap to drip?

The most common causes of a dripping tap depend on the tap type:

Washer taps (older style, two separate handles)

These use a rubber washer that presses against a brass seat to stop the water flow. Over time the washer wears out, compresses unevenly, or hardens, and water starts to get through. The fix is usually a new washer, but if the tap seat is also damaged it needs to be reground or the whole tap body replaced. The hard water in Sunraysia accelerates seat wear, which is why tap seats wear out faster here than in softer water areas.

Ceramic disc taps (modern style, quarter-turn)

These use a ceramic cartridge instead of a rubber washer. They are more durable but do wear out, particularly in hard water areas where mineral deposits gradually degrade the ceramic surfaces. When they fail, the whole cartridge is replaced rather than just a washer. The cost is slightly higher but the repair lasts longer.

Mixer taps (single lever, hot and cold together)

These have a cartridge inside the body that controls both temperature and flow. When they drip or leak around the base, it usually means the cartridge has failed. Mixer cartridges vary by brand and model, so having the right parts matters. Brad sources parts through local suppliers and can usually complete mixer tap repairs in a single visit.

When is a dripping tap urgent?

Most dripping taps are a nuisance rather than an emergency. However, a few situations warrant treating it as more urgent:

• The tap is dripping faster than one or two drips per second and the rate is increasing
• Water is leaking from the base of the tap or around the handle rather than just from the spout
• The tap is on a hot water service and the hot water system is working harder than usual as a result
• You can hear water running inside the wall near the tap when everything is turned off
• The leak has caused staining, swelling, or soft spots in nearby cabinetry or walls

The last two scenarios point to something more serious than a worn washer. If you can hear running water inside walls, read the Remote Plumbing guide on water leak detection before calling.

How much does tap repair cost in Mildura?

A standard leaking tap repair in Mildura typically costs between $150 and $280. This covers the callout fee, labour, and basic parts such as a washer or ceramic cartridge. Mixer tap cartridge replacement can run slightly higher depending on the brand and availability of the cartridge.

If the tap seat needs regrinding or the whole tap body needs replacing, Brad will tell you before doing the additional work and give you a clear price for what is involved.

For a full breakdown of plumbing costs in the Sunraysia region, see the Remote Plumbing pricing guide for Mildura.

Outdoor and garden taps

Outdoor taps leak for the same reasons as indoor taps but are often left longer because they are out of sight. They are also more exposed to UV, temperature swings, and physical damage, all of which accelerate wear. If an outdoor tap is leaking at the wall fitting rather than the spout, there may also be a connection issue at the wall that needs attention before it affects the internal pipework.

Should you replace a leaking tap or just repair it?

Repair is almost always the right first call for taps that are otherwise in good condition. If the tap is older, heavily corroded, or has already been repaired multiple times, replacement may be more economical. Brad will give you an honest recommendation on the spot, with no pressure either way.

See the full list of tap and plumbing services Brad offers across Mildura and Greater Sunraysia, or send a message to arrange a time.