Is that dripping tap keeping you awake at night? A leaking tap is actually one of the most common plumbing annoyances in Australia – but luckily, it’s often one you can fix yourself quite straightforwardly. The challenge is that not all taps are built the same. So rather than ten different guides for ten different tap types, here’s a watertight (pun intended) universal method that shows you exactly how to change a tap washer or cartridge – no matter what kind of tap you’ve got.
Step 1: Identify your tap type
Before you grab a wrench, spend 30 seconds figuring out what you’re dealing with.
Traditional ‘turn-style’ taps (compression taps): These twist several turns to open or close. They use a rubber washer that presses onto a valve seat to stop the water.
Quarter-turn taps (ceramic disc taps): Only need a quarter-turn to go from off to on. Instead of a rubber washer, they use a ceramic cartridge.
Mixer taps (single-lever): One handle moves up and sideways to mix hot and cold. Inside is a cartridge and O-rings rather than a standard washer.
Basically:
- If your tap turns multiple times, you’re changing a washer.
- If it turns a quarter or uses one lever, you’re changing a cartridge.
Either way, the early steps are the same.
Step 2: Get your tools ready
For a smooth tap washer change, set yourself up with:
- Adjustable spanner and screwdriver
- Replacement washer or cartridge (take your old one to the shop to match)
- Plumber’s grease
- Thread tape
- Towels and bucket
- A sink plug (so nothing disappears down the drain).
Step 3: Turn off & release the water
Find your isolation valves – they’re usually under the sink or near the meter outside.
Then:
- Turn off the water
- Open the tap to release any pressure in the line.
This single step not only prevents floods, but also frustration, and expensive and messy mistakes!
Step 4: Disassemble the tap
Now we’re really going to get stuck into the job:
- Remove the handle cap and unscrew the retaining screw.
- Lift the handle off.
- Use your spanner to undo the bonnet nut (the metal sleeve around the spindle).
- Carefully withdraw the spindle assembly.
At the end of the spindle, you’ll see the small black or brown rubber washer that’s been doing all the hard work.
Step 5: Replace the washer or cartridge
For compression taps:
- Pop off the old washer and replace it with a new one of the same size.
- Clean the seat if it looks worn or pitted – that’s how you fix a tap washer that keeps dripping even after replacement.
- Lightly grease any O-rings and reassemble the spindle.
For quarter-turn or mixer taps:
- Remove the cartridge by unscrewing its retaining nut.
- Take it to your local hardware store to match – brand, size, and pin layout matter.
- Install the new one, reassemble – and you’re done.
This single decision point – washer or cartridge – is the heart of this ‘works-for-everything’ method. Once you know which you have, you already know how to change a washer in a tap or when to replace the cartridge instead.
Step 6: Reassemble & test
Let’s now rebuild the tap in reverse order – while applying a few wraps of thread tape on the bonnet for a watertight seal.
- Turn the water back on slowly
- Then check for leaks and smooth operation.
If the handle feels stiff, add a dab of grease. If it drips again after a few days, the seat may be damaged – that’s when it’s worth getting a plumber to re-dress the seat or inspect deeper inside the body.
Step 7: Know the exceptions
Even though this universal guide works for nearly every single household tap, there are a few exceptions where you should call a licensed plumber:
- The bonnet or spindle is seized or corroded.
- You’ve got old or imported fittings with non-standard threads.
- Water is leaking inside cabinetry or walls.
- You’ve tried changing a tap washer more than once with no success.
For older homes in particular, replacing tap washers Australia-wide often uncovers hidden corrosion or mineral build-up – nothing dangerous, just one of those ‘get the pro to reseat it once and it’s perfect for years’ jobs.
Troubleshooting quick list
If your tap still isn’t behaving after a seemingly successful tap washer change, here’s what to check next:
Still dripping after replacement?: The valve seat inside the body is probably worn or pitted. You’ll need to have it re-dressed with a reseating tool or get a plumber to grind it smooth.
Water leaking from under the handle?: This usually points to a worn O-ring around the spindle. Replacing it and applying a small amount of plumber’s grease will stop the seepage.
Handle stiff or hard to turn?: Mineral scale may have built up around the spindle or thread. Soak the parts in vinegar before reassembling to dissolve the deposits.
Mixer only run hot or cold?: That’s a sign of a faulty cartridge rather than a washer issue. Replace the cartridge and test the mix again.
This step-by-step process is the same one professionals follow when changing tap washers Australia-wide – the only difference is the tools and speed.
Smart maintenance tip
Most homeowners wait until the constant dripping drives them mad – but replacing washers as routine maintenance saves water and money. Did you know every slow-drip-tap can waste up to 20,000 litres per year? So if you’re comfortable doing it yourself, this guide on how to change a washer on a tap can make it part of your weekend upkeep routine.
If not, plumbers like S&J can handle it fast – and our repair will come with a check on your water pressure, too, which is often the hidden cause of frequent leaks.
To sum it all up
Learning how to change the washer on a tap doesn’t require special tools – just patience and a little prep. And once you’ve done it once, you’ll also know how to change a washer in any tap around the house, pretty much. And if you’re stuck with a tricky mixer, you’ll understand how to change tap washers isn’t always the solution – sometimes it’s the cartridge’s turn to test your DIY skills.
So whether you’re changing a washer in a tap yourself or calling in help, the process is universal:
- Water off
- Handle off
- Bonnet off
- Part swapped
- Job done!
When it’s time to call the pros
Still dripping – even though you now know how to fix a tap washer? That’s okay – some issues simply need a plumber’s eye. At S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting, we handle everything from replacing tap washers Australia-wide to full tap upgrades and beyond. With upfront pricing, friendly service, and guaranteed workmanship, we’ll have your taps fixed right the first time.
Call or book online now – for professional, fast, and friendly tap repairs that are always done properly the first time.