Better Budget: Tap Washers

That persistent drip from your kitchen or bathroom tap is more than just annoying. A leaking tap can waste up to 24,000 litres of water per year, adding unnecessary costs to your water bill if you are on metered supply. The good news is that many leaking taps can be fixed with a simple washer replacement that costs under $10.

What Causes Taps to Drip

Most traditional taps use a rubber washer that creates a seal when you turn the tap off. Over time, this washer wears down from repeated compression and water pressure. The result is a tap that drips even when fully closed.

Not all taps use rubber washers. Modern mixer taps and quarter turn taps often use ceramic disc cartridges instead. These last longer but cost more to replace.

DIY Tap Washer Replacement

Replacing a tap washer is one of the few plumbing jobs you can legally do yourself in New Zealand. You do not need to be a licensed plumber to replace washers, ball valves, or tap plugs.

The process is straightforward for traditional jumper valve taps. Turn off the water supply, remove the tap handle and spindle, replace the worn washer with a new one, and reassemble. Hardware stores sell washer assortment packs for under $10.

You will need basic tools like an adjustable spanner and screwdriver. The job typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if everything goes smoothly.

When DIY Becomes Difficult

Several situations make professional help worthwhile. If the tap is seized from corrosion, forcing it can cause damage. Stripped threads inside the tap body need expert repair or tap replacement. Ceramic cartridge taps require specific replacement parts that vary by manufacturer.

Older homes sometimes have taps that have not been serviced for decades. These can be difficult to disassemble without causing additional problems.

Professional Plumber Costs

If DIY is not practical, calling a plumber typically costs $100 to $250 for a leaking tap repair. This includes a call out fee of $60 to $100 plus labour.

Plumber hourly rates in New Zealand range from $90 to $150 plus GST. Auckland and Wellington tend toward the higher end while regional areas are often more affordable. Complex repairs or tap replacement add to the total cost.

Identifying Your Tap Type

Before attempting repairs, identify what type of tap you have. Traditional taps turn multiple times to open and close and typically use rubber washers. Quarter turn taps that move 90 degrees to open usually have ceramic disc cartridges. Mixer taps may use either system depending on age and brand.

If you are unsure, take a photo to show hardware store staff or search for your tap brand online.

Finding Replacement Parts

Bunnings, Mitre 10, and plumbing supply stores stock standard tap washers. For ceramic cartridges, you may need to identify the tap brand and model. Some cartridges are universal while others are brand specific.

Keep a few spare washers on hand once you know what size your taps use. This makes future repairs quick and inexpensive.

Making the Decision

For a standard dripping tap with accessible parts, DIY repair saves $90 to $240 compared to calling a plumber. The repair takes under an hour and requires minimal tools.

Call a plumber if the tap is seized, you cannot identify the parts needed, or previous repair attempts have failed. The cost of a plumber visit is worthwhile compared to potentially damaging your tap or plumbing.