How to change a tap washer

Did you know a leaking tap can waste up to 150 litres of water, every single day? 

That’s a serious amount of water going straight down the drain — and money off your next water bill! With water conservation more important than ever, fixing that drip is a smart move.

In most cases, a leaking tap is caused by a worn-out tap washer. The good news? Replacing a washer is one of the easiest plumbing tasks you can tackle yourself. We’ll walk you through the process in just five simple steps.

When Should You Replace Your Tap Washer?

If your tap keeps dripping no matter how tightly you turn it off, it’s likely time for a new washer. These are parts that wear out over time and should be replaced every 1–2 years.

How Long Does a Tap Washer Last?

It depends on the material. Ceramic washers tend to last much longer, while rubber ones may only hold up for about a year—especially if they’re in hot water taps, which wear out faster.

What Exactly Is a Tap Washer?

A tap washer is a small, disc-shaped component with a hole in the centre. It acts as a seal to stop the flow of water when the tap is turned off. When this seal wears out, leaks begin.

Leaking Tap by the Numbers:

• A tap dripping 10 times per minute = 

  • 14,400 drips per day (around 3 litres)

  • 21 litres per week

  • 90 litres per month

What Tools Do You Need to Replace a Tap Washer?

• Screwdriver

• Pliers

• Spanner

• Towel

• A new washer

• About 10 minutes of your time

5 Simple Steps to Replace Your Tap Washer

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate your mains water valve and turn it off. Then open the tap to drain any remaining water from the pipes. If it’s a hot tap, make sure to turn off the water heater or boiler too.

Step 2: Dismantle the Tap

Use a screwdriver to gently remove the cap or handle. Then, remove the metal shroud with pliers. With a spanner, unscrew the tap body to access the jumper valve and washer.

Step 3: Swap Out the Washer

Use pliers to remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. Easy!

Step 4: Reassemble the Tap

Screw the body back in, replace all parts in reverse order, and tighten everything securely.

Step 5: Turn Water Back On

Once the tap is back together, turn your water back on. Test the tap and check for leaks.

Boom—you’ve just fixed your leaking tap! Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.

Need Help? Call the Experts

If DIY isn’t your thing, no stress. Our team at MDG Plumbing Services specialises in repairing leaking taps in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and more—right across Sydney. We’ll be there within the hour! Call us today on 0435 636 278 for a free quote.

Want to learn more about common tap issues? Here’s a breakdown of different tap types and how we can help:

Wall-Mounted Taps

These are often behind tiles or walls, making access tricky. We handle these complex jobs with care and precision. Tiling or wall repair may be needed afterward.

Mixer Taps

These taps combine hot and cold water in a single spout and use a cartridge instead of a washer. We can replace faulty cartridges or the entire tap if needed.

Basin and Sink Taps

Got a dripping basin or kitchen tap? It could be the washer, spindle, valve seating, or T-piece. We diagnose and fix all of it—fast.

Laundry Taps

We repair or replace laundry taps of all types: wall-mounted, mixer, or standard. If the tap is too damaged, we’ll install a new one.

Shower Taps

Whether you’ve got mixer or traditional two-handle taps, we’re trained to repair or replace them quickly and efficiently.

Garden Taps

Outdoor taps can corrode over time. We can either repair them with new parts or install brand-new taps to get them working again.

Spouts and Shower Roses

From bath spouts to showerheads, we carry a wide range of parts for fast replacements or upgrades—no need to source them yourself.

Quarter and Half-Turn Taps

These user-friendly taps rely on cartridges, not washers. If the cartridge fails, we’ll try to replace it or offer new tapware if needed.

Water Filters

Want clean, filtered water at home? We install most major water filter systems and can recommend options if you’re unsure what to choose.