How to Stop Your Tap From Dripping Overnight

A dripping tap is more than just an annoying sound – it can waste hundreds of litres of water a year and increase your water bill. In Melbourne, small plumbing issues like this are common, but most homeowners don’t realise how quickly a tiny leak can turn into a costly problem.

At Plumbsave, our licensed plumbers provide fast and reliable tap repair services in Melbourne. This guide will help you identify the cause of a dripping tap and explain what you can safely do yourself and when to call a professional.

Why Taps Drip

• Worn Washers: Traditional taps often have rubber washers that wear out over time, causing leaks.
• Damaged O-Rings: O-rings create a seal in cartridge taps. A damaged O-ring can lead to drips around the handle.
• Corroded Valve Seats: The valve seat connects the tap body to the spout. Corrosion can prevent a proper seal.
• High Water Pressure: Excessive pressure in your plumbing system can cause taps to leak even when they are closed.

DIY Fixes for a Dripping Tap

Before calling a plumber, there are a few safe steps you can try:

1. Turn off the water supply to the tap.
2. Remove the tap handle and inspect the washer or O-ring.
3. Replace worn or damaged washers or O-rings.
4. Reassemble the tap and turn the water supply back on.
5. Check if the dripping has stopped.

Important safety tip: If you’re not confident with disassembling your tap or your plumbing system has high pressure, it’s safer to call a licensed plumber rather than risk further damage.

When to Call a Plumber

• The tap continues to drip after replacing washers or O-rings.
• Multiple taps in your home are leaking.
• There are signs of corrosion, water damage, or mould.
• You notice unusually high water bills despite low usage.

Plumbsave plumbers provide efficient tap repair services in Melbourne, ensuring your leaks are fixed correctly the first time and helping prevent future issues.

Prevent Future Dripping Taps

• Regularly check taps for leaks or loose fittings.
• Install a pressure-reducing valve if your home has high water pressure.
• Clean tap aerators to prevent debris from damaging washers or cartridges.
• Schedule routine plumbing inspections to catch problems early.

Book a Tap Repair Service Today

If your Melbourne tap is dripping overnight or you’re experiencing other minor plumbing issues, contact Plumbsave today. Our licensed plumbers will repair your tap quickly and reliably, saving water and preventing damage.