How to Fix Leaking Taps and Showerheads: A Complete Guide for Perth Homes

Stop the Drip — Save Water, Money, and Your Sanity

That annoying drip-drip from your tap or showerhead isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a major source of water waste. In a place like Perth, where water conservation is essential, even a small leak can cost you hundreds of litres a week and significantly increase your water bill.

At Jarrah Group, our Perth Hills handyman team specialises in efficient, lasting solutions to fix leaking taps, dripping mixers, and faulty showerheads. Whether you’re in Glen Forrest, Mundaring, or anywhere across the hills, we’ve got practical advice and the hands-on skills to fix the issue right the first time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• How to diagnose common causes of leaks

• The tools and parts you’ll need

• Step-by-step instructions

• When to DIY and when to call a professional

What Causes Taps and Showers to Leak?

Before you grab the wrench, it helps to understand why leaks happen in the first place. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Worn Washers

The most common cause of a dripping tap. Compression taps (usually two handles) use rubber washers that degrade over time.

2. Damaged Ceramic Discs

Mixer taps often rely on ceramic disc cartridges. When these crack or wear out, you’ll experience leaks around the handle or spout.

3. Loose O-Rings

O-rings seal the spout to the base of the tap body. When they wear out, they cause leaks at the base.

4. Corroded Valve Seats

If the seat where the washer meets the tap body is corroded or pitted, it prevents a proper seal.

5. Water Pressure Issues

High or inconsistent pressure can damage tap internals and lead to leaks over time.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

If you're confident in your DIY skills and want to attempt a basic fix, here’s what you’ll need:

• Shifting spanner or tap spanner

• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers

• Replacement washers or cartridges (match the brand/model)

• Plumber’s grease

• Seat grinder (optional, for older taps)

• O-ring replacement kit

• Rags and bucket

Safety tip: Always shut off the water supply before starting any plumbing task.

How to Fix a Leaking Tap (Compression Type)

These are the traditional hot and cold tap pairs most common in older Perth homes.

Step 1: Turn off the water
Locate your water meter and shut off the supply.

Step 2: Open the tap
Let any remaining water drain out.

Step 3: Remove the handle
Use a screwdriver to remove the handle cap and then the screw beneath.

Step 4: Unscrew the tap bonnet
Use a spanner to loosen and remove the body. The spindle and washer assembly should now be visible.

Step 5: Replace the washer
Pull off the old washer and replace it with a new one of the same size. Grease the spindle.

Step 6: Reassemble and test
Put everything back in reverse order, turn the water back on, and test.

How to Fix a Leaking Mixer Tap

Mixer taps are common in kitchens and bathrooms and usually use a single ceramic disc cartridge.

Step 1: Turn off water supply
Isolate hot and cold under the sink or at the meter.

Step 2: Remove the handle
Use an Allen key or screwdriver to remove the grub screw under the handle.

Step 3: Remove the cartridge
Use a spanner to unscrew the cover and bonnet nut. Remove the cartridge.

Step 4: Insert replacement cartridge
Install a new ceramic disc cartridge (must match the brand and size).

Step 5: Reassemble and test
Turn the water back on and test for leaks.

How to Fix a Dripping Showerhead

Dripping showerheads often result from worn washers or a faulty mixer.

Step 1: Shut off water supply
As with taps, isolate the water.

Step 2: Unscrew the showerhead
Use a wrench and cloth to protect chrome. Remove the head from the arm.

Step 3: Check washer or O-ring
Replace any worn washers or O-rings inside the showerhead.

Step 4: Clean and reinstall
Flush any sediment, reassemble with new Teflon tape, and test.

If the leak persists, the issue may lie in the mixer or behind the wall. That’s when it’s time to call a handyman in Perth.

When to Call a Perth Hills Handyman

Some tasks are straightforward, but others require the right tools, parts, or expertise:

• You can’t identify the source of the leak

• You’ve tried fixing it but the leak returns

• The tap body or wall fixture is corroded

• Water pressure is unusually high

At Jarrah Group, our experienced Mundaring handyman team can handle all tap and shower repairs quickly, cleanly, and safely.

How Leaks Waste Water — and Money

A slow drip can waste up to 20,000 litres of water annually. That’s not just bad for the environment — it costs you real money every billing cycle.

With Western Australia’s hot climate and increasing water costs, fixing leaks promptly is one of the easiest ways to:

• Save water

• Lower utility bills

• Prevent damage to cabinetry or walls

• Reduce your environmental footprint

Preventing Future Leaks

• Don’t overtighten taps — this damages washers and spindles

• Replace washers or cartridges every few years

• Use quality fixtures with replaceable parts

• Book a seasonal plumbing check-up to catch issues early

Our team offers preventative maintenance plans for homes, rentals, and strata properties in the Perth Hills.

Why Choose Jarrah Group for Tap and Shower Repairs?

• We’re based in Glen Forrest and know local property types

• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

• Fast response and courteous, tidy service

• Fully insured and experienced with all brands

Whether you’re dealing with a single drip or a total tap failure, we’ll fix it right — and help you avoid repeat issues.

Final Thoughts: Stop the Leak Before It Grows

Every drip from a faulty tap or shower is more than an annoyance — it’s wasted money and resources.

Don’t ignore it. Let Jarrah Group's Perth Hills handyman team inspect, repair, and restore your plumbing fixtures today.