Nothing in the world is more annoying than that drip… drip… drip at 2am.
At first, you tell yourself you’ll deal with it tomorrow. Then tomorrow becomes next week. Then next week turns into “how big could my water bill really get?”
But here’s the thing: that tiny drip isn’t just wasting water. It’s slowly eating away at your tap fittings, your pipes, and your patience. And by the time you finally call a plumber, that “little leak” might’ve turned into a full-blown headache.
So… do you actually need a plumber for a leaking tap? Or can you grab a wrench, tighten a few things, and call it a day? Let’s break it down.
Short Answer:
Yes, you probably do need a plumber.
It sounds small, but a leaking tap is almost never just a loose fitting. That drip is a signal. Something’s wearing out, cracked, or not sealing the way it should. It could be a worn washer, a corroded valve seat, or a damaged cartridge.
Sure, you might stop the leak for a day or two with a quick tighten or a bit of tape. But the cause is still there, waiting. And when it gives out again, it’ll usually be worse than before.
Why Small Leaks Turn into Big Problems
A slow leak seems harmless, but over time it does real damage. Water wears things down. It seeps into cracks, corrodes metal, and swells wooden cabinets.
That steady drip can turn into a burst pipe, a warped benchtop, or a soaked cupboard floor.
Then there’s the hidden cost. Even a slow leak can waste thousands of litres of water every year. That’s money down the drain, literally.
And if the leak is coming from a mixer tap or under the sink, it could be spreading water into places you can’t see. A wet patch behind a cabinet or under tiles can lead to mould and rot. Those repairs make a plumber’s visit look cheap.
When You Can Try Fixing It Yourself
If you’re handy, you can try a basic fix before calling someone out. Turn off your water, grab a wrench, and check a few things:
- See if the tap handle feels loose.
- Look for mineral build-up or corrosion.
- Check if the washer or cartridge looks worn.
If you know the type of tap, you can replace those parts pretty easily. It’s worth trying once, especially for an older tap you’re thinking about replacing anyway.
But if you fix it and it starts dripping again a few days later, that’s your sign. The problem isn’t the part. It’s deeper in the tap or pipework. That’s plumber territory.
The Real Benefit of Getting a Plumber
A licensed plumber doesn’t just stop the drip. They find out why it’s happening.
They’ll inspect the valve seat, check the seals, and look at the pressure in your pipes. Sometimes a tap leaks because of something completely different, like high water pressure, pipe movement, or even small cracks in the plumbing line.
Fixing it properly means you won’t have to deal with it again in two weeks. It also means you catch any other small problems before they grow. That’s what makes it worth calling someone.
You’re not paying for a quick fix. You’re paying to make sure that leak doesn’t turn into something that floods your kitchen.
What Happens If You Ignore It
It’s easy to live with a dripping tap. You stop hearing it after a while. But here’s what happens behind the scenes:
- Your water bill goes up. Even a slow drip can waste more than 10,000 litres a year.
- Your fixtures wear faster. The constant flow wears out seals and washers.
- Corrosion sets in. Metal parts start to rust, especially around the base.
- Mould grows. Damp areas around the sink or inside cupboards become perfect for it.
- Pressure builds. If the leak is caused by high water pressure, that strain spreads to every other tap and pipe in your house.
By the time you notice other symptoms, like noisy pipes or weak water flow, the damage might already be done.
The Plumber’s Advantage
A plumber can fix your leak fast, but they also prevent future ones. They’ll check your tap fittings, water pressure, and seals all at once. They’ll also let you know if it’s time to upgrade your tapware to something more efficient.
Modern taps with ceramic disc cartridges last longer and use less water. If your home still has old-style washers, a plumber can replace them with better gear and save you hundreds on water bills over time.
And if the leak’s a symptom of a bigger problem, like a faulty line or water hammer, a plumber will catch it before it becomes expensive.
A Leaking Tap Isn’t Just a Nuisance
It’s the start of something worse if left alone. Most people don’t notice the slow damage until they have to replace cabinetry, tiles, or flooring. That’s why the best time to call a plumber is when you first hear that drip.
Think of it like going to the doctor when something feels off. Fix it early, and it’s cheap and quick. Ignore it, and it becomes complicated and expensive.
The Bottom Line
A leaking tap might not seem urgent, but it’s a small problem that can turn expensive fast. Each drip adds up, wearing down your plumbing, increasing your water bill, and causing hidden damage behind your sink or walls.
If your tap keeps leaking no matter what you try, it’s time to bring in the experts. A licensed plumber can find the real cause, fix it properly, and help you avoid bigger problems later.
At Do Some Plumbing, we help homeowners across Logan and surrounding areas stop leaks before they become costly repairs. Whether it’s a dripping tap, a burst pipe, or a full plumbing inspection, our friendly local plumbers get the job done right the first time.
Don’t let a small leak drain your wallet.
Call Do Some Plumbing today for fast, affordable leaking tap repairs in Logan. We’ll fix the problem properly and keep your plumbing running smoothly.
📞 Call 07 5540 7337 or visit dosomeplumbing.com.au to book your service now.