How much does it cost to fix a leaking tap in Melbourne?

A dripping tap is one of those things that's easy to ignore — until you see your water bill. Here's what leaking tap repairs typically cost in Melbourne, when you can DIY it, and why it's always worth fixing promptly.

Leaking tap repair costs in Melbourne

Repair type	Typical cost range
Washer replacement (standard tap)	$80–$180
Ceramic disc cartridge replacement	$120–$250
O-ring or seal replacement	$80–$180
Full tap replacement (labour only)	$150–$350
Full tap replacement (supply + install)	$300–$800
Mixer tap replacement (kitchen/bathroom)	$350–$900 supply + install

Most leaking tap repairs are completed within an hour. The call-out fee (typically $80–$150) is usually included in the above prices or added separately.

The real cost of ignoring a dripping tap

A tap dripping once per second wastes approximately 30 litres of water per day — over 10,000 litres per year. At Melbourne's current water rates, that's around $30–$50 per year in wasted water for a single slow drip. A faster leak can waste significantly more. Multiply that by multiple leaking taps and the savings from a prompt repair become obvious — not to mention the environmental cost of wasted water.

Can you fix a leaking tap yourself?

For older-style tap washers (the round rubber disc inside a traditional tap body), DIY replacement is possible if you're comfortable with basic tools. You'll need to turn off the water supply to the tap, disassemble the tap handle, replace the washer, and reassemble. Parts cost around $5–$15.

However, there are reasons to call a plumber:

• Modern mixer taps and ceramic disc cartridges are more complex — incorrect disassembly can damage the tap body

• If the tap seat is damaged (the surface the washer presses against), a new washer won't stop the drip — the seat needs resurfacing or the tap replacing

• If you're not confident working with plumbing, a botched DIY repair can make the problem worse and cost more to fix

• In Victoria, work on hot water systems, gas, and certain types of plumbing work must be done by a licensed plumber by law

  
  

When to replace rather than repair

If your tap is more than 15–20 years old, has a damaged or worn body, or the same tap has needed repeated repairs, replacement is usually the more economical choice long-term. A new quality tap with a 5-year warranty will likely outlast another repair on an old fitting.

Combined visit tip: If you have several leaking taps or small plumbing jobs, book them in the same visit. You'll only pay one call-out fee and the plumber can often knock over multiple small jobs in a single hour.