Leaking Tap Won’t Stop? Common Causes and When to Replace the Mixer

A leaking tap that will not stop is usually caused by a worn washer, damaged ceramic cartridge, failed O-ring, loose connection, ageing mixer body or water pressure issue. In some cases, a simple internal part replacement may fix it. In others, replacing the whole mixer is the smarter option, especially if the tap is old, corroded, stiff to use or leaking from more than one spot.

For Brisbane, Gold Coast and South East Queensland homeowners, a leaking tap is not just an annoying drip. It can waste water, stain fixtures, damage cabinetry and point to a bigger plumbing issue behind the wall, under the sink or inside the tap body.

If your tap is leaking, hard to turn off, dripping constantly or leaking into a vanity or kitchen cabinet, JR Gas & Water can help with practical plumbing services across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Quick Answer: Why Your Tap Will Not Stop Leaking

A tap that keeps leaking is commonly caused by one of these issues:

• Worn tap washer

• Damaged ceramic disc cartridge

• Failed O-ring or internal seal

• Loose mixer connection

• Corroded tap body

• Split or ageing flexi hose

• High water pressure putting stress on fittings

• Poor-quality or worn-out mixer

• Incorrect installation

• Debris caught inside the cartridge or valve

If water is dripping from the spout, the internal washer or cartridge is often the likely cause. If water is leaking around the handle, base or underneath the cabinet, the issue may be with the mixer body, seals, hoses or connections.

Where Is the Tap Leaking From?

The location of the leak gives a good clue about what has failed.

Water Dripping From the Spout

If the tap is turned off but water continues dripping from the spout, the internal sealing component is usually not closing properly.

For older-style taps, this is often a worn washer. For modern mixer taps, it is commonly a ceramic cartridge issue. The cartridge controls water flow and temperature. Once it wears out, cracks, jams or gets damaged by debris, the tap may keep dripping even when the handle is fully closed.

This type of leak may start as a slow drip and gradually become more frequent. If the handle needs to be pushed harder and harder to stop the water, the tap is already showing signs of internal wear.

Water Leaking Around the Handle

A leak around the handle usually points to a failed O-ring, worn cartridge, loose retaining nut or damaged seal inside the tap.

This can happen on bathroom basin mixers, kitchen sink mixers, laundry taps and shower mixers. It may only leak when the tap is turned on, or it may continue weeping after use.

If water is escaping around the handle, it is worth fixing early. Water can track behind tiles, into cabinetry or under benchtops, depending on where the mixer is installed.

Water Leaking From the Base of the Mixer

If water pools around the base of a kitchen or bathroom mixer, the leak may be coming from the tap body, base seal or the connection underneath.

This is common with sink mixers that move from side to side, especially in busy kitchens. Over time, movement can loosen fittings or wear seals. If the mixer body itself is failing, replacing the whole mixer may be more reliable than trying to repair it.

Water Leaking Under the Sink or Vanity

Water under a sink, vanity or laundry tub should not be ignored. The issue may be the mixer, but it could also be a flexi hose, isolation valve, waste connection or pipework issue.

A small leak under a cabinet can cause swelling, mould, water staining and hidden damage. If you notice dampness, a musty smell, bubbling cabinetry or water marks, it is worth getting a plumber to check it properly.

Common Causes of a Tap That Keeps Leaking

1. Worn Washers

Traditional taps use washers to seal the flow of water. Over time, washers harden, flatten, split or wear down. Once that happens, water can pass through even when the tap is closed.

Washer replacement may be a straightforward repair if the tap body is still in good condition. However, if the tap seat is damaged, corroded or badly worn, replacing the washer alone may not fix the leak for long.

2. Damaged Ceramic Cartridge

Most modern mixer taps use a cartridge instead of a basic washer. The cartridge controls both flow and temperature.

A damaged cartridge can cause:

• Constant dripping from the spout

• Stiff handle movement

• Water temperature issues

• Leaking around the handle

• A handle that will not fully shut off

• Sudden changes in water flow

Cartridge replacement can be a good option for quality mixers where parts are available. For cheaper or older mixers, replacing the entire tap may be better value.

3. Failed O-Rings and Seals

O-rings and seals stop water escaping around moving parts of the tap. These small rubber components can wear, crack or flatten over time.

A failed O-ring may cause leaking around the handle, spout base or mixer body. This is often seen on kitchen mixers, swivel spouts and older bathroom mixers.

4. Corrosion Inside the Tap Body

Tapware does not last forever. Internal corrosion can stop a tap from sealing properly, even if new parts are fitted.

Corrosion is more common in older fixtures, lower-quality mixers, coastal homes, outdoor taps and homes where fixtures have been exposed to moisture for long periods.

For Gold Coast homes in particular, coastal conditions can be harder on plumbing fixtures and external fittings. If the tap body is corroded, replacement is usually the better long-term fix.

5. High Water Pressure

High water pressure can place extra stress on tapware, cartridges, seals, flexi hoses and valves. This can shorten the life of mixers and cause leaks to return after repairs.

If multiple taps are leaking, toilets are filling noisily, flexi hoses are failing or hot water valves are discharging regularly, water pressure may need to be checked as part of the plumbing inspection.

6. Loose Connections

A leaking mixer is sometimes caused by a loose fitting rather than a failed tap. This is especially common under sinks where hoses, isolation valves and mixer connections are hidden inside cabinets.

Loose connections can happen due to age, movement, vibration, poor installation or repeated use of a swivel kitchen mixer.

7. Poor-Quality Tapware

Budget tapware can be more difficult to repair, especially when replacement cartridges, seals or fittings are hard to source. In some cases, the labour involved in chasing parts and repairing the mixer may not make sense compared with installing a better-quality replacement.

This is one reason many homeowners choose to replace a leaking mixer rather than keep repairing the same low-quality tap.

Should You Repair the Tap or Replace the Mixer?

The right answer depends on the age, type, condition and quality of the tap.

A repair may make sense when:

• The tap is fairly new

• The mixer is a reputable brand

• Replacement cartridges or washers are available

• The tap body is still in good condition

• The leak is coming from one clear internal part

• The fixture suits the bathroom, kitchen or laundry and does not need upgrading

Replacing the mixer may be the better option when:

• The tap is old or corroded

• The mixer is leaking from multiple areas

• The handle is stiff, loose or hard to shut off

• Parts are hard to source

• The tap keeps leaking after previous repairs

• Water is leaking into cabinetry

• The finish is damaged or worn

• The mixer is a cheap model with limited repair value

• You are already renovating the kitchen, bathroom or laundry

For many homes, replacing a worn mixer gives a cleaner, more reliable result than repeatedly repairing old tapware.

Signs Your Mixer Tap Should Be Replaced

A mixer tap should usually be replaced if it shows several of these signs:

• It keeps dripping after being repaired

• The handle feels loose, stiff or crunchy

• Water leaks from the base of the mixer

• The tap body is visibly corroded

• The finish is peeling, bubbling or badly worn

• Hot and cold water control has become unreliable

• Water leaks under the sink when the tap is used

• The mixer moves excessively on the bench or basin

• Replacement parts are unavailable or expensive

• The tap is older and no longer suits the room

If the tap is only leaking from a simple internal washer or cartridge and everything else is in good condition, repair may be enough. If the tap itself is wearing out, replacement is often the more practical choice.

Kitchen Mixer Leaks

Kitchen mixers work hard. They are used constantly for cooking, cleaning, rinsing dishes and filling bottles or kettles.

Common kitchen mixer problems include:

• Dripping spout

• Loose swivel spout

• Water pooling around the base

• Leaks into the cupboard below

• Stiff handle movement

• Pull-out spray hose leaks

• Split or ageing flexi hoses

Because kitchen mixers are connected inside cabinetry, leaks can go unnoticed until the cupboard is already damaged. If the base of the mixer is wet or the cabinet smells damp, it is worth having the mixer and connections checked.

Bathroom Basin Mixer Leaks

Bathroom basin mixers often leak from the handle, cartridge or base. Small vanity leaks can cause swelling, mould and water damage if they continue.

If you are replacing a bathroom basin mixer, it is also a good time to check the condition of the isolation valves, flexi hoses and waste connections under the vanity.

Shower Mixer Leaks

A shower mixer leak can be more serious because some of the plumbing is hidden behind the wall.

A leaking shower mixer may show up as:

• Water dripping from the shower head

• Handle leaks

• Difficulty controlling temperature

• Water marks behind the wall

• Dampness near the shower area

• Bubbling paint or swollen skirting nearby

If a shower mixer is leaking behind the wall, it needs proper plumbing attention. Guesswork can lead to more damage, especially in tiled bathrooms.

Outdoor Tap Leaks

Outdoor taps often leak from worn washers, loose packing nuts, damaged threads or age-related corrosion.

External taps are exposed to weather, sunlight, garden use, hoses and movement. In acreage homes, outdoor taps may also be connected to longer pipe runs, tanks, pumps or irrigation-style setups.

If an outdoor tap will not stop running, isolate the water if possible and arrange a plumber before the leak causes water waste or pressure issues.

What To Do If Your Tap Will Not Stop Running

If the tap is more than dripping and water is actively running, the safest first step is to isolate the water supply if you can do so without causing damage or risk.

Depending on the tap, there may be an isolation valve under the sink or vanity. If not, you may need to turn off water at the property’s main water meter.

Do not force the tap handle closed. Forcing a stiff or damaged mixer can break the cartridge, handle or internal components and may make the leak worse.

Once the water is controlled, book a plumber to inspect the tap, connections and any signs of hidden water damage.

Why Leaking Taps Should Be Fixed Early

A leaking tap can seem minor, but it can lead to bigger issues if ignored.

Common problems include:

• Higher water usage

• Staining around basins, sinks and baths

• Damaged cabinetry

• Mould or musty smells

• Worn tap seats

• Failed cartridges

• Hidden leaks under benches or vanities

• Water tracking into walls or floors

• Extra stress on flexible hoses and valves

Early repairs are usually simpler than waiting until the leak damages surrounding materials.

Brisbane and Gold Coast Homes: Local Plumbing Considerations

Across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and South East Queensland, leaking taps can show up in a wide range of homes, from older Queenslanders and post-war houses to townhouses, new builds, duplexes and renovated family homes.

Older homes may have ageing tap seats, older pipework and fixtures that have been repaired several times. Newer homes may still have issues if budget tapware was installed, water pressure is too high or fittings were not installed correctly.

Coastal Gold Coast properties can also experience faster wear on exposed fittings due to salt air and moisture. Acreage homes may have additional considerations if taps are connected to pumps, tanks or longer water runs.

That is why the best solution is not always just replacing a washer. The plumber should check the tap, mixer, hoses, valves, water pressure and installation condition before recommending a repair or replacement.

Can You Fix a Leaking Tap Yourself?

Some homeowners are comfortable replacing a basic washer in a traditional tap. However, modern mixer taps, shower mixers, under-sink connections and leaks near cabinetry or walls can be more complicated.

A plumber is the safer choice when:

• The leak is under the sink or vanity

• The tap is a mixer

• The shower mixer is leaking

• The tap will not shut off

• The handle is stiff or damaged

• Water is leaking into cabinetry

• You are unsure where the water is coming from

• The leak has returned after a previous repair

• Isolation valves are old, stuck or leaking

• You want the mixer replaced properly

Poor DIY repairs can damage tapware, cross-thread fittings, cause hidden leaks or leave connections under pressure.

How JR Gas & Water Can Help

JR Gas & Water can inspect leaking taps, mixers, hoses, valves and related plumbing to work out whether repair or replacement is the better option.

Depending on the issue, the job may involve:

• Washer replacement

• Cartridge replacement

• O-ring or seal replacement

• Mixer tap replacement

• Flexi hose replacement

• Isolation valve replacement

• Leak investigation

• Water pressure checks

• Under-sink plumbing repairs

• Bathroom, kitchen or laundry plumbing repairs

The goal is to fix the cause of the leak properly, not just temporarily slow the drip.

For leaking taps, mixer replacements and general plumbing repairs, book JR Gas & Water’s Brisbane and Gold Coast plumbing services.

FAQs About Leaking Taps and Mixer Replacement

Why does my tap keep dripping after I turn it off?

A tap usually keeps dripping because the internal washer, ceramic cartridge or seal is no longer closing properly. In mixer taps, the cartridge is often the main part that controls water flow. If it is worn, damaged or blocked by debris, water can continue passing through after the handle is closed.

Is it better to repair a leaking tap or replace it?

Repair is often suitable if the tap is in good condition and the failed part is easy to replace. Replacement is usually better if the mixer is old, corroded, loose, leaking from multiple areas or has parts that are difficult to source.

How do I know if my mixer cartridge has failed?

Common signs include dripping from the spout, stiff handle movement, poor temperature control, leaking around the handle or a tap that will not fully shut off. A plumber can confirm whether the cartridge can be replaced or whether a new mixer is a better option.

Why is water leaking under my sink when I use the tap?

The leak may be coming from the mixer connection, flexi hose, isolation valve, tap body or waste connection. Because several fittings sit close together under a sink, it is best to have the area inspected rather than assuming the mixer is the only problem.

Can high water pressure cause leaking taps?

Yes. High water pressure can put extra strain on cartridges, washers, seals, flexi hoses and valves. If several fixtures in the home are leaking or failing, water pressure should be checked.

Should I replace flexi hoses when replacing a mixer?

In many cases, yes. If flexi hoses are old, corroded, kinked or showing signs of wear, replacing them during a mixer replacement can reduce the risk of future leaks under the sink or vanity.

What should I do if the tap will not turn off at all?

Try to isolate the water at the local isolation valve or main water meter if safe to do so. Avoid forcing the handle. Once the water is controlled, contact a licensed plumber to repair or replace the faulty tap or mixer.

Final Word

A leaking tap that will not stop is often a sign that an internal part has worn out, but the best fix depends on the condition of the whole tap. A simple washer or cartridge replacement may solve the issue in some homes. In others, replacing the mixer is the cleaner and more reliable long-term option.

If your tap is dripping, leaking into cabinetry, hard to turn off or showing signs of corrosion, JR Gas & Water can inspect the issue and recommend the right repair or replacement option for your home.

Book JR Gas & Water for practical plumbing help across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and South East Queensland.