Dripping Tap? How to Rewasher a Brisbane Tap in 20 Minutes
A dripping tap wastes up to 20,000 litres a year and drives up your Brisbane water bill. Rewashering a traditional tap is one of the few plumbing jobs a homeowner can legally do themselves in Queensland — with the right tools and care.
Tools You'll Need
Shifter, flat-blade screwdriver, small phillips head, replacement washers or ceramic cartridge to suit your tap brand.
Step-by-Step
Turn off the water at the isolation valve under the sink or at the mains.
Prise off the coloured hot/cold button, unscrew the retaining screw, lift the handle.
Unscrew the tap bonnet with a shifter — protect chrome with a rag.
Lift out the spindle. Replace the washer at the base and the O-ring on the shaft.
Reassemble in reverse, turn water back on slowly.
Ceramic Cartridges
Newer mixers use ceramic disc cartridges — replace the whole cartridge, don't try to rewasher them.
Frequently Asked Questions
My tap still drips after new washer — why?
The valve seat inside the tap body is scored. It needs re-seating with a tap reseater tool or the whole tap replaced.
Do I need a plumber for a mixer tap?
Legally you can replace washers and cartridges yourself, but installation of a new tap must be by a licensed plumber.