PrimeService Plumbing
💧 Drip. Drip. Drip. The Hidden Cost of a Leaking Tap (And Why You Should Fix It Now)
That small, rhythmic sound of water dripping might seem minor. But a single leaking tap could be costing you thousands of rands a year, wasting precious water, and causing long-term damage to your home.
8 min read
Tap Repair, DIY, Water Saving
💸 How Much Water Does a Dripping Tap Actually Waste?
Let’s start with the numbers, because they might surprise you.
| Drip Rate | Litres/Day | Litres/Month | Rands/Year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow (1 drip/sec) | 15 L | 450 L | ~R1,800 |
| Medium (2 drips/sec) | 30 L | 900 L | ~R3,600 |
| Fast (4+ drips/sec) | 60+ L | 1,800+ L | ~R7,200+ |
*Estimated based on average Cape Town water tariffs. Costs higher on municipal stepped tariff.
Fun Fact: A single dripping tap can waste over 5,400 litres per year – that’s more than 30 full bathtubs!
🔧 Why Do Taps Leak? 6 Common Causes
The rubber washer becomes brittle over time, creating gaps. ✅ DIY-friendly? Yes, for basic taps.
Water leaks from under the handle when tap is on. ✅ DIY-friendly? Moderately easy.
Sediment buildup in older homes or hard water areas. ❌ DIY-friendly? No – requires special tools.
Over-tightening can damage components. ✅ DIY-friendly? Yes, with basic tools.
Excessive pressure causes faster wear. ❌ DIY-friendly? No – a plumber can install a pressure reducing valve.
When they fail, the entire cartridge needs replacement. ⚠️ DIY-friendly? Moderately easy if you find the right cartridge.
🚰 Types of Taps & Their Common Leaks
| Tap Type | Where It Leaks | Typical Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Compression Tap | From spout when off | Worn rubber washer |
| Ball Tap | Spout or handle base | Worn springs/seals |
| Cartridge Tap | Spout or handle | Damaged cartridge |
| Ceramic Disc Tap | Spout | Cracked discs or debris |
| Mixer Tap | Base of spout or handle | Worn O-rings or cartridge |
🛠️ DIY Fix: How to Repair a Basic Leaking Tap (Step-by-Step)
What You’ll Need: Adjustable spanner, screwdrivers, replacement washer/O-ring kit, PTFE tape, cloth, penetrating oil (Q20/WD-40).
Step 1: Remove the tap handle – pry off decorative cap, unscrew the screw.
Step 2: Remove the valve assembly using adjustable wrench (counter-clockwise).
Step 3: Locate the washer at the bottom, remove the small screw and old washer.
Step 4: Replace with identical washer, tighten screw.
Step 5: Check the O-ring – replace if cracked or flattened.
Step 6: Reassemble (don’t over-tighten), wrap PTFE tape if needed, turn water back on, test for leaks.
📞 When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?
- Water is leaking from inside the wall or under the floor – this could be a pipe, not just the tap.
- You’ve replaced the washer but it’s still leaking – the valve seat may be corroded.
- The tap is very old or seized – forcing it can break pipes inside the wall.
- You have extremely high water pressure – a plumber can test and install a pressure regulator.
- You’re not comfortable doing it yourself – a small mistake can lead to flooding.
💰 How Much Does a Professional Tap Repair Cost?
At Prime Service Plumbing, we believe in upfront, transparent pricing. No hidden fees.
| Service | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic fee (waived if you proceed) | R395 |
| Simple washer/O-ring replacement | R395 – R595 |
| Cartridge replacement (modern mixer taps) | R595 – R850 |
| Valve seat repair or re-seating | R750 – R1,200 |
| Full tap replacement (labour only) | R850 – R1,200 |
| Pressure reducing valve installation | From R2,500 |
*All repairs come with a 6-month warranty. Parts and labour fully covered.
✅ 4 Preventative Tips to Extend Tap Life
- Don’t over-tighten – Turn taps off firmly but gently. Crushing the washer makes it fail faster.
- Clean aerators regularly – Sediment buildup affects pressure and can cause leaks.
- Check water pressure – If taps are noisy or leak often, have a plumber test your water pressure.
- Replace taps proactively – If a tap is 10-15+ years old with recurring issues, replacement is often cheaper than repeated repairs.
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- 4.9★ – 720+ local reviews
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- Upfront pricing, no hidden fees
- Red Seal certified plumbers
- 24/7/365 availability
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Don’t Let That Drip Drain Your Wallet Any Longer
Whether it’s a simple washer replacement or a complete tap overhaul, our team is ready to help.
Serving all Cape Town areas: Thornton, Pinelands, Bonteheuwel, Maitland, Goodwood, Epping, Parow, Elsies River, Bishop Lavis, Ravensmead