Outdoor & Fencing · Exterior
Fix a Dripping Garden Tap
Repair summary
Shut the water off at the main, undo the bonnet with a spanner, lift the spindle and swap the rubber washer at the base. A drip from the spindle (not the spout) usually means the O-ring above the thread, not the washer.
Likely issue
Perished hose tap washer
DIY difficulty
2/5
Estimated DIY cost
$8–$15
Estimated tradie cost
$140–$240
Tools required
- Adjustable spanner
- Multi-grips
Materials required
Step-by-step instructions
- Turn the mains water off and open the tap to release pressure.
- Shut the water off at the main, undo the bonnet with a spanner, lift the spindle and swap the rubber washer at the base. A drip from the spindle (not the spout) usually means the O-ring above the thread, not the washer.
Safety warnings
If the tap body is corroded or the thread spins freely in the wall, stop — the riser pipe behind the wall needs a licensed plumber.
When to call a tradie
Call a licensed tradie if the work is outside the scope of this guide, involves regulated trades (electrical, gas, structural, waterproofing), or if you discover hidden damage. A professional will typically charge $140–$240.
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