The $2 tap washer fix that stops the drip for good

You will need

• Replacement tap washers (assorted pack) · Bunnings — Pope or Philmac assorted washer pack, around $4–6, covers most household taps
• Adjustable spanner · Bunnings — ~$15 if you don't own one, but most homes have one
• Flathead screwdriver · Standard household screwdriver
• Shifting pliers or multigrip pliers · To grip the packing nut if it's stiff — Bunnings ~$20
• Plumber's grease (silicone grease) · Bunnings — small tube ~$6, makes reassembly smooth and extends washer life
• Old towel or bucket · To catch residual water from the pipe

Step 1

Turn off the water supply

Find the isolation valve under the sink and turn it clockwise until it stops — or if there isn't one, turn off the main stopcock (usually near your water meter outside). Open the tap fully to drain any water left in the pipe. Lay your towel down to catch drips.

Step 2

Remove the tap handle

Pop off the decorative cap on top of the handle (use a flathead screwdriver to gently prise it off) and unscrew the screw underneath. Lift the handle straight up and off. If it's stiff, wiggle gently — don't force it.

Step 3

Unscrew the packing nut

You'll now see a hexagonal brass nut — this is the packing nut. Use your adjustable spanner to turn it anticlockwise and remove it. The whole tap spindle will come out as one piece.

Step 4

Replace the washer — this is the key step

At the very bottom of the spindle you'll see a small rubber disc held on by a brass screw — that's the washer. Unscrew it, take the old washer to match the size from your assorted pack, and press the new one firmly onto the seat. The non-obvious tip: rub a tiny smear of silicone grease on the new washer before fitting — it seats better and lasts years longer than a dry fit.

Step 5

Reassemble and test

Screw the spindle back in, tighten the packing nut snugly (don't overtighten — firm hand pressure plus a quarter turn is enough). Refit the handle and screw, snap the cap back on. Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for drips — the tap should now be completely silent.

The stop point

If the brass tap body is cracked, the tap seat looks pitted or scored (rough to touch inside the valve body), or water is leaking from the wall pipes themselves → stop and call a licensed plumber. Reseating or replacing corroded fittings and pipe work is licensed plumbing work in Australia.

If that is where you are: public cost guides put a leaking tap / minor leak job at $120 to $280 (sources: ServiceSeeking 2026 price guides; The Quote Yard tradie rates (Mar 2026); Airtasker cost guides (2024, handyman tier); captured 2026-07-12). See the full cost guide.

Mendy calls tradies for you. Your first booking is free, then $3.50 a booking.

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