Same-day dripping tap repairs in Melbourne
Outright Plumbing fixes dripping taps fast with same-day service and honest, fixed pricing. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we’ll stop the drip and save your water bill.
Fixed-price plumbing for annoying dripping taps
Fixing a dripping tap is not just about changing a washer. Our plumbers look at the whole system — from the tap body and seals to the water pressure behind it — so the problem is solved properly and does not come back.
- We repair and service every type of tap, including mixers, quarter-turn, and garden taps.
- Each job includes checking seals, seats, cartridges, and pipework for hidden wear.
- If replacement is the better option, we can supply and fit quality tapware that lasts.
Our plumbing services
A dripping tap can be a symptom of wider plumbing issues. That’s why we check the whole system and offer a complete range of services, from pipework and water pressure testing to hot water check-ups and drainage repairs. Explore our services below to see how we can help keep your home in order.
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Toilet repair services
Outright Plumbing provides fast, fixed-price toilet repairs with same-day convenience. Backed by 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we fix leaks and flush faults with care.
Toilet installation
Outright Plumbing installs and repairs toilets with fixed prices, neat work, and same-day service. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we guarantee a clean, functional finish.
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Leaking toilets
Outright Plumbing resolves leaking toilets with same-day response and transparent fixed pricing. Our 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews guarantee a clean, lasting repair.
Blocked toilet
Outright Plumbing clears blocked toilets quickly with fixed prices and same-day response. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we’ll get your bathroom back in order fast.
Cistern plumbing services
Outright Plumbing repairs or replaces cisterns with fixed pricing and same-day service. Our 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews make us the trusted name in bathroom plumbing.
Boundary trap replacement
Outright Plumbing handles boundary trap replacements safely and efficiently, always with fixed pricing. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we’ll keep your drainage system compliant and working perfectly.
Garden tap
Outright Plumbing provides fast, same-day garden tap repairs and replacements at fixed prices. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we’ll keep your outdoor taps working perfectly.
Tap installation repair
Outright Plumbing handles tap installations and repairs with care, fixed prices, and same-day service. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we’ll leave every tap neat, watertight, and reliable.
Hot water system maintenance
Outright Plumbing provides reliable hot water system maintenance with fixed prices and same-day support. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we help extend the life of your system.
Leaking taps
Outright Plumbing repairs leaking taps neatly and quickly, using fixed prices and same-day service. Backed by 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we make small jobs simple.
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Hot water services & installation
Outright Plumbing restores or installs hot water systems with same-day reliability and fixed prices. Our 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews mean you’ll always have hot water when you need it.
Leak detection
Outright Plumbing offers expert leak detection with same-day response and clear, fixed prices. With 25+ years of experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we’ll find and fix your leak the right way.
High pressure jetting
Outright Plumbing’s high pressure jetting clears stubborn blockages fast, with fixed prices and same-day service. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we leave your drains spotless and free-flowing.
Roof plumbing
Outright Plumbing provides expert roof plumbing repairs with fixed prices and same-day availability. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we protect Bayside homes from leaks and storm damage.
Plumbing maintenance
Outright Plumbing delivers routine plumbing maintenance with fixed prices and same-day convenience. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly all year.
Low water pressure
Outright Plumbing restores low water pressure with clear, fixed pricing and same-day service. Backed by 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we make your water flow strong and steady again.
Emergency plumbing services
Outright Plumbing responds fast to plumbing emergencies with fixed prices and dependable same-day service. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, you can count on us any time you need help.
Gas leak detection & repair
Outright Plumbing provides safe, same-day gas leak detection and repair with transparent, fixed pricing. With 25+ years of local experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we make safety simple and stress-free.
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Burst water pipes
Outright Plumbing repairs burst water pipes fast with same-day service and fixed prices you can trust. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we restore water flow without the stress.
Blocked drain services
Outright Plumbing clears blocked drains fast with fixed prices and guaranteed same-day service. With 25+ years of proven experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we keep your pipes flowing freely.
Drain camera inspections
Outright Plumbing uses advanced drain camera inspections to locate problems without digging. Our same-day service, fixed prices, and 25+ years of experience have earned 700+ five-star reviews from local homeowners.
Stormwater services
Outright Plumbing restores proper stormwater flow with same-day service and clear fixed pricing. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we protect your home from flooding and water damage.
Pipe relining services
Outright Plumbing offers no-dig pipe relining with fixed prices and same-day assessment. Our 25+ years of expertise and 700+ five-star reviews make us Bayside’s trusted drain repair team.
Sewer line cleaning services
Outright Plumbing provides sewer line cleaning with fixed prices, same-day service, and lasting results. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we keep your system healthy and clear.
Blocked sewer drains
At Outright Plumbing, we clear blocked sewer drains quickly and cleanly with upfront fixed prices. Our team brings 25+ years’ know-how and 700+ glowing reviews to every same-day job.
Dishwasher installation services
Outright Plumbing installs dishwashers neatly and safely with fixed prices and same-day service. Backed by 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we make upgrades simple and seamless.
Rainwater tank installation
Outright Plumbing installs rainwater tanks with same-day service and transparent fixed pricing. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we make saving water simple and seamless.
Tempering valve installation and repair
Outright Plumbing installs and repairs tempering valves with precision, fixed pricing, and same-day service. With 25+ years of expertise and 700+ five-star reviews, we keep your hot water safe and compliant.
What people say about our work
With over 700 five-star Google reviews, it’s fair to say folks are happy with what we do. Some have had us on speed dial for years, and plenty send their family and friends our way, which is the best review we could ask for.
Why we’re your neighbour’s favourite plumber
We know the south better than any other plumber
After over a decade working across Melbourne’s southern suburbs, we understand the plumbing needs of old and new builds across the suburbs.
Repairs that stand the test of time
Outright Plumbing’s licensed plumbers choose high-quality parts and repair methods that last, so you can forget about that drip for good.
We spot the small stuff before it turns big
While we’re fixing your tap, we can check the rest of your plumbing for early signs of trouble and save you another call-out later.
Clear advice and fair pricing
You will know exactly what the job involves and how much it will cost before we start. No hidden extras and no pushy sales talk.
Our plumbers share their insights on dripping taps
A dripping tap is one of those problems that seems small but can point to deeper issues in your plumbing system. We see them every week across Melbourne, and there is rarely a single cause. Here’s what we think homeowners should know before deciding whether to live with the drip, try a quick fix, or call in a licensed plumber.
Why taps start dripping in the first place
The most common reason is worn parts. Washers, cartridges, and seats are designed to hold back water when the tap is closed, but over time they harden, crack, or wear thin. Once that happens, water slips past and the drip begins.
Mineral build-up is another factor we see often, especially in older suburbs where water hardness varies. Deposits inside the tap body or on the seat can stop new washers from sealing properly.
High water pressure also plays a role. If the mains pressure is too high, it puts constant strain on fittings and causes them to fail more quickly. We regularly find pressure-related issues behind taps that are dripping in more than one part of the house.
Common DIY fixes and why they often fail
It is tempting to try replacing a washer yourself. In fact, a lot of our call-outs come after someone has already had a go. Here is why those fixes rarely last:
- Uncut or damaged seats: Even a brand-new washer cannot seal against a worn or pitted seat. Without reseating the tap body, the drip returns almost immediately.
- Cheap replacement parts: Not all washers and cartridges are created equal. Low-cost parts often wear down in weeks, especially in high-use areas like kitchens.
- Underlying problems ignored: High water pressure, corroded fittings, or hidden leaks upstream are easy to miss without proper testing. These problems continue to damage the tap even after the washer is replaced.
The result is often frustration and wasted money, which is why licensed plumbers carry reseating tools, quality parts, and gauges to check for bigger issues.
When a repair makes sense and when to replace
A repair is the right call when the tapware is relatively modern and the fittings are in good condition. Replacing washers, cartridges, and seals can restore full function and extend the life of the tap for years.
But not every tap is worth saving. In homes with decades-old tapware, repeated leaks, or fittings that have been corroded by hard water, replacement is the smarter option. We often recommend installing modern mixer taps or quarter-turn fittings, which are easier to use, more efficient, and less prone to the issues that cause traditional taps to drip.
For homeowners, this is about weighing up short-term cost versus long-term reliability. A new tap might cost a little more upfront, but it usually pays for itself in saved water and fewer repairs.
The hidden costs of ignoring a dripping tap
A single drip every few seconds might not look like much, but over weeks and months, it adds up. Beyond the water waste, there are other costs to consider:
- Higher water bills: Even a slow drip can waste significant litres over time.
- Damage to fittings and surfaces: Water's constant impact on sinks, basins, or vanities can stain and erode surfaces.
- Bigger plumbing problems later: What starts as a small leak can weaken fittings until the tap fails completely, sometimes flooding cupboards or damaging pipework.
It is easy to get used to the sound of a drip and put it off, but the cost of ignoring it almost always outweighs the price of a simple repair.
How a plumber makes sure the drip won’t come back
A professional repair is about fixing the cause, not just the symptom. Here is what we do on every dripping tap job:
- Inspect the tap body, seat, and cartridge for visible and hidden wear.
- Reseat the tap if the surface is pitted or damaged.
- Replace washers, seals, and cartridges with high-quality components suited to the tap.
- Check the water pressure in the property to see if it is contributing to the issue.
- Test the tap several times before leaving to confirm it is sealed and operating smoothly.
This process takes a little longer than a DIY washer change, but it is the difference between a fix that lasts a week and one that holds up for years.
Licensed, insured and trusted to do it right
What’s included with our dripping tap repairs
Outright Plumbing will bring everything we need to fix the tap, check the cause, and make sure the rest of your taps are in good shape.
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All the gear, all the parts
We arrive with the tools, washers, cartridges and seals for most makes and models, so we can get the job done on the spot without a return trip.
A proper look at what caused it
Sometimes a drip is just a worn washer, but other times it’s water pressure, corrosion or other hidden issues. We’ll check for anything that might be behind it so the fix actually lasts.
Peace of mind for the rest of your taps
While we’re there, we can test all your indoor and outdoor taps for early signs of wear, so you can fix them before they start dripping and save yourself another call-out.
Book Outright Plumbing’s dripping tap repair services now
We’ll aim to be at your property today. Just give us a call or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Our case studies tell the full story
Have a browse through some of the jobs we have taken on recently. You will see what the problem was, how we tackled it and the end result. It’s a good way to get a feel for how we work and what you can expect from us.
Keeping commercial taps reliable with Outright Plumbing
In workplaces, schools, and rental properties, dripping taps are not just an annoyance. They waste water at scale, add unnecessary costs to utility bills, and wear out fittings faster under constant use. Outright Plumbing helps businesses and property managers across Melbourne stay ahead of these issues with targeted repairs and replacements.
- Workplaces and offices: Kitchens and bathrooms see heavy daily use. We service mixer taps, quarter-turn fittings, and sensor-activated taps, making sure they are sealed, balanced, and ready for staff.
- Schools and community facilities: Dozens of taps may run all day. We identify worn parts, check for pressure problems, and fit robust components designed for long-term reliability.
- Hospitality venues: Bar and kitchen taps under constant use cannot afford downtime. We replace faulty fittings with commercial-grade tapware that keeps service moving.
- Property managers: Tap complaints are one of the most common tenant requests. We provide same-day service where possible, issue clear reports and invoices, and complete jobs properly so you are not chasing repeat call-outs.
Our photo gallery from the job site
Our gallery gives you a peek into a typical week on the tools. You will see tidy finishes, smart fixes and the occasional head-scratcher that keeps the job interesting.
The values that keep our work consistent
This is how we approach every job, no matter how small.
Sorting out the real problem
We do not just swap a washer and walk away. If high pressure or worn seats are behind the drip, we fix that too so you are not calling us back next month.
Leaving things the way we found them
No one wants a plumber who makes a bigger mess. We keep benches and sinks clean, put our tools away, and make sure the tap works before we pack up.
Talking to you like a neighbour
We skip the jargon. We explain what is wrong in plain language, tell you what it will cost, and let you decide how to go ahead.
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Doing work we are proud of
We want every job to hold up. That means good parts, careful workmanship, and testing the repair properly before we leave.
Staying local means we can get there today
Being based in Bayside means Outright Plumbing can offer same-day service to nearby suburbs. One morning we might be in Caulfield East, the afternoon in Mordialloc, and somewhere in between after that. It’s how we keep response times prompt and jobs stress-free.
Meet the Outright Plumbing crew
We’re the friendly faces turning up to get the job done and have a bit of a laugh along the way.
Ben
Ben started plumbing at just 16 and founded Outright Plumbing at 22, building it into a trusted name in Melbourne’s Bayside. He leads with hands-on experience, high standards, and a genuine focus on long-term client relationships.
Danielle
Danielle co-founded Outright Plumbing from her parents’ garage and now manages the company’s financial heartbeat. Her background in construction and detail-driven approach keeps the business growing strong.
Ben
Ben brings years of hands-on experience and precision to every project he estimates. As Senior Estimator, his deep understanding of plumbing systems and commitment to accuracy ensure each job starts with clarity, confidence, and value.
Courtney
Courtney is the friendly voice on the phone and the organiser behind every maintenance booking. She makes sure plumbers arrive on time, customers are kept in the loop, and everything runs without a hitch.
Josh
Josh leads on-site operations with a steady hand and a sharp eye for quality. As Supervisor, he ensures every plumbing project runs smoothly, safely, and to the highest standard — keeping teams coordinated and clients confident.
Kai
Kai brings a can-do attitude and a knack for solving tricky plumbing problems. He’s all about getting it right the first time, with a smile to match.
Tom
Tom prides himself on work that not only meets but exceeds expectations. He makes sure every customer feels valued and looked after from start to finish.
Alex
Alex is friendly, thorough, and focused on finding the best fix for each customer’s needs. He never leaves a job without making sure it’s up to his high standards.
Callum
Callum’s attention to detail shows in every tap, pipe, and fitting he installs. He takes pride in both the function and the finish of his work.
Aron
Aron oversees day-to-day site operations with a focus on efficiency and craftsmanship. As Supervisor, he brings practical experience and clear communication to every project, ensuring work is completed safely, on time, and to exceptional standards.
Hayley
Hayley keeps projects moving with precision and care. As Project Coordinator, she bridges the gap between office and site, ensuring schedules, communication, and documentation all flow seamlessly from start to finish.
Got a question about dripping taps? Outright Plumbing has the answers.
Our FAQs cover the stuff people ask us all the time, from why taps start dripping to how quickly we can fix them. If you can’t find your answer here, just give us a call and get advice directly from Melbourne’s professional, reliable dripping tap plumbers.
How much does a plumber charge for a dripping tap?
Ballpark figures, but you’re usually looking at $100 to $200 to repair a dripping tap in Melbourne homes and businesses. That covers the visit, labour and common parts. Where it lands in that range depends on a few things:
- Tap type: Traditional jumper‑valve taps are quicker than mixer taps with ceramic cartridges.
- Parts: A new washer or O‑ring is cheap. A quality ceramic cartridge costs more.
- Condition: If the tap seat is pitted or the spindle is seized, we may need to reseat or free it up, which adds time.
Outright Plumbing keeps it simple with a fixed price for our dripping taps repair services before we start, so you know the cost up front. If the tap is beyond repair and a new one makes more sense, we’ll fix it with a new tap installation on the spot. Regular plumbing maintenance can also keep little issues from turning into bigger bills.
Do I need a plumber to fix a dripping tap?
Sometimes you can handle a basic washer change if you are confident and can safely isolate the water. The reality is that many modern taps use ceramic cartridges, and older taps often have worn seats or stuck spindles. That is where people get stuck and crack tiles or round off parts.
Here is a safe way to decide:
- Can you isolate the water at the mini‑stops under the sink or at the meter? If no, call Outright Plumbing.
- Is it a simple two‑handle tap that still turns smoothly? You may try a washer and O‑ring, but stop if anything feels seized.
- Mixer tap or any doubt at all? Get a pro in. We carry the right cartridges and reseating tools, and we warranty the work.
Outright Plumbing is licensed with the VBA, which means we work to the VBA plumbing regulatory framework for safety and compliance. If the drip turns out to be part of a wider plumbing issue, we can switch gears into leak detection and sort the cause, not just the symptom.
How do I stop my taps from dripping?
Think of it in two parts: a calm, temporary move now, then a proper fix.
Quick calmers while you wait for us:
- Turn the tap off firmly without forcing it.
- Pop a dry cloth over the spout with a rubber band so the drip lands on fabric. Quieter sink, calmer nerves.
- If you know where they are, turn the little under‑sink mini‑stops clockwise to reduce or stop the flow to that tap.
Fix and prevent:
- We replace the worn parts or the cartridge and reseat it if needed.
- If the tap is tired or corroded, we can install a new one.
- Book maintenance once a year. We check washers, cartridges and pressure so drips do not sneak back.
- Outdoor drips at the hose outlet? We can repair the dripping garden tap while we are there.
How long does it take to repair a dripping tap?
Repairing a dripping tape typically takes 20 to 60 minutes from tools out to tidy up. Here is how that breaks down:
- Simple washer and O‑ring: 20 to 30 minutes.
- Mixer tap cartridge: 30 to 45 minutes, depending on brand and access.
- Reseating or freeing a seized spindle: allow 45 to 60 minutes.
We bring a van full of common parts, so the aim is a single visit. If we discover a bigger issue while we work, we will explain it, quote it, and handle it.
Can you fix a dripping tap without turning off the water to the whole house?
Often, yes. Many sinks have mini‑stops on the hot and cold lines. We can isolate just that tap and keep the rest of the house running. If there are no mini‑stops, we can usually work fast after a quick shut‑off at the meter. In special cases we can install new isolation valves during the visit, which makes future fixes easier and quicker.
Tip while you are waiting: look in the cupboard under the sink for two little chrome valves. Turn each clockwise until it stops. Test the tap. If the drip slows or stops, you have isolated it from the plumbing system safely. If there are no valves at all, leave it to us. A scheduled plumbing service is a good time to add mini‑stops so you do not need to shut off the whole house next time.
Is a dripping tap a sign of a bigger plumbing problem?
Sometimes it is, and that is why we always look a little wider than the spout. Watch for these clues:
- Pressure not quite right: Very high pressure can chew through washers and cartridges. If taps splutter or bang, get the pressure checked. We can help with low water pressure issues and advise on pressure limiting where needed.
- Stains or swelling nearby: Water marks inside the cupboard or swollen timber can point to a slow leak under the sink.
- Hot water system only: If only the hot side drips, we check the tempering and the hot water unit for temperature and expansion problems.
If any of that sounds familiar, we will fix the tap and then deal with the cause so it does not return.
Can you replace my old tap if it’s not worth repairing?
Absolutely. Some taps are better retired. Think cracked bodies, badly pitted seats or rare parts that are not worth the chase. Here is how we make a swap simple:
- Help choosing: We match style, reach and height to your sink, then check clearances for splash and cleaning.
- Neat install: We fit the new tap, seal correctly and set it up for smooth operation. If the bench has extra holes from an old setup, we can cap them cleanly.
- One visit: We carry quality mixers and traditional sets in the van. If you have a favourite brand ready to go, we will fit that instead.
- Old tap gone: We take the old one away and leave everything tidy.
Tips, fixes and advice in quick and easy guides
Our blog’s where we share advice, handy plumbing tips, and the occasional tale from the tools. It’s a good mix of practical know-how and the kind of stories you only get from first-hand experience.
Our Insta’s always dripping… with plumbing content
Follow us on Instagram to see before-and-afters, neat little fixes, and the odd “you’ve got to see this” moment from our week.
Book today, and we’ll be there before the drip drives you mad
Call, message or book online, and we’ll lock in a time — often the very same day if you’re nearby. We’ll turn up with the parts and tools we need, fix it properly, and be on our way.