Do not force handles
If a handle is stiff, avoid forcing it open or closed. The internal cartridge or spindle may already be damaged.
Tap repairs
Tap repairs for dripping taps, stiff handles, leaking mixers and worn tap parts.
A tap repair should separate a washer, cartridge, spindle, body, tail or isolation-valve fault before parts are changed.
Plumb A Nator helps with tap repairs where water drips, handles turn badly, mixers leak at the base, flexible tails weep or isolation valves do not close properly. This page focuses on practical tap faults, repair choices and warning signs so the right component is checked before a simple drip becomes cupboard, wall or basin damage.
Tap repair help line067 139 9980Tell us which tap is leaking, whether it is hot or cold, where the drip appears and whether the isolation valve closes.
Request Tap RepairDripping TapsMixer LeaksCartridgesIsolation Valves
Tap fault diagnosis
Tap repair starts by finding where the water is escaping.
A drip from the spout, leak at the handle, seep under a basin, loose mixer body or valve that refuses to close each points to a different repair route. The tap type, age, access and water pressure all affect whether repair or replacement makes better sense.
Quick details that help before arrival
Helpful details include the tap location, whether it is a pillar tap or mixer, whether the leak is from the spout or base, whether cupboards are wet, and whether the isolation valve shuts off.
Before the team arrives
Keep the tap area visible and do not force stuck parts.
Photos of the tap, underside connections and isolation valves help identify likely parts and access. Avoid overtightening handles or plastic fittings because that can crack components and create a larger leak.
Keep cupboard access clear
For basin or kitchen taps, clear the cupboard so mixer tails and isolation valves can be checked.
Note the leak point
Check whether water drips from the spout, handle, body, flexible tail or wall connection.
Mention pressure changes
If the tap sprays, bangs or leaks only when pressure rises, pressure behaviour may be part of the fault.
Focused service
Tap repairs separated by symptom and tap type.
This section keeps tap repair content specific so it does not read like a general plumbing page.
Drips
Dripping tap spouts
A constant drip may come from a washer, ceramic cartridge, seat damage or internal mixer wear. The repair depends on the tap mechanism rather than the drip alone.
What to look for: Water dripping after the handle is closed, mineral marks in the basin or a tap that needs extra force to stop.
Helpful hint: Do not keep tightening the handle; it can damage the cartridge, spindle or tap body.
Mixers
Mixer tap base leaks
Mixer taps can leak from the base, cartridge, flexible tails or mounting point. The underside should be checked before assuming the visible body is the only fault.
What to look for: Water collecting around the tap base, inside the vanity or at the kitchen sink cupboard.
Helpful hint: Send a photo from inside the cupboard because the actual leak is often below the sink top.
Handles
Stiff or loose tap handles
Stiff handles can point to cartridge wear, spindle problems, scale buildup or internal corrosion. Loose handles may need securing but can also hide worn internals.
What to look for: Handles that grind, wobble, turn too far or do not control water smoothly.
Helpful hint: A handle problem that returns quickly often means the internal control part is failing.
Connections
Flexible tail and isolation valve leaks
Modern mixers rely on flexible tails and small isolation valves. A leak here can damage cupboards even when the tap above looks dry.
What to look for: Wet shelves, swollen cupboard boards, corrosion around small valves or drops on braided hoses.
Helpful hint: A reachable isolation valve makes future tap repairs faster and safer.
Tap Repairs FAQ
Common questions about tap repairs.
These answers are written for practical plumbing decisions, safety and preparation before the team arrives.
Why does my tap keep dripping after I close it?
A tap can keep dripping when a washer, ceramic cartridge, seat or internal seal is worn. The exact part depends on whether the tap is a pillar tap, mixer or wall-mounted fitting.
Can a mixer tap be repaired or must it be replaced?
Many mixer taps can be repaired when the cartridge, tail or seal is accessible and the body is still sound. Replacement becomes more sensible when the body is cracked, badly corroded or parts are not practical to source.
Why is water leaking under my kitchen tap?
Under-sink leaks often come from flexible tails, isolation valves, loose mounting points, cartridge seepage or water running through the tap hole from above.
Should I keep tightening a dripping tap?
No. Overtightening can damage handles, cartridges, spindles and seats. It is better to identify the worn component.
What causes a tap handle to become stiff?
Stiff handles can come from scale buildup, cartridge wear, spindle damage, corrosion or poor pressure conditions.
Can a leaking tap increase my water bill?
Yes. A constant drip can waste water over time, especially when the tap never fully closes.
Why does my tap leak only when it is open?
A leak that appears only when the tap is open often points to a body, spout, tail, mixer connection or joint issue rather than the closing washer alone.
Can isolation valves be replaced during tap repair?
Yes. If the small valve is leaking, seized or unreliable, replacing it can make the tap repair safer and future maintenance easier.
Why is my tap noisy when I open it?
Noise can come from high pressure, loose washers, cartridge problems, pipe movement or valve restriction.
Can wall-mounted taps be repaired?
Often yes, but access, tile condition and the type of internal fitting matter. Some wall-mounted faults are hidden behind the finish.
What details help before a tap repair visit?
Photos of the tap, underside connections, valves and leak point help identify likely parts and access needs.
Can a tap leak damage cupboards?
Yes. Small leaks from mixer tails or base seals can swell boards and create mouldy smells inside cupboards.
Why does a new tap still leak?
A new tap can leak if a washer is missing, tails are strained, threads are poorly sealed, pressure is high or the mounting surface is uneven.
Can you repair outdoor taps?
Yes. Outdoor tap faults may involve washers, hose connections, wall plates, pipe joints or damaged threads.
When is a tap repair urgent?
It is urgent when water cannot be isolated, cupboards are getting wet, water is near electrical points or a leak is actively spreading.
Meet the team
Real people behind the call, the repair and the follow-up.
A strong service team is built from different skills: plumbers, electricians, leak-detection support, solar geyser technicians and appliance specialists. Together, the team helps customers move from panic to a clear plan, whether the work is urgent, planned or part of a larger repair.
Daniso Chitanda
Plumber and Electrician
Supports customers with practical plumbing and electrical fault-finding where water, geysers and connected services need careful coordination.
Jeffrey Shabangu
Plumber
Handles day-to-day repairs, urgent water problems, geyser faults, pipework and general service calls with a focus on neat, reliable workmanship.
Jerico Ndebele
Electrician
Assists with electrical checks and support where geysers, appliances, pumps or related systems need safe electrical attention.
Lawrence Diago
Leak Detector
Focuses on tracing hidden leaks, pressure concerns and water-loss symptoms so repairs can be targeted with less unnecessary disruption.
Lucky Ncube
Plumber
Handles day-to-day repairs, urgent water problems, geyser faults, pipework and general service calls with a focus on neat, reliable workmanship.
Marco Moyo
Solar Plumber
Assists with solar geyser repairs, roof-mounted system checks, hot-water upgrades and practical guidance around repair or replacement options.
Mailot Mpanza
Appliance Technician
Supports appliance-related service calls where water connections, drainage, electrical checks or customer troubleshooting are involved.
Mkhululi Dube
Electrician
Assists with electrical checks and support where geysers, appliances, pumps or related systems need safe electrical attention.
Methias Ndlovu
Plumber
Handles day-to-day repairs, urgent water problems, geyser faults, pipework and general service calls with a focus on neat, reliable workmanship.
Marvelous Nyathi
Plumber
Handles day-to-day repairs, urgent water problems, geyser faults, pipework and general service calls with a focus on neat, reliable workmanship.
Que Gumpo
Plumber and Electrician
Supports customers with practical plumbing and electrical fault-finding where water, geysers and connected services need careful coordination.
Polite Nkomo
Solar Plumber
Assists with solar geyser repairs, roof-mounted system checks, hot-water upgrades and practical guidance around repair or replacement options.
Thulani Shabangu
Electrician
Assists with electrical checks and support where geysers, appliances, pumps or related systems need safe electrical attention.
Teenage Tshabangu
Plumber
Handles day-to-day repairs, urgent water problems, geyser faults, pipework and general service calls with a focus on neat, reliable workmanship.
Zhita Ncube
Plumber
Handles day-to-day repairs, urgent water problems, geyser faults, pipework and general service calls with a focus on neat, reliable workmanship.
Comfort Malepe
Plumber
Handles day-to-day repairs, urgent water problems, geyser faults, pipework and general service calls with a focus on neat, reliable workmanship.
Bongani Ndebele
Plumber
Handles day-to-day repairs, urgent water problems, geyser faults, pipework and general service calls with a focus on neat, reliable workmanship.
Blessing Chitanda
Plumber
Handles day-to-day repairs, urgent water problems, geyser faults, pipework and general service calls with a focus on neat, reliable workmanship.