Leaking Tap Repairs & Leak Detection in Emerald

Whether it's a single tap dripping in the laundry or a leak you can hear but can't find, our licensed plumbers get to the cause and fix it properly the first time.

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What Causes a Leaking Tap?

A leaking tap is almost always caused by a worn or damaged internal component — most commonly the washer, O-ring, or valve cartridge. In Emerald's climate, this wear happens faster than in many other parts of Queensland.

Burst or split water mains, particularly where reactive clay soil movement has stressed underground joints
Gas leaks or the smell of gas near appliances, meters, or gas lines
Sewer overflows or backups affecting amenities, kitchens, or production areas
Total loss of water supply to a commercial kitchen, workshop, or livestock facility
Hot water system failure affecting staff amenities or food-service compliance
Flooding from a failed fitting, valve, or backflow device
Blocked drains causing sewage to surface on-site

Repair vs Replacement

Factor	Repair	Replacement
Tap age	Under 10 years	Over 10–15 years, or discontinued model
Condition of tap body	No cracks or corrosion	Visible corrosion, cracking, or pitting
Leak history	First or second leak	Repeated leaks despite previous repairs
Cost	Lower upfront cost	Higher upfront cost, better long-term value
Parts availability	Washers/cartridges readily available	Obsolete parts, no longer manufactured
Water efficiency	Depends on original fitting	Opportunity to upgrade to WELS-rated tapware

How Do Plumbers Detect Hidden Water Leaks?

We use a combination of methods depending on where the leak is likely to be:

Water meter testing

Isolating the property and watching the meter to confirm whether a leak exists and roughly how significant it is

Acoustic listening equipment

Sensitive listening devices that pick up the sound of water escaping under pressure through concrete, soil, or wall cavities

Thermal imaging

Identifying temperature differences in flooring or walls caused by escaping water, particularly useful for hot water pipe leaks

CCTV drain camera inspection

Used when the leak is suspected to be in a drain or sewer line rather than a pressurised water pipe

Pressure testing

Isolating sections of pipework to narrow down which line is affected

Dye testing

For suspected leaks around showers, baths, and waterproofing membranes

Signs You May Have a Hidden Water Leak

A water bill that's noticeably higher with no change in usage
A damp, soft, or discoloured patch on flooring, walls, or ceilings
The sound of running water when every tap is off
A water meter that keeps ticking over when nothing is using water
Unusually lush or soggy patches of lawn or garden
Cracking in walls or an uneven, soft feeling in the slab
A musty smell that won't go away, particularly in a specific area of the house

Emergency Leaks

Some leaks can’t wait for a scheduled appointment. If you’ve got water actively pooling inside the house, a burst fitting behind a wall, or a leak affecting your only water supply, treat it as an emergency and call us directly. We offer 24/7 emergency callouts across Emerald and the Central Highlands.

Shut Off

Locate your water meter and shut off the main supply if the leak is significant.

Move Items

Move furniture, rugs, and electronics away from the affected area.

Remove Water

Mop up standing water where safe to do so.

Avoid Electricity

Avoid using power tools or touching electrical switches near pooling water.

Take Photos

Take a few photos of the affected area for your records.

How We Repair a Leaking Tap

Inspection.

We check the tap type, condition, and water pressure to identify exactly what's failing.

Isolate the water supply.

The relevant supply line is shut off before any work begins, so the rest of the property isn't affected.

Disassemble the tap.

The handle, cartridge or spindle, and washer are removed for inspection.

Replace worn components.

Washers, O-rings, valve seats, or cartridges are replaced with quality parts matched to your tap.

Reseat or resurface the valve seat.

If the seat itself is corroded or pitted, it's reseated or resurfaced so the new washer seals properly.

Reassemble and pressure test.

The tap is rebuilt and tested under normal water pressure to confirm the leak is gone.

Final check.

We check nearby fittings and the supply line for any secondary leaks before finishing the job.

Most single tap repairs are completed in one visit. If the tap body itself is cracked, badly corroded, or an obsolete model with no replacement parts available, we’ll explain why replacement is the better long-term option rather than repeatedly repairing a failing fitting.

WHY CHOOSE ?

Cost Factors for Tap Repairs and Leak Detection

The cost of a leaking tap repair or a leak detection job depends on a few things:

Type and age of the tap

A standard compression tap is generally quicker and cheaper to repair than a discontinued mixer tap needing a specific cartridge

Accessibility

A leak under a slab or behind tiled walls takes longer to pinpoint than an exposed pipe

Extent of the leak

A single dripping tap is a straightforward job; a leak affecting the whole property's pressure is more involved

Time of service

After-hours and emergency callouts carry a different rate to standard business hours

Follow-up repair work

leak detection locates the leak; if excavation, wall access, or pipe replacement is then needed, that's quoted separately once the location is confirmed

EMERGENCY SERVICE

24/7

Available now for urgent callouts

Freqently Asked Questions

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What causes a tap to keep dripping after a washer change?

A tap that keeps dripping after a new washer usually has a damaged or corroded valve seat, which stops the washer forming a proper seal even when the washer itself is fine.

How do plumbers find a hidden water leak?

Plumbers use water meter testing, acoustic listening equipment, thermal imaging, and CCTV drain cameras to pinpoint a hidden leak’s location before any excavation or wall opening takes place.

How much water does a leaking tap waste?

A single dripping tap can waste over 15,000 litres of water a year, and the wastage increases significantly if the drip becomes a steady stream.

Can a leaking tap cause water damage?

Yes. A leaking tap can damage benchtops, cabinetry, and flooring over time, and consistently damp areas can encourage mould growth.

How long does leak detection take?

Cost depends on the nature of the fault, parts required, and time of call. We provide a clear price before starting any work so you can make an informed decision there’s no obligation to proceed once you hear the quote.

Should I turn off my water if I find a leak?

If the leak is significant or you can’t identify the source, shut off the water at the main and call a licensed plumber rather than waiting.