If your tap will not turn off or becomes hard to turn on, the problem is usually caused by a worn washer, damaged cartridge, mineral buildup, high water pressure, or a faulty tap handle. In many cases, replacing the washer or cartridge fixes the issue. However, older homes around St. George, especially in suburbs like Kogarah and Carlton, can also have underlying plumbing wear that keeps the problem coming back.
The good news is that some tap issues are simple enough to handle yourself if you have the right tools and a bit of patience. Still, if the tap is leaking heavily, feels stuck, or affects your water pressure throughout the home, it is best to have a licensed plumber inspect it properly before it causes more damage.
We see this issue a lot in older brick homes and units throughout St. George where ageing plumbing fixtures have been dealing with years of wear, hard water residue, and fluctuating pressure. In some properties near Princes Highway and Railway Parade, older tapware systems are still running original fittings from decades ago, so recurring leaks are pretty common.
Why Taps Stop Turning Off Properly
A dripping or jammed tap might seem minor at first. Then suddenly, your water bill climbs, the constant dripping keeps everyone awake at night, or the sink area starts showing water damage.
Here are the most common reasons this happens:
Worn Washers
One of the leading causes of taps not turning off is a worn-out washer.
The washer sits inside the tap and creates a seal that stops water flow when you turn the handle off. Over time, that rubber wears down from daily use, pressure, and heat changes.
Once the washer starts cracking or flattening, water slips through even when the tap looks fully closed.
This is especially common in older St. George homes with traditional compression taps instead of modern mixer taps.
Signs of a worn washer include:
- Constant dripping
- Squeaking when turning the tap
- Difficulty shutting the tap tightly
- Water continuing after the tap is off
Damaged Tap Cartridges
In cartridge-style taps, a damaged cartridge can cause the tap to malfunction. In other words, mixer taps usually rely on cartridges instead of washers.
When the cartridge becomes damaged or clogged, the tap may become stiff, difficult to turn, or impossible to shut off fully.
In apartments around Kogarah and Rockdale, we often find sediment buildup inside cartridges due to ageing pipework and mineral deposits.
Replacing the cartridge often restores smooth water flow immediately.
Mineral Buildup Inside the Tap
Hard water deposits can slowly collect inside your tap fittings.
Over time, calcium and mineral residue make handles harder to turn and restrict proper movement of the internal parts.
Kitchen taps are especially vulnerable because of constant hot water exposure.
If you notice crusty white buildup around the base or aerator, there is a good chance the inside of the tap is affected too.
High Water Pressure
Many homeowners do not realise high water pressure can damage taps.
When pressure is too strong, water pushes harder against internal components, which wears washers and cartridges out faster.
In some St. George properties with upgraded plumbing systems connected to older fixtures, we notice this combination causes repeat tap failures.
You may also hear banging pipes or notice water spraying aggressively from taps.
Faulty Tap Handle
Sometimes the issue is not inside the tap at all.
The handle itself may be stripped, cracked, loose, or disconnected from the mechanism underneath.
When this happens, you might keep turning the handle without actually controlling the water flow properly.
Pro-Tip: Don’t overtighten the tap. Many people think tightening the handle harder will stop dripping. Unfortunately, this usually damages the washer faster and can wear down the valve seat inside the tap. A smoother, gentler close is better for the longevity of the fixture.
How to Tell if Your Tap Washer Needs Replacing
A failing washer usually gives warning signs before the tap completely stops working properly.
Look for these clues:
Constant Dripping
Even a slow drip wastes a surprising amount of water over time.
According to Australian plumbing estimates, a leaking tap can waste thousands of litres of water each year if ignored.
That means higher water bills and unnecessary strain on your plumbing system.
The Tap Feels Hard to Close
If you need to force the tap tighter every week just to stop dripping, the washer is likely worn out.
Many homeowners accidentally over-tighten the handle, which can actually damage the tap seat further.
Visible Wear and Tear
If you open the tap and see cracking, flattening, or brittleness on the washer, it is time for a replacement.
Older rubber washers often become stiff after years of use.
DIY Fixes for Taps Not Turning Off or On
If you are comfortable doing basic plumbing maintenance, you may be able to fix the issue yourself.
Replace the Washer
Shut off the water supply at the main valve before starting any repairs.
Then carefully remove the tap handle and internal components until you reach the washer.
Swap the old washer with a matching replacement and reassemble the tap securely.
Once done, turn the water back on slowly and test the tap.
This is one of the simplest plumbing fixes homeowners can learn.
Inspect and Replace the Cartridge
For mixer taps, replacing the cartridge is usually more effective than changing washers.
Make sure you buy the exact cartridge model designed for your tap.
Otherwise, you may end up with leaking or alignment issues.
Clean Mineral Buildup
Soak removable components in vinegar for several hours.
This helps dissolve calcium buildup naturally without damaging the fittings.
A soft toothbrush also works well for scrubbing stubborn residue around aerators.
Adjust Water Pressure
If taps keep failing repeatedly, your water pressure may be too high.
A plumber can test the pressure and install a pressure-limiting valve if needed.
This can help extend the lifespan of your taps, pipes, hot water system, and appliances.
Pro-Tip: Take a photo before pulling the tap apart. This sounds simple, but it helps a lot. Before removing parts, take a quick photo of the tap assembly with your phone. That way, you can easily remember where everything goes during reassembly.
We have seen plenty of homeowners around St. George accidentally reinstall parts backwards and end up with bigger leaks than before.
Tools You Need to Fix a Tap That Won’t Turn Off
Before you start any repairs, gather these essential tools:
Screwdriver
A flathead or Phillips screwdriver will be needed for removing screws on the tap handle and other components.
Adjustable Wrench
This tool will help you loosen and tighten nuts and fittings without damaging them.
Replacement Washers/Cartridges
Ensure you have compatible parts ready before starting repairs. Consult your tap’s manual or take old parts with you when shopping.
Plumber’s Grease
Lubricating seals with plumber’s grease ensures smooth operation and helps prevent future leaks.
Vinegar or Descaling Solution
Use vinegar for cleaning mineral buildup. Soaking parts in this solution can effectively dissolve stubborn deposits without damaging them.
How High Water Pressure Affects Taps
High water pressure can significantly impact your taps by:
Causing Stress on Internal Components
Excessive pressure puts strain on washers, cartridges, and other internal parts, leading them to wear out faster than they normally would.
Preventing Taps from Closing Completely
When pressure is too high, it may force water through even when you think you’ve turned off the tap fully—resulting in leaks and wasted resources.
Increasing Noise Levels
High pressure often leads to noisy pipes as water flows through them rapidly. This noise can be quite disruptive in your home environment.
If you suspect high water pressure is an issue in your home, consider having it checked by a professional plumber who can recommend solutions tailored to your system.
In my experience, I once had a stubborn tap that wouldn’t turn off completely. After following these steps, I discovered a worn washer was the issue. Replacing it not only fixed the leak but also made turning the tap smoother than ever!
A Real Experience From a Local Job
One job that stood out was a family home near Carlton where the kitchen mixer tap kept leaking no matter how many times the owners replaced the washer.
At first, they assumed it was just cheap tapware.
After testing the system, we found the water pressure was running much higher than recommended. The pressure had slowly damaged multiple internal components over time.
Once we installed a pressure-limiting valve and replaced the cartridge properly, the problem disappeared.
The homeowners also noticed quieter pipes and smoother water flow throughout the house afterwards.
That is why it is important to look beyond the tap itself sometimes.
Why It’s Worth Fixing Tap Problems Early
Ignoring a faulty tap often creates bigger plumbing issues later.
Fixing it early can help you:
- Reduce water bills
- Prevent water damage
- Avoid mould around sinks
- Protect cabinetry and benchtops
- Improve water efficiency
- Extend the life of your plumbing fixtures
- Stop annoying dripping sounds
Even a small leak can slowly damage timber vanities and cabinetry over time.
What if I need to address taps not turning off or on?
If you find yourself facing persistent issues with taps that won’t turn off or on, we’re here to help! At All Needs Plumbing, we offer a $0 callout fee, ensuring you won’t incur extra costs just for us to assess your situation. Our 24/7 same-day service means we’re always available when you need us most—no matter what time of day or night!
Plus, we provide a 15% seniors discount, making our services even more affordable for our valued senior customers. And if you’re considering upgrading your hot water system, take advantage of our current offer of $150 off hot water systems—a great opportunity for those looking to improve their home’s efficiency! Let’s get those taps working perfectly again!
